Chthonic

Chthonic (sometimes typeset ChthoniC) is a Taiwanese Melodic Black Metal band, formed in 1995 in Taipei. The group incorporates influences from traditional Taiwanese music including instruments such as the erhu (which is called a hena in their native Taiwanese).

Since their formation, Chthonic released four studio albums, starting in 1999 with the debut Where the Ancestors’ Souls Gathered, followed by 2000’s 9th Empyrean, in 2002 Relentless Recurrence, and 2006’s Seediq Bale.

The band’s stated goal is to use their music to bring ancient history and mythology into the modern era, especially the tragic history and unique myths of Taiwan (for example, those of the Seediq people). The name “Chthonic” is a Greek word which refers to the earth and can have implications of the underworld.

In 2003, they won the Best Band Award at the Taiwan Golden Melodies Award Ceremony. The band is also banned in parts of China for their political views.

The lead vocalist, Freddy Lim, is notably active in the political scene and supports Taiwan independence.

In 2007 he and other artists organized an international music festival to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 228 Incident, entitled “Spirit of Taiwan: With justice we cure this nation”.

On March 30, 2007, it was confirmed that Chthonic were to be part of the 2007 Ozzfest tour as a rotating second stage act. While taking part in Ozzfest, they also toured as a support act for Nile in July and August and as a headliner in September.