chthonic mirror of retribution

Released: 10 August 2009 Label: Spinefarm

Chthonic couldn’t come from a more different cultural background compared to the majority of Black Metal bands on the planet but this hasn’t prevented them from creating music which encompasses the essence of the genre but with a Taiwanese edge.

The Mirror of Retribution starts off with the awe-inspiring track Blooming Blades which is really quite a heavy track that shows this band have taken things to a new level both musically and its delivery! The use of a Hena which is an oriental 12-string violin, adds a gorgeous overtone to some of the tracks in contrast to the extremeness of the guitars and drums.

It’s hard to pick out a standout track as there are so many of them and the whole album fits together so well that you would be hard pushed not to have to listen to the whole thing rather than just the odd track. The band has described the lyrics for this album to be a combination of ‘true historical fact with an ancient myth of hel’l, which is also conveyed by the dark tone throughout.

A very impressive album, it feels wrong to describe it as just another Black Metal release as it feels more than just an album, but more of an experience.


by Claudia Glazzard