CHTHONIC's New Album Package To Be Shot By Fashion Photographer

In addition to his ever-growing work for T for Tibet, the internationally recognized photographer Clive Arrowsmith came to Taiwan to shoot the band for CHTHONIC's new album, "Mirror of Retribution", which is set for an August 18 release date in the US and August 10 release in Europe.

The core beauty of CHTHONIC's music lies in their love of the amazing folklore and the richness of their own country's history. Taiwan's past has been troubled by war, and besieged too many times by external invaders.

Seeing Tibet's current circumstances mirroring Taiwan's bloody history, CHTHONIC empathizes with the fear of loss of human rights and individual expression, and the erosion of an ancient nation's identity.

So, on the year that marks the 50th anniversary of Tibet's Memorial Day, "Guts United Taiwan" leader, and CHTHONIC frontman, Freddy Lim decided that now is a good time to invite the socially luminous photographer Clive Arrowsmith to do a Taiwan-based photo-shoot for T for Tibet as well as CHTHONIC's upcoming album.

Clive himself was very unsure of the reception that he would get in Taiwan as his work for T for Tibet has not always been welcomed by all the countries so far. He has encountered many obstacles from government bodies, including having his visa rejected and being abruptly forced to stop working.

Grateful for the efforts of "Guts United Taiwan" for the smooth progress and completion of his work in Taiwan, Clive Arrowsmith also praised them for being forward-thinking youths and for their passion towards human rights advocacy, especially pertaining to Tibet.

It is worthy to note that Taiwan is the first Asian country to allow the T for Tibet movement to be shot in their country.

CHTHONIC's bass player, Doris, joined in the photo shoot as a model. Bound by black lines, along with numerous printing of "Free Tibet" all over herself, she represented a soul that stands for human rights, freedom, and pure strength of self.

Back in 2003, Freddy had already made a stand by organizing a "Tibetan Freedom Concert", which had gathered international supporters like the BEASTIE BOYS alongside local celebrities who also believed in the movement… in Taiwan itself. Geographically, it was the closest to China that the "Tibetan Freedom Concert" would ever be performed. In 2009, Freddy led "Guts United Taiwan" to Dharmsala, India.

The upcoming 2009 "Tibetan Freedom Concert" already has the blessing and approval of the Dalai Lama.

Plans have been made to erect a billboard in June, pleading the cause to "Free Tibet" in the heart of Taiwan's capital commercial district, 1 month before the concert. Many international and local Taiwanese acts will be performing at the night of July 11 at Taipei in order to encourage young people to start caring about global issues.

CHTHONIC's "Mirror of Retribution" is an 11-track body of work that touches on both the spirit and mortal worlds, with loss of national identity and the sometimes turbulent history of their homeland recurring themes.

With ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano at the production and mixing helm, "Mirror Of Retribution" sees the award-winning musicians further developing a style that started with the 1999 album "Where The Ancestors' Souls Gathered", blending full-on metal of the darker persuasion with traditional Taiwanese instruments such as two-string violin, the hena.

"The story behind this album combines true historical fact with an ancient myth of hell," explains Doris Yeh. "Amongst other things, we make reference to the famous '228 Massacre,' which was the biggest ever massacre in Taiwanese history. Tens of thousands of Taiwanese were killed by the Chinese army. The final battle of the event occurred in the middle of Taiwan, where 40 local militia attempted to resist 2,500 soldiers from the Chinese army. In the end, the militia lost their lives near the Sing-Ling Temple.

"Musically, we tried to move the band to a whole new level," continues Doris. "In the past, we've been described in various ways, as 'symphonic black metal' or 'melodic death,' the word 'folk' has also been applied at times, but this was our chance to establish a new place for ourselves in the extreme metal genre."

CHTHONIC is:

Freddy Lim - vocals
Doris Yeh - bass
Jesse Liu - guitar
Dani Wang - drums
CJ - piano/synthesizer