CHTHONIC Kicks Off Baseball Season In Taiwan With First Pitch

The second season of Taiwan’s professional baseball league kicked off on July 5, with CHTHONIC being invited by the team The Brother Elephants as guests of honor to throw the first pitch. Thunderstorms that afternoon had delayed equipment preparation and the band was forced to perform their rendition of Queen’s “We Are the Champions” without any sort of soundcheck. Fortunately, CHTHONIC -- bedecked in specially designed uniforms -- completed the mission with great success, as the rapturous crowd reaction so poignantly confirmed.

The Brother Elephants contacted CHTHONIC following the band’s performance at Download Festival in the UK this year. To maximize the effect of the “metal and baseball” combination, CHTHONIC was also invited to perform. The band brainstormed ideas and had initially planned on doing a version of “Take Me Out To The Ball Game,” but their many variations sounded like children’s songs, thus they went with “We Are the Champions.” The feedback from the audience was well beyond their expectations. “Maybe we should release this as a single,” joked guitarist Jesse Liu.

CHTHONIC arrived early at the stadium to practice their pitching techniques. Among the five members, only keyboardist CJ Kao had played baseball as a kid, while the rest have only been “involved” in baseball as fans. When asked who pitched the best, Kao pointed to bassist Doris Yeh. “Who else would it be, when even popular baseball star and national team player Peng Cheng-min said Doris pitched better than any other guests of honor?”

“I guess now I can say that I’ve played in a professional league since I’ve thrown the first pitch,” said vocalist Freddy Lim, a loyal baseball fan who has once served as administrator for Brother Elephants fan page. “This is something I wouldn't even have imagined in my dreams!”

Check out footage and photos  of the band’s performance below.

CHTHONIC released their seventh studio recording, Bú-Tik, in North America via Spinefarm Records US June 25, 2013. Bú-Tik was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length. Called “a masterful and elegant tradition served underneath soaring thrash-influenced guitars, pummeling drums and a vocal performance that is absolutely stellar from an overlooked vocalist,” by About.com, Bú-Tik is centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, and highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits.” The cover image depicts the fighting spirit of a girl with albinism.

To order, Bú-Tik point your browser HERE

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CHTHONIC Releases Unsealing The Bú-Tik Art Book; Special Exhibit Opens This Week In Taiwan

Six designers from the famous Taiwanese artist group, Yamyoukan, have completed a book entitled Unsealing the Bú-Tik, which transforms classic scenes in stories recounted via CHTHONIC’s albums into striking illustrations.

The 32-page Unsealing the Bú-Tik recounts many exciting CHTHONIC tales including the headhunt from the album Seediq Bale, the departure of the Takasago Army from Takasago Army, the final battle at Sing Ling Temple also fromTakasago Army as well as Mirror of Retribution, and the travel through time and space in the underworld from CHTHONIC’s latest work, Bú-Tik. Artists who took part in the project, all of whom have had all have had several exhibitions of their own works, include PAPARAYA, KCN, mos, Blaze Wu, Kuki, and Pump. In addition, the book features drawings by bassist Doris Yeh, vocalist Freddy Lim and drummer Dani Wang.

“It has always been our dream to turn the stories in our music into images. I feel so moved as I hold this illustrated book that has just been published in hand,” said Yeh. “I’m really grateful that Yamyoukan invited us to take part in the creation, so that I could pick up the pen again and  reunite with my passion for drawing,” added Wang, a fan of comics since he was a child.

With the release of Unsealing the Bú-Tik, CHTHONIC and Yamyoukan will hold exhibitions in Kaohsiung and Taipei. Fans can order the book online at THIS LOCATION.

CHTHONIC’s seventh studio recording, Bú-Tik, was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length. Centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, Bú-Tik highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!”

Bú-Tik was released digitally in North America via Spinefarm Records US on June 18, 2013 and will be available on CD June 25, 2013. To order, point your browser HERE.

Bú-Tik Track-Listing:

1. Arising Armament (intro)

2. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant

3. Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire

4. Next Republic

5. Rage Of My Sword

6. Between Silence And Death

7. Resurrection Pyre

8. Set Fire To The Island

9. Defenders Of Bu-tik Palace

10. Undying Rearmament (Outro)

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CHTHONIC`s Official Video "Supreme Pain for the Tyrant"

Taiwanese metal exhibitionists, CHTHONIC, unveiled a new video for the track "Supreme Pain for the Tyrant" taken from their seventh studio offering nntitled Bú-Tik. The ten track opus was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length and finds the band sharpening their signature brand of self-dubbed symphonic “orient metal.”

Bú-Tik was released in May 29th: Taiwan & Japan | May 31th: Finland & International | June 3rd: the U.K. | June 25th: North America via Spinefarm Records / Universal Music. Check out “Supreme Pain for the Tyrant,” official video.

Inspiration of this song:

on April 24, 1970, a member of the World United Formosans for Independence Peter Huang  attempted to assassinate Chiang Ching-kuo, who was the Vice Premier of the Republic of China at the time in front of the Plaza Hotel in New York. The attempt ended in failure, however, when pushed to the ground by security personnel, Huang shouted "let me stand up like a Taiwanese!"

Supreme Pain for the Tyrant Lyrics

Endless nightfall, swallow the sun

Void of silence, choking on the past's blood

Drowning in deception, taken by the black flood

Sea is rising, never feel or see again

Hypnotizing visage preaching of supreme pain

Searching for a sign

Guide my hands unto your will

Let me be the one

Watch the blood of martyrs spill

Light that flickers in the dark

Forge the way through blackest night

Strangled silence makes its mark

Pierce the heart of tyrant's sight

With these hands I wash the blood clean

Watch it flow past visions obscene

Visions obscene

Endless nightfall, swallow the sun

Veil of madness, prison of the mind's eye

Falling in the vortex, stifling the last sigh

Poisoned cortex dooming flesh to weakened form

Bones are breaking, shattered by the last storm

Searching for a sign

Guide my hands unto your will

Let me be the one

Stand above the one I kill

Light that flickers in the dark

Forge the way through blackest night

Strangled silence makes its mark

Pierce the the heart of tyrant's sight

With these hands I wash the blood clean

Watch it flow past visions obscene

Let me stand up like a Taiwanese

Only justice will bring you peace

Bú-Tik Track-Listing:

1. Arising Armament (intro)

2. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant

3. Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire

4. Next Republic

5. Rage Of My Sword

6. Between Silence And Death

7. Resurrection Pyre

8. Set Fire To The Island

9. Defenders Of Bu-tik Palace

10. Undying Rearmament (Outro)

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CHTHONIC: Taiwanese Metal Exhibitionists Releases New Video "Sail into the Sunsets Fire"

Taiwanese metal exhibitionists, CHTHONIC, unveiled a new video for the track "Sail into the Sunsets Fire" taken from their seventh studio offering nntitled Bú-Tik. The ten track opus was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length and finds the band sharpening their signature brand of self-dubbed symphonic “orient metal.”

Bú-Tik will be released in North American on June 18 via Spinefarm Records US. In the meantime, check out the epic enormity of “Sail into the Sunsets Fire,” as well as the record’s stunning cover art.

Bú-Tik Track-Listing:

1. Arising Armament (intro)

2. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant

3. Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire

4. Next Republic

5. Rage Of My Sword

6. Between Silence And Death

7. Resurrection Pyre

8. Set Fire To The Island

9. Defenders Of Bu-tik Palace

10. Undying Rearmament (Outro)

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閃靈 武徳 Chthonic's New Video "Sail into the Sunset's Fire"

The second video taken from Chthonic's new album "Bú-Tik / 武徳" is online. The music is Taiwanese version for the track "Sail into the Sunset's Fire", English version will be included in the album released internationally by Spinefarm/Universal.  The video can be seen below.

Chthonic's 2013 new album " Bú-Tik " releasing dates: May 29th: Taiwan & Japan | May 31th: Finland & International | June 3rd: the U.K. | June 25th: North America.

1. Arising Armament (Intro)

2. Supreme Pain for the Tyrant

3. Sail into the Sunset's Fire

4. Next Republic

5. Rage of my Sword 

6. Between Silence and Death 

7. Resurrection Pyre

8. Set Fire to the Island

9. Defenders of Bu-tik Palace

10. Undying Rearmament (Outro)

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CHTHONIC: Taiwanese Metal Ensemble Releases New Video Single

Today, Taiwanese metal ensemble CHTHONIC reveals the first of a series of video singles from their forthcoming new full-length. "Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace" comes by way of the band’s seventh studio recording, Bú-Tik. With Bú-Tik,CHTHONIC continue their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and the tragic events in their country’s history. Centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, Bú-Tikhighlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!”

The video clip for "Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace" was spawned from a collaboration between longtime working associate/director Chuang Chi-wen and martial arts choreographer Jeremy Yang. Elaborates Yeh, “The BuTik Palace in Puli was used as command headquarters by Japanese colonial government to repress a Seediq Aboriginal Uprising in Wushe in 1930. During the initial phase of the 228 Massacre in 1947, militiamen in Taiwan also used it as its command headquarters. The chants in the second half of the song are the names of all martyrs who sacrificed themselves in resistance against dictators and fought for independence. The ideology of ‘Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace’ was really suited for using martial arts to express its platform. Whenever we are interviewed overseas,” she continues, “we are always asked if Asians know martial arts, and before, we would immediately deny it, but later we thought; ‘why don't we really shoot such an MV for you guys?'"

To properly create the video, the band members spent more than a month in training. Despite the crash course in martial arts and an obvious spike in fitness levels however, on the day of shoot all members suffered numerous bruises and injuries. Vocalist Freddy Lim’s back was particularly blistered by all the wires. Commented Lim later with a wry smile, "Next time, we can't just follow whatever Doris says. Her ideas are often very dangerous."

"Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace" was filmed around Bú-Tik Palace in Tainan, shooting the real scene and combining it with 3D imaging techniques. With the support of Tainan City Hall, the director and the entire crew, CHTHONICsuccessfully created the first martial art video with Taiwan historical monument scenes. In addition, the song features popular Taiwanese opera actress Meiyun Tang as the guest singer. Said Lim, "I really like Tang's work. When I sent her the invitation, I didn't expect that she would nod her head without doubt!"

 "Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace" can be viewed below

Bú-Tik was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length and finds the band sharpening their signature brand of self-dubbed symphonic “orient metal.”Bú-Tik will be released in North America via Spinefarm Records US later this June.

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CHTHONIC: Taiwanese Metal Exhibitionists To Release Seventh Studio Album

Taiwanese metal exhibitionists, CHTHONIC, are pleased to unveil their seventh studio offering. Entitled Bú-Tik, the ten track opus was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length and finds the band sharpening their signature brand of self-dubbed symphonic “orient metal.”

With Bú-Tik, CHTHONIC continue their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and the tragic events in their country's history. Based around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution,Bú-Tik highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!”

“We are very proud to present Bú-Tik to the world,” she continues. “With this album, we have pushed ourselves to achieve new heights — heights we've never imagined before! We are leading metal fans to the next episode of CHTHONIC!”

Bú-Tik will be released in North American on June 18 via Spinefarm Records US. In the meantime, check out the epic enormity of “Next Republic,” as well as the record’s stunning cover art.

Bú-Tik Track-Listing:

1. Arising Armament (intro)

2. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant

3. Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire

4. Next Republic

5. Rage Of My Sword

6. Between Silence And Death

7. Resurrection Pyre

8. Set Fire To The Island

9. Defenders Of Bu-tik Palace

10. Undying Rearmament (Outro)

In related news, CHTHONIC are confirmed to play on the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday, June 15 at Download Festival 2013 at its historical stamping ground of Donington Park. The band last appeared at Download in 2011, but for this follow-up show are returning in greater numbers, the plan being to utilize the skills of an orchestra. Notes Yeh, “This is the first time we’ll have played with the orchestra outside of Taiwan. We’re really hoping to present a show that people will be talking about for some time to come…” Further info and tickets for Download 2013 are available HERE. 

CHTHONIC: 

Freddy Lim - vocals, erhu

Doris Yeh - bass, backing vocals

Jesse Liu - guitar, backing vocals

Dani Wang – drums

CJ Kao – keys

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IV EDIÇÃO DO FESTIVAL VAGOS OPEN AIR ELUVEITIE e CHTHONIC Confirmados

3 E 4 DE AGOSTO - LAGOA DE CALVÃO - VAGOS

Depois de anunciadas as presenças de ARCH ENEMY, OVERKILL, ARCTURUS, ENSLAVED, TEXTURES e NORTHLAND na IV Edição do festival Vagos Open Air, chega a altura de revelar duas novas adições ao cartaz, sendo que ambas vêm engrandecer ainda mais o evento que, nos dias 3 e 4 de agosto, vai transformar a Lagoa de Galvão numa verdadeira Meca do metal contemporâneo. Os suíços ELUVEITIE e os taiwaneses CHTHONIC estão entre as mais bem sucedidas, excitantes e exóticas propostas da música extrema feita neste novo milénio, provando que a qualidade dentro deste género musical não conhece fronteiras, raças ou credos. Com as suas respetivas abordagens muito próprias ao folk e ao black metal, respetivamente, são dois nomes que vêm também reforçar a natureza versátil e o caráter eclético que se pretende de um festival que, com suas muito bem sucedidas primeiras três edições, já se afirmou como um ponto de paragem obrigatória para todos os que querem ouvir e ver ao vivo a melhor música pesada que se vai fazendo atualmente a nível mundial.

Os ELUVEITIE nasceram, corria o ano de 2002, em Winterthur, uma pequena comuna da Suíça, com pouco mais de 100 000 habitantes. Talvez tenha sido precisamente o isolamento e a parca tradição no que toca à música pesada na sua região que inspirou Chrigel Glanzmann a criar uma visão muito pessoal do metal. Pegando no thrash/death melódico feito segundo as regras estabelecidas em Gotemburgo durante os anos 90, o multi-instrumentista injetou-lhe melodias tradicionais celtas e, através do uso de instrumentos como a flauta e a gaita de foles, surpreendeu muita gente em 2006 com «Spirit», a estreia do projeto em álbum. Originalmente idealizados apenas como uma experiência de estúdio, os ELUVEITIE acabaram por transformar-se numa banda a sério e, logo no ano seguinte, assinaram contrato com a Nuclear Blast para a edição do segundo registo de originais. «Slania» tomou de assalto as tabelas de vendas na Suíça e na Alemanha e, desde então, o coletivo não parou de conquistar seguidores. Em 2009 arriscaram tudo e gravaram um disco acústico, que se revelou um enorme sucesso junto dos apreciadores de folk e os viu tocar perante plateias rendidas por toda a Europa e Estados Unidos. «Everything Remains As It Always Was», de 2010, marcou o regresso ao peso que caracterizou os primeiros álbuns e agora, já com quatro discos e centenas de concertos na bagagem, os oito músicos estão prontos para conquistar o resto do mundo com o novo «Helvetios».

Os CHTHONIC, por seu lado, vêm de um país – Taiwan, também conhecido como Ilha Formosa – que não tem tradição absolutamente nenhuma em termos de rock... Muito menos de qualquer tipo de expressão artística extrema. No entanto, isso não impediu Freddy Lim, Jesse Liu, Doris Yeh, CJ Kao e Dani Wang de, em 1995, darem os primeiros passos na criação da sua própria versão do death/black metal melódico e de, eventualmente, se transformarem na primeira banda do seu país a ganhar exposição a nível internacional. Com a edição dos três primeiros discos de longa-duração, o grupo começou a gerar algum falatório à sua volta a nível underground, mas foi finalmente com o lançamento de «Seediq Bale», dez anos depois da formação do grupo, que ganharam o reconhecimento merecido fora do seu país de origem. A peculiar fusão de metal moderno com elementos tradicionais da música taiwanesa – com destaque para a inteligente utilização do hena, um instrumento semelhante ao violino ocidental – transformou-os no primeiro coletivo asiático a integrar o cartaz do gigantesco festival itinerante Ozzfest e a singularidade da música do quinteto, aliada a uma imagem muito forte e a espetáculos demolidores ao lado de nomes consagrados como Cradle Of Filth e Nile, valeu-lhes um Golden Music Award. «Mirror Of Retribution» e «Takasago Army», de 2009 e 2011, permitiram-lhes dar continuidade ao processo de crescimento e vieram solidificar de uma vez por todas a sua posição como uma das propostas mais invulgares e peculiares no espectro da música pesada atual.

Apesar do aumento do IVA, o preço dos bilhetes para o Vagos Open Air 2012 não será alterado, mantendo-se o bilhete diário a 30,00 euros e o passe 2 dias a 50,00 euros. Passe já à venda nos locais habituais.

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CHTHONIC To Perform At Sing-Ling Temple Outdoor Concert This Weekend Video Contest Winners Posted

CHTHONIC’s latest album, Takasago Army, has triggered a wave of Taiwanese-learning among fans around the world. So much so, the band recently hosted an online “singing video contest" where fans were asked to submit videos of themselves singing the chorus to "Takao." The two best submissions -- judged on talent, creativity, etc. -- would win round trip airfare and tickets to Taiwan to take part in the Sing-Ling Temple outdoor concert this Saturday, October 22, 2011 where more than a thousand people from around the country are expected to gather. Sing-Ling Temple is an ancient battlefield and a historical landmark of Puli town and the most essential scene in CHTHONIC’s trilogy story. 

Nearly one-hundred fans from around the globe sent their entries almost immediately! “I was shocked to find some foreign fans singing with better Taiwanese than I do,” said band leader and bassist Doris Yeh. Fans were creative in their attempts to win the tickets. One fan incorporated animation into the video, one did a skit and another did the song with traditional Polish instruments.

In the end, one fan from Germany and one in Japan won the tickets. Said the band in their final vote: "The German fan won the ticket both for her singing skill and good pronunciation of the lyrics in Taiwanese; while the girl from Japan won the ticket for her talented animation work. Both are very excited about winning!"

To check out a collection of entries, as well as the band's top picks, point your browser HERE:

View individual videos HERE.

"This should certainly challenge all competition for metal album of the year." -- Popdose

 "CHTHONIC have made metal that’s traditional in so many ways, but finally provides a breath of fresh air from your normal death metal stomp-fest." -- Revolver

"CHTHONIC's distinctive style is fascinating. They have found a way to draw the audience into their world, the soundtrack to which is a sound unequaled." -- Blistering

"Infusing ethnic elements into metal is a recurring sound in the global scene, yet Chthonic cross boundaries with their Zen-like heaviness..." -- Exclaim

"CHTHONIC have undoubtedly raised their level of musicianship with this release, and it comes as highly recommended from me to any heavy metal fan." -- Metal Assault

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CHTHONIC: Band To Play Additional Dates With DevilDriver

Freddy Lim To Guest On Full Metal Jackie's Radio Show This Weekend

CHTHONIC, who are currently trampling stages on the North American Khaos 2011 Tour with headliners Arch Enemy, DevilDriver and Skeletonwitch, recently added a handful of one-off dates with DevilDriver to their schedule. Check the latest routing below.

The long-running metal ensemble are touring in support of their recently unleashed sixth full-length, Takasago Army. Issued on September 6, 2011 via Spinefarm Records, the ten-track offering was produced by Rickard Bengtsson (Arch Enemy, Nemesis) at Sweet Spot Studios in Halmstad, Sweden and completes a trilogy that binds together the band's Seediq Bale and Mirror Of Retribution albums, released in 2007 and 2009 respectively. Said Popdose in a recent review of the record: "This should certainly challenge all competition for metal album of the year." Added Revolver: "CHTHONIC have made metal that’s traditional in so many ways, but finally provides a breath of fresh air from your normal death metal stomp-fest." Blistering agreed giving the record a perfect 10/10 rating: "CHTHONIC's distinctive style is fascinating. They have found a way to draw the audience into their world, the soundtrack to which is a sound unequaled."

Check out the band's video for "Broken Jade" off Takasago Army HERE or below:

In related news, CHTHONIC vocalist Freddy Lim will guest on Full Metal Jackie's syndicated radio show this weekend 9/16-9/18. To find a radio station near you airing the show, go to: http://www.fullmetaljackieradio.com.

CHTHONIC North American Khaos 2011 Tour w/ Arch Enemy, DevilDriver, Skeletonwitch [remaining dates] 
 9/15/2011 The Machine Shop - Flint  MI [one off show w/ DevilDriver]
9/18/2011 Louis Pub - Saskatoon SK [one off show w/ DevilDriver]
9/17/2011 The Garrick Center – Winnipeg, MB
9/19/2011 MacEwan Hall – Calgary, AB
9/20/2011 Edmonton Events Centre – Edmonton, AB
9/21/2011 Generator - Prince George, BC [one off show w/ DevilDriver]
9/22/2011 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
9/23/2011 Showbox – Seattle, WA
9/24/2011 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
9/26/2011 Regency Center – San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011 Nokia Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
9/29/2011 The Marquee – Phoenix, AZ
9/30/2011 The Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
10/01/2011 The Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO
10/2/2011 Sokal Underground - Omaha, NE [one off show w/ DevilDriver]
10/03/2011 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
10/04/2011 House Of Blues – Chicago, IL

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CHTHONIC "Takao" New Video

"Takao", the new video from Taiwanese metallers CHTHONIC, can be viewed below.