Chthonic – Takasago Army

Releasedate: 22-07-2011; Label: Spinefarm records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Chthonic is a Heavy metal formation from Taiwan. The band exist for over ten years and have released quite some material. “Takasago Army” is the band’s sixth full length release.

As you may have expected when hearing the band comes from Taiwan the band makes use of their own mythology and history to feel inspired for the music. Though it does not have too much of the typical folk elements in their sound, the stress is more on the melodic part. Yet the band seems quite playful in their tempo’s as well, “Takasago Army” is far from a boring disc. Aside from how much you feel attracted to their lyrical themes the band has some interesting approach. Not that you would always understand the lyrics anyway, but that’s just a second thing. The band has decent skills does not hold back in using them, there is enough diversity and unique elements but when you honestly look there is some point in where they get stuck. We don’t do ratings on this site, so the best way to describe would be that the band does not get the full score, but beats up quite high anyway. An album you will listen to some times, but the killer release of them is still ahead. At least that keeps you curious for what’s next from them!

Line Up:
Left Face of Maradou – Erhu
Thunder Tears – Bass
The Infernal – Guitars
Azathothian Hands – Drums
Dispersed Fingers – Keyboards

Tracklist: 01. The Island 02. Legacy Of The Seediq 03. Takao 04. Oceanquake 05. Southern Cross 06. Kaoru 07. Broken Jade 08. Root Regeneration 09. Mahakala 10. Quell The Souls In Sing Ling Temple

Links:
Chthonic MySpace