Aotearoa’s genre-defying heavyweights Kora are back. With their long-awaited new album Fifth Season just announced and set for release on August 22, the band are hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country on the Fifth Season Album Release Tour.

Beginning in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, the band then hit the mighty Powerstation in Auckland on Friday 3 October before tearing up Wellington’s newest venue Meow Nui on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday. 

Led by founding members Dan McGruer, brothers Fran and Stu Kora, Kora’s powerhouse live lineup includes Richie Allan (Heavy Metal Ninjas) on lead guitar, Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and backing vocals.

The Fifth Season Album Release Tour will deliver Kora’s signature blend of bass-heavy grooves, soaring vocals, and genre-defying energy. Fans can expect classics like ‘Politician’, ‘Burning’, and ‘On My Mind’, alongside recent favourites and brand-new material from the upcoming Fifth Season album. Grounded in kaupapa Māori and driven by innovation and storytelling, their sound fuses roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic.

Joining the tour as special guests are Black Comet—a multi-dimensional, galactic funk 4-piece founded by Laughton Kora (Kora, L.A.B, Fly My Pretties). Known for their dynamic live jams, high energy, and tight performances, Black Comet live is a groove-based experience with powerful narratives. The all-star lineup also features Adam Tobeck on drums, Dan Antunovich on bass and Poihakena Reid on keys, sax and talkbox. Their 2024 full-length album Episode One: Looking For a New Planet boldly pushes the boundaries of modern music. With their next album Episode Two: The Force Between Us you can expect nothing less than a cosmic groove odyssey.

Renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora have cemented their status as one of Aotearoa’s most revered acts, lighting up festivals like The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Splore, Homegrown, Synthony In The Domain, and One Love. This tour is your chance to catch a true live force in full flight.

Don’t miss the return of a live juggernaut—Kora’s Fifth Season is here.