Swan Grinding to Headline Aotearoa 2026 Music Festival at Schkeuditzer Kreuz
Schkeuditzer Kreuz, the moniker for Kieren Hills, an Industrial Synth Crust artist born in New Zealand and based in Australia, is concluding a rigorous international tour with performances in Auckland and Wellington as part of the Swan Grinding Tour. After traveling extensively through Europe and Australia in 2025, Schkeuditzer Kreuz is set to play at Dead Witch in Ding Dong Lounge, Tāmaki Makaurau, on January 23, 2026. The lineup includes TRAUMA PARTY, DEATH PORTAL, and CREASSAULT. The following night, the artist will be at Underworld Tavern in Pōneke, presenting alongside LUNG, EURYDICE, BREACHES, and DJ VIRAGO.
Recalling the recent European tour with over 30 dates, Kieren Hills emphasizes the exceptional community spirit that he encountered everywhere he performed. From Armenia to Sweden, Poland to Spain, the sense of community stood out as a highlight for him. Whether it was people organizing shows, supporting local venues, or simply showing up to enjoy live music, the support and welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impact on Kieren during his travels.
Looking forward to the upcoming shows in New Zealand, Kieren expresses his excitement at returning after a two-year absence. He reflects on the busy years filled with touring, releasing a new album, and honing his performance skills, making these upcoming shows particularly special to him as he returns to his home country and friends.
Schkeuditzer Kreuz’s music has been labeled as “Industrial Synth Crust,” “D-beat Raw Synth Punk,” “Trans-Positive Anti-Fascist Synth Crust,” and described as “One human and some machines making noise, in the face of it all.” The music is a fusion of harsh mechanical noise and the raw, organic elements of hardcore, crust, and d-beat punk. Originating from the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the sound is a reflection of Kieren Hills’ experience in the Antipodean punk scene.
Since 2020, Schkeuditzer Kreuz has released three full-length studio albums, including “Isolated and Alone” (2021), “No Life Left” (2023), and the latest release, “Swan Grinder” (2025). The album “Swan Grinder” has garnered widespread acclaim from various publications around the world. As a live performer, Schkeuditzer Kreuz attracts a global audience and has also joined pioneering UK industrial legends, ATTRITION, as a touring member.
“Swan Grinder,” mastered by Martin Bowes of ATTRITION, was released in August 2025 and is available in vinyl LP and digital download formats. The recent release of the Double CD edition includes a bonus remix CD titled “Schkeuditzer Kreuz is Reinventing Axel F – Swan Grinder Remixed.” With a constant demand for live performances globally, Schkeuditzer Kreuz continues to captivate audiences with a unique blend of Industrial Synth Crust music.
Details for the upcoming New Zealand shows, including ticketing information, are available for both performances. Early Bird and Presale tickets can be obtained through Under the Radar, with different ticket prices for Early Bird, General Presale, and Door tickets. Information on both events can be found on the respective Facebook event pages. For more updates and content, fans can visit Schkeuditzer Kreuz’s official website and social media platforms.