Band: Chthonic
Album title: Takasago Army
Label: Spinefarm UK
Distributor: Universal
Release date: 22/07/2011
Release: CD

Chthonic is a metal band that unleashes its metal madness from Taiwan. The band was formed in 1995 in Taipei. The group incorporates influences from traditional Taiwanese instruments/ elements. The band is made up with acclaimed artists, which are well known for their political opinions about Taiwan independence and self-determination for the Tibetans and Uighurs.

Since their formation, Chthonic has released six studio albums. Their most recent album called Takasago Army is already out on the market for a good month or 2. For a band that already have so many albums out, I have to admit I unfortunately never heard of them before.

But they blew me away. I’m not someone that appreciates folk, pagan or Viking metal. I’m not really a fan of flutes, fiddles or myths and legends in metal. But these Asian elements are the best incorporated ones I ever heard. In my opinion this could be the best metal album of the year. It’s surprising and I actually can’t compare it to anything I ever heard before. Its brutal but the Asian elements bring a soft lingering melody. Although a big contrast between those 2, it is a very beautiful one.

96/100

Jeroen.