Chthonic Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

After the former album ‘Mirror of Retribution’ released in 2009 and two-month tour in North America and UK, we were heading to writing new songs for next album. During those days we also did some successful performance at festivals like Loud Park (Japan), Hammerfest (UK), Download Festival (UK), Wave Gotik Treffen (DE).



In 2011 spring, we recorded our new album ‘Takasago Army’ at Sweet Spot Studio in Halmstad, Sweden’, produced by Rickard Bengtsson (Arch Enemy, Nemesis) , and it released in the middle of this year.



We had successful headline tour in Japan and Taiwan right after album release, and also were invited to play ‘Busan Festival’ in Korea. Then we’re heading to tour North America and Europe for the rest of this year!



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?



The theme of ‘Takasago Army’ has more various emotions: from the confusion of themselves because of the identity to become proud of their own bravery in battle field, and then the depress feeling when they have to face to the loss of the war but at the same time they find themselves a inner freedom and their identity to Taiwanese ancestors. So the emotion of rise and fall of ‘Takasago Army’ is huge than ‘Mirror of Retribution’.



3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?



《Takasago Army》is our 6th full-length album. It’s talking about the struggling emotions and struggles of those over 200,000 Taiwanese soldiers who were fighting for Imperial Japanese Army in South Pacific in WWII.



They find themselves’ dignity and identity though this brutal and bloody process.



But after WWII, Chinese army (KMT party) occupied Taiwan, and those soldiers were forced to fight for Chinese army in their inner war with communist regime, most of them never come back. At the meantime, there’s also an uprising from Taiwanese people to against Chinese government, but it leads to a tragic massacre in Taiwan called ‘228 Massacre’.



It’s a series concept album, and it’s also the last part of the trilogy of our former two albums.



4. I know that the album title is based on the aboriginal tribes in Taiwan joining the military in World War II, what interest do you have in the mythology of these people and I have noticed not that many bands have ever explored that form of mythology with their lyrics?



Because this is a good story, and it’s based on the REAL history but was hidden by the history for over 60 years, so not too many people knows those people of WWII.



We have a very strong interest toward to this kind of topic. Our former albums were also related to mythology/history theme.



We are not interested in bring fans History class, what we want to reveal via the concept is the spirit and the value as a human beings based on those stories. J


5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?



‘ChthoniC’ means ‘Gods from the underworld’. For the past few albums, we’re re-creating the Oriental mythology based on the real history or culture background, like the second album was talking about Taiwanese Aboriginal Gods wake up and fight against the Gods from Mainland China to protect the island; In third album, we’re writing a revenge story by a female ghost who was been killed and tortured both mentally and physically. For the later 3 albums, we are writing the heroic battles based on our folk stories and hidden history in WWII.



All the elements of the stories, the living and dead people are all connected to the concept of ‘Acheron’.



6. You have done a lot of tours over the years, out of all of the places that you have played so far which one did you enjoy the most and also which band was the funnest to tour with or do live shows with, and also how would you describe your stage performance?



Actually I LOVE all fans from every countries, I ‘enjoy’ them very much! Haha! But the most favorite fans are still in Taiwan! ;)



7. What are the touring plans for the new album?



US Tour: From Sep 8th to Oct 4th, we will tour with Arch Enemy, Devil Driver and Skeletonwitch in the US and Canada! Excited!



UK Tour: From Oct 27th to Nov 17th, we will be main support of Turisas UK tour. Looking forward to play with them (and also the other band from Finland- Kiuas! ;)



Europe Tour: We will Tour from Dec 6th to Dec 22nd with Arch Enemy and Warbringer in Germany, France, Switzerland and Netherlands.



CHTHONIC will have a big outdoor concert in Taiwan on Oct 22nd. And the place is right in front of 'Sing-Ling Temple'. Sing-Ling Temple is a very important concept in our albums (Mirror of Retribution and Takasago Army). So the concert will connect to our album perfectly.



Now not only the place is very special, our guest play will also be very special. Now Randy Blythe from Lamb of God will fly to Taiwan to play with us and BBQ for fans!!! And now we're having a 'competition' for foreign fans, if you pass the competition, you can win the flight tickets to Taiwan to see our concert! :)



8. How has the feedback been from fans that have heard the new album so far?



I think it’s pretty good, and again, better than former album!



Especially this album is the last piece of the trilogy, that interest many people and draw more fans to notice our former albums! This ‘Takasago Army’ completes a trilogy that binds together the band’s Seediq Bale and Mirror Of Retribution albums, released in 2007 and 2009 respectively.



9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?



From the new experience of composing songs for our latest album, we think we will use more Oriental elements and Taiwanese folk music as the base foundation, then mix metal music into it. The logic is different from our former albums, and we love to do our music in this way now. J


10. The last few albums came out on Spinefarm, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you compare Spinefarm to the other record labels that you have been on?



Our label manager in Spinefarm UK has already listened to our music before we signed with them. So when we start to shop labels, it’s naturally for us to get connection with this label.



Before Spinefarm, we’ve been worked SPV, and some individual label in different countries. After signing with Spinefarm, of course the aspect becomes wider and the strategy is more international.



We have good time in working with them. J


11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have influenced the new album and also what are you listening to nowadays?



The main song writers Freddy and Jesse have listened more Taiwanese traditional music (Enka) according to their ages getting older! (haha!) So if talking about the influence to CHTHONIC nowadays, I think that might be bunch of names on the list are Taiwanese singers or artists! :D



12. What role does Occultism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?



Maybe it’s because the word ‘Orient Metal’ that we use more often nowadays has given some imagination of ‘Occultism’? J But we do use many concepts from the mythology of aboriginals, Taiwanese, Japanese and some other Eastern Asia countries.



It’s a natural process for us to use those elements just because we’re so into this kind of topic and theme. J


13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

For me, that would be cooking and traveling! I love good food all over the world! J And also I love to read some novels / poem or business magazines under the dim light at night! J


14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?



Join the competition and win the flight ticket from your country to Taiwan for our concert in Oct 22nd! (And also having BBQ with CHTHONIC and Randy from Lam of God!)



Also, our new album ‘Takasago Army’ will release in North America on Sep 6th, and soon CHTHONIC and Arch Enemy will start our NA tour from this Sep 8th! Don’t miss it!!! J


Our new music video! :)

Takao: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_UkowmQs30
Broken Jade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heF_NPJbv8Y

Scythia/Of Exile/2011 CD Review

Scythia are a band from Canada that has their previous album reviewed in this zine that plays a musical style that I would describe as being folk metal mixed with melodic black/death metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "OF Exile".

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the folk instruments and synths give the music a folk music feel added in with touches of psychedelia, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced folk metal riffing that is very melodic at times and does not have the melodic black.death metal influences like the previous recording, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding heavy metal guitar leads, as for the acoustic guitars they use finger picking and fell chords to bring a very dark medieval folk music feel to the music.

Vocals are all clean singing folk metal vocals with some occasional female vocals mixed in with some whispers and spoken word passages in addition the screams and growls from the previous recording don't make much of an appearance on this recording except for a couple of songs, while the lyrics touch on fantasy and mythology, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion while I still preferred their first album I still feel this is a good album from Scythia and if you are a fan of this band, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Spirit Of The Quest" "Voice Of The Sword" "For The King" and "Dies Irae II". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yKgWHAv4E8

Bolero Interview

Answered by Morgan Rider (vocalist/bass)


1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?


We have just put out our first album, 'Voyage from Vinland' as well as our first music video for our song 'Pints Held High'. We are writing, rehearsing and playing shows more than we ever have before. We've had the opportunity to play our local area with some larger bands this year. Also, the 2nd album is coming along quite nicely!


2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?


The sounds you might hear on 'Voyage from Vinland' range from folk, celtic, symphonic, thrash, traditional, ambient, death metal, black metal and everything in between. Most importantly, it is Bolero.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?


Our lyrical approach on this album varies from song to song depending on the mood and atmosphere of the music. On Send of the War Summons, the lyrics were written about a savage attack on a settlement and being through the perspective of those at the spear point and the assailants simultaneously. On the other hand, A Silence Prolonging (the albums' acoustic song) depicts the psychological and physical falling of a great conqueror as his victories only fuel his willingness to die. We never intended on it in the first place, but the album ended up becoming a story from start to finish.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?


We decided on our band name (and I should state right now that everything that we do in this band is deliberate and thought out well in advance) after Maurice Ravel's 'Bolero'. We decided the name personified everything we wanted this band to strive for musically and logistically. These traits include direction, flow, change and diversity.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?


It seems that every show we play becomes the new 'best' for the band in general. The songs feel smoother than ever to play live. Some of the best shows of the past year though might include our CD release party for Voyage from Vinland. This was one raucious party. The beer flowed as much as the hair did. Good times all around. Another notable one was the last time we played with TYR and Crimson Shadows. I would describe our stage performance as being a party in fast forward. Lots of energy, movement and alcohol fueled positive atmosphere. We love our fans.


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


We are taking what we're getting at this point! Right now we do have some plans to cover Central and North Ontario change as well as a few jaunts into Quebec in September for the hell of it. We have some larger shows planned for the Autumn, but of course that is all I can say about that at this point.


7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so, what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the band?


At this point in the band's development, we are passively seeking label representation and are open to any offers that may come along. We have an excellent manager and an excellent publicist right now and are very happy with the growth we are seeing.


8. I have been noticing for the last few months that there has been more bands coming out of Canada playing the folk metal style and that is something I have not seen in the U.S even though when bands of that genre play down here there is a decent crowd, do you feel Canada adopts the European culture alot better than the Americans?


I really think it depends on what regions of Canada and the United States you are looking at when it comes to the influence of European culture. For us, the majority of this resides in Quebec (particularly Montreal).


9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?


At this point, we all have jobs and this band is the only musical project we are all involved in.


10. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by folk metal fans?


Overwhelmingly positive. It is always awesome to hear a supportive fan in person talking about how much they enjoyed your album or your set, but when you begin seeing 10/10 reviews from Italy and Finland, it begins to stir some different vibes of satisfaction. Other than that, we cannot complain with the great feedback we've been getting not only from the folk and epic metal fans, but fans of music in general.


11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Definitely more intelligently written music from hereon in. We want to keep the same epic and major scale melody feel as that is a huge part of our sound. We might see longer songs, more clean singing, who knows?!


12. What are some, bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


Windir, Arcturus, Flogging Molly, Vital Remains, Viraemia, Cannibis Corpse, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium, Planxty, Irish Rovers Adagio. Pretty much a wide helping of everything.


13. What role does Paganism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?


It does not play any part in our music besides in the lyrical themes and only from an outsiders view. None of us are religious nor do we feel we have any need for it. I think Paganism is a term used too loosely and ignorantly nowadays, especially when it comes to being used to describe this sort of music. But from that sort of standpoint, we are relatively neutral and uncaring.


14. outside of music what are some of your interests?


We all obviously have different interests outside of music which include cars, videogames, bonfires, roadtrips, drinking. All the good things this life has to offer!


15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?


Thank you very much for the opportunity and best regards!

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Bolero/Voyage From Vinland/2011 CD Review

Bolero are a band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada that mixes Celtic folk metal with melodic black metal and death metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Voyage From Vinland".


Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards and flutes being a very atmospheric, symphonic and Celtic folk music feel to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffing that combines influences from Celtic Music, folk metal, melodic black metal and death metal with a great amount of melodies being thrown in the music, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding heavy metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they being a very medieval sounding Celtic folk music feel to the music.

Vocals combine high pitched screams that are influenced by both black metal and melodic death metal with deep growls and clean singing male and female vocals, while the lyrics cover Celtic Mythology, Paganism and War, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy and professional sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Bolero are a very good Celtic folk/black/melodic death metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Send Of The War Summons" "When Legends Die" "O' Hail To The Northlander" and "Way To Forgotten Lands". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlaCcVvVfVY

Chthonic/Takosago Army/Spinefarm/2011 CD Review

Chthonic are a band from Thailand that has one of their previous albums reviewed before in this zine with a music style that I would describe as being symphonic black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Takosago Army" which was released by Spinefarm.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths bring a very dark, atmospheric and symphonic sound to the music with some occasional folk instruments that bring an oriental flavor to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are melodic at times and utilize influences from death and traditional metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos that have a traditional metal feel to them.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep growls and some clean singing male and female, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of English and their native tongue with touch on Oriental Mysticism and dark topics, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Chthonic and if you where a fan of their previous albums, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Legend Of The Seediq" "Oceanquake" "Southern Cross" and "Mahakala". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.chthonic.org
http://www.facebook.com/chthonic

Furor Gallico Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of your before?


Hi everybody!! What can I say..
Furor Gallico was born for joke in 2007 from an idea of Ste, Becky and Mela, our first bass player.
Than we started writing songs playing our folk celtic metal with the insertion of traditional instruments like celtic harp, violin,
tin whistle, bouzouki, etc. we recorded our demo "390 b.C. - The Glorious Dawn" in 2008 and our
full-length "Furor Gallico" in 2010, now republished by Massacre record.


2. How would you describe your musical sound?


Our musical sound is.. Folk Metal! Everybody us listen to different musical genres, death, black, brutal, prog ecc..
Furor Gallico is a combination of all that kind of music for make our Folk Metal.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the music explores?


Here in Italy we have a lot of legends, a beautiful history. So we speak about it, our history, our ancestors, the ancient religion..
La Caccia Morta, one of te italian songs we play, is an ancient legend from Bergamo, north-italian city;
Medhelan is dedicated to the founder of our city, Milano; Ancient Rites is simply a way to remember the ancestors that lived here before us..


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?


We have decided this name one evening in a pub.. we was looking for an italian name that was "aggressive"..
So Furor Gallico came out! This is the description that roman people gave to the celtic people during a battle,
the famous Celtic warriors Fury named by Gulio Cesare in his De Bello Gallico as Furor Gallico.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?


We have done a lot of gigs during the years, in Italy and in Europe. I remember the one with Eluveitie in Fribourgh (CH) at the Fri-Son,
or the most recent show in Bavarian Battle (D).. of course that are the best show we have done! Beautifl location, beautiful people..
we hope to have again some beautiful experiences like these!! And about our show what can I say? we play to have fun!
Our music is a mix of Folk, Death, Black metal.. so is an heavy music! But we think to have fun on the stage and we hope to transmit
our sensation to the people!!


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


Now we are writing the tour for the release, we have some gigs in Italy and we're gonna come back in Germany and Switzertland between
autumn and winter.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by folk metal fans?


We have listened a lot of people out of Europe that like our music, we have sended some cd in Canada, Brazil, Japan, ever with a good
response.. and when we have played out of Italy we have had beautiful experiences everytime!! So we hope to play, why not, also in America or in
Asia hehe for now we are having a lot of gigs in Italy with a beautiful public and a beautiful response!


8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line -up?


Simo, our drummer, join in Bastard Saints, Italian Brutal Death (strange, eh? hehe).
They have a big discography and they had a lot of gigs in Italy and in Europe in the past.
He is the only one with another band.


9. What direction dou see the music heading into on future releases?


we've just composed several songs for our next album and they play really different than the previous. our sound is still the same, but
we're trying to find something new, to create new solutions, hoping that people will appriciate our work.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


Of course band as Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Manegarm, Primordial and other famous folk metal band has influenced our music,
but as I said before everybody of us has a different musical background, we listen to every musical genre and this is the real
influences of Furor Gallico's sound: many difference kind of music!


11. How would you describe your views on Celtic -paganism?


we want to let this cultures reborn trough our songs. we love celtic legends, celtic culture and its connection with nature.
anyway we're not that kind of fanatic people that live in the past. we live in 2011 with our beer, our sigarettes, our tv and our
facebook account eheheh, but we think is important to not forget our roots.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?


We study or work outside Furor Gallico, so we have other occupation.. Pagan and Fabio are studying Graphic Design
(great for us so we don't need to look forward for a graphic designer hehe).. Becky loves nature, Ste is a fucking awful engineer,
Oldhan an informaticsÉ so we have a lot of different interests...


13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?


Thank you very much for this interview, I hope to see you or someone reading this words at one our show soon hehe thank to everyone
read this interview!
You can find more info about Furor Gallico on our myspace, facebook and website pages:

www.myspace.com/furorgallico
www.furorgallico.it
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Furor-Gallico/201640203204769

Furor Gallico/Self Titled/Massacre Records/2011 CD Review

Furor Gallico are a band from Italy that plays Celtic Folk Metal with a melodic black/death edge and this is a review of their self titled 2011 album which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with not much in the way of blast beats, while the folk instruments bring a medieval Celtic folk music feel to the music, as for the bass playing, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine folk/pagan metal with melodic black/death metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding metal guitar leads, as for the accoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a dark sound to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep death metal growls and clean singing pagan vocals, while the lyrics cover Celtic Mythology and Paganism, as for the production it has a very professional sound to it.

In my opinion Furor Gallico are a very good folk metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ancient Rites" "the Gods Have Returned" "Miraculous Child" and "Banshee". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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