CHTHONIC: 'Next Republic' Video Released

"Next Republic", the new Alulu Kuo-directed video from Taiwanese metallers CHTHONIC, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's seventh album, "Bú-Tik", which was released in North America via Spinefarm Records in the U.S. digitally on June 18 and on CD on June 25. The effort was recorded at Sweden's Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtsson, who also worked on 2011's critically lauded "Takasago Army" full-length.

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-Tik" highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as "righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!"

In late October, CHTHONIC will embark on its first-ever acoustic concert tour at century-old bú-tik palaces in Taoyuan, Taichung, and Tainan in line with the theme of the band's new album, "Bú-tik".

In fact, CHTHONIC members have visited Bú-tik palaces around Taiwan as they were preparing for "Bú-tik", and it was during the visits that CHTHONIC first had the idea of having acoustic performances in these historic buildings.

"We wanted to perform in Bú-tik palaces so badly, but we were worried that we may damage the historic buildings," Doris Yeh said. "So we came up with the idea to specially design acoustic concerts for the historic buildings."

In preparation for the acoustic tour, CHTHONIC members have been rearranging songs and repeatedly practicing.

"This is the hardest tour at all. We don't just rearrange the songs, we also have to rearrange our personalities," said lead vocalist Freddy Lim. "We normally just can't stay still, but this is a good chance for us to find our interior calmness," Dani Wang, the drummer, said.

CHTHONIC invited the band CHOCOLATE TIGER, led by their good friend Enno Cheng, as the opening guest, while also inviting popular folk singers as special guests at each of the concert. Two of the guests will be Lin Sheng-xiang and Panai, while the CHTHONIC decides to keep the name of the third guest as a surprise for their fans.

"We can't wait to see these master musicians to perform CHTHONIC music!" Doris said.

Following the unplugged tour in Taiwan, CHTHONIC will be traveling to Europe in early November to join the Norwegian band SATYRICON for a two-month European tour.