ALBUM REVIEW: Battlefields Of Asura – Chthonic

Taiwanese blackened death metal band CHTHONIC have reawoken to reclaim their rightful throne as one of Asia’s hottest musical commodities. The lengthy hiatus between 2013’s Bú-Tik and present day has not gone unnoticed as many questioned the future of the band but they make their return with an eighth studio album entitled Battlefields Of Asura which is available now via self-release.

Drawing Omnipotence Nigh commences proceedings with an introduction that builds up the tension through impactful drumming, ominous synths and tasteful string instrumentation before diving straight into the high energy of The Silent One’s Torch. CHTHONIC waste little time demonstrating their technical accumen as frontman Freddy Lim transitions effortlessly between furious growls and searing screams. Flames Upon The Weeping offers further orchestral elements and swift riffing as the melody flows throughout the track, the energetic pace never falters and the inclusion of an impressive solo leaves an emphatic statement.

A Crimson Sky’s Command contains a varied, elaborate range of instrumentation but everything meshes together with ease, The robust bass lines and effective lead work add that further level of polish to one of the album’s true highlights. Souls Of Revolution picks up the tempo with some groovy, intricate riffing and intriguing vocal chanting before the commanding presence of Randy Blythe arrives with demonic growling towards the latter stages. Taste The Black Tears continues this particularly ‘purple patch’ with dramatic instrumental flurries which are hard hitting and incredibly engaging. This is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser if introduced into a live setting.

One Thousand Eyes is quite restrained in pace but is equally as potent as its counterparts. Slick shredding and further string accompaniments provide an upbeat, powerful momentum. Masked Faith offers a subtle, calming interlude with distorted guitar work before slowly building in intensity into the far more chaotic Carved In Bloodstone. CHTHONIC‘s black metal influences become increasingly more evident as the early chanting and jabbing riffs feels reminiscent of DIMMU BORGIR. The track exudes a lively, punchy vibe which is only elevated by the compelling orchestral surges.

Millennia’s Faith Undone ups the ante with vigorous energy and commanding vocal bellows. Bursts of flamboyant lead work combined with the tones of Cantopop icon Denise Ho provide enough reasons as to why this was released as a single. After the euphoric lift provided by it’s predecessor Autopoiesis leaves Battlefields Of Asura on a cliffhangar filled with curiosity with it’s abrupt, sinister droning followed by haunting whispering that is bewildering but effective.

CHTHONIC have dispelled any doubt that developments in their private lives would have any repercussions on the band’s ability to release impressive, intricately constructed artistry. Battlefields Of Asura takes what has come before and builds on these accomplishments by taking even bolder dives into experimentation. The amalgamation of energy, melody and aggression displayed by the wealth of instrumentation only solidifies the fact that CHTHONIC should be revered for their contributions to music and their utter lack of fear to be different.

Rating: 9/10

Battlefields Of Asura is out now via self-release.

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