Chthonic (band)

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ChthoniC
Image:Chthonic Pic.png
Background information
Origin	Taipei, Taiwan
Genre(s)	Death metal Black Metal
Years active	1995 - present
Label(s)	Down Port Music
Website	Official Site

Chthonic (閃靈樂團; sometimes spelled ChthoniC) is a Taiwanese symphonic black metal band that incorporates influences from traditional Chinese music including instruments such as the Er-hu. The band's stated goal is to use their music to bring ancient history and mythology into the modern era, especially the tragic history and unique myths of Taiwan (for example, those of the Seediq people). The name "Chthonic" is Greek and means "of the Underworld".

They are also known to be the first Taiwanese metal band to gain international and regional recognition and have won numerous awards. In 2003, they won the Best Band Award at the Taiwan Golden Melodies Award Ceremony. The band is also banned in parts of China for their "radical" political views.

Lead vocal Freddy Lin is notably active in the political scene, particularly on issues of transitional justice. In 2007 he and other artists organized an international music festival to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 228 Massacre, entitled "Spirit of Taiwan: With justice we cure this nation".^[1]

On March 30, 2007, it was confirmed that Chthonic were to be part of the 2007 Ozzfest tour as a rotating second stage act.