Chthonic: Takasago Army (Spinefarm, 9/6/11)
Chthonic: “Takao”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Chthonic_Takao.mp3|titles=Chthonic: “Takao”]Formed in Taipei in 1997, Chthonic (pronounced “thonic”) plays symphonic black metal rooted in traditional Taiwanese music and folklore. Takasago Army is Chthonic’s sixth full-length album and is a concept piece about aboriginal Taiwanese tribesmen who volunteered in the Imperial Japanese Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Musically, it splashes elements of black, thrash, power, and melodic death metal with the emotional cries of the erhu and Freddy Lim‘s piercing shrieks and guttural screams. The symphonic moments are strategically placed, showing themselves for dramatic effect and melodic accompaniment; the result is an alternately war-like and pensive atmosphere.