With their latest single, “SPITE,” this alternative hard rock/metal trio delivers an electrifying gut-punch of brutal honesty, searing instrumentation, and lyrical depth that pulls no punches. If you’re looking for a track embodying unapologetic aggression, cutting self-reflection, and a sound that commands attention, you’ve come to the right place.
From the first note, “SPITE” exudes an unrelenting energy that grips the listener and doesn’t let go. New Zealand’s Haast Hunter's signature combination of heavy-hitting riffs, thunderous percussion, and Harper’s raw, impassioned vocals creates an atmosphere of controlled chaos—perfect for a track dissecting the darker sides of human nature.
Lyrically, James Harper pulls back the curtain on the reality of Tall Poppy Syndrome and the toxic behaviors that people either suppress or fully embrace as they age. He doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle, instead laying bare a powerful duality: Do we remain oblivious to our faults, or do we lean into them and own our flaws without apology? It’s a message that’s both brutally introspective and universally relatable.
The instrumentation is a masterclass in tension and release—grinding guitars build momentum, the bass grooves deep in the pocket, and the drums crash through the mix with a precision that feels almost predatory. There’s a sense of unspoken catharsis woven through every note, making it clear that Haast Hunter isn’t just making music—they’re making a statement.
If “SPITE” is just a preview of what’s to come, then Haast Hunter’s future looks dangerously thrilling. Harper hints at this in his vision for the track: stating: “I would like this to be a little taste test of what’s to come. To hear that we are a band that is consistently trying to grow and try new things.”
It’s clear that stagnation isn’t an option for this band. Instead, they’re constantly evolving, redefining their sound, and pushing themselves into new, uncharted creative territory. “SPITE” isn’t just another hard rock track—it’s an anthem of defiance, self-awareness, and brutal honesty, wrapped in a sonic package that demands to be played at full volume.
Haast Hunter is carving out a space in the metal and alt-rock scene that feels both fresh and timeless, and this single is proof that they’re only just getting started.
SPITE" is an intensely personal track with raw, unfiltered emotion. Was there a specific experience or turning point that ignited the fire behind this song?
It wasn’t until I hit my mid 20’s that I really started to realize how common Tall Poppy Syndrome and toxic, spiteful tendencies are in people (Maybe it's just specific to where we are down our end of the world in New Zealand?). Now as I approach turning 40, witnessing people mature into these traits that they have cultivated, I feel they either A) Remain ignorant to their ways, or B) Lean into it with an uncompromising acceptance and truly own the person they have become. In all honesty I prefer the latter – at least it’s honest. With “SPITE’ It is the embodiment of this duality. I see this time and time again. I don’t know if it is just a sign of the times or just where we are headed as a society? I really don’t know.
Your music balances aggression with melody in a way that feels both chaotic and refined. How do you approach songwriting to maintain that perfect balance?
I’ve really taken to the “learning on the job” motto with songwriting, especially with my vocals. I think for those fans/ followers that have been with us since we first started releasing music, just shy of 2 years ago, they can certainly hear development and a widened arsenal to our overall sound. To answer your question, as I learn more about myself and further learn more skills vocally, I feel I can express myself in different ways, with this I can take a more balanced approach to the storytelling of our music, and use what tools I have gained along my journey to do so. You’ve touched on the idea of people either ignoring their flaws or fully embracing them. Do you see music as a way to hold a mirror up to society, or is it more of a personal catharsis for you?
I would say a bit of both, I would lean more upon the latter. In person, I would like to think I am a fairly positive, up-beat person. I use music as a conduit to deal with a lot of the crap I deal with in life, and to furthermore reflect upon myself personally.
Haast Hunter is clearly not afraid to push boundaries and evolve. What’s one unexpected direction or influence you’re currently experimenting with in your music?“
I would say a lot of metalcore, where this might be the obvious response to a lot of our listeners at this stage of the listening journey. There are definitely a lot of takeaways from where this genre is headed, especially as it approaches the more mainstream/ pop world. We are also heavily exploring a lot of electronic textures which inspired the metalcore genre and a lot of Nu Metal vibes too!
If you could build the ultimate dream lineup for a live show—any era, any artist—who would share the stage with Haast Hunter and why?
Can I just like the whole lineup for Download festival and Aftershock festival? Any of those artists! From Deftones, Bad Omens, Sleep Token, Spirit box, Bring Me the Horizon, the list goes on! Even our OG rock n roll legends, Queens of the Stone Age!