They've got a new name and a new rhythm guitarist, but nothing has changed when it comes to the raw power of Tauranga band Psycoclasm.

They're kicking off their New Year with a bang and will open for touring American bands War of Ages and Sleeping Giant when they play the Mauao Performing Arts Centre on January 30.

Tauranga metal band Psychoclasm, from left: Blahr Stimpson, Lee Drennan, Tristan Wilkinson, Greg Weaver and Scott Callaghan. The band is performing at Mauao Performing Arts Centre on January 30. Photos: Scott White/Psychoclasm

Also performing are Australia's Hand of Mercy and Palmerston North's Depths. This gig is guaranteed to be a brutal smorgasbord, with dishes of death metal, metalcore and hardcore on offer.

Psychoclasm lead guitarist Lee Drennan says he and his bandmates are stoked to have nailed the opening slot for the show.

'It'll be the first international gig that we've opened, which is pretty exciting,” says Lee. 'I've listened to War of Ages a fair bit and love what they do.”

Lee says they ditched their original name ‘With Scarlet Offerings' last year and have been pressing ahead with the new name Psychoclasm, which he thinks fits the band better.

The band have been together for roughly a year-and-a-half now, and in that time got a few gigs under their belts, playing sets in Auckland, Whakatane and Hamilton.

When asked the million dollar question of what sound the band goes for, Lee says they all take their influences from completely different areas.

'We're like a range of different styles,” he explains, 'from groove metal, black, metalcore, a bit of punk, a bit of everything.

'Like most metal bands, Pantera and Lamb of God are the two big ones that have a huge influence on out writing.”

The band are currently writing heavy new material at the moment and plan on releasing a new single early this year, with plans for an EP sometime later.

Lee says they're also planning on setting off on a seven stop, mini-tour of the North Island, so watch this space.

'Psycoclasm is amped and we're just stoked to be opening for three awesome bands,” he says

'It's going to kick arse, so come down and check out the show.”

War of Ages, Sleeping Giant, Saving Grace and Depths featuring local opening act Psychoclasm perform at Mount Maunganui's Mauao Performing Arts Centre on Friday, January 30.

Tickets are available on the door for $20

For more information about Pyroclasm visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/PsychoclasmNZ