arcane-beautiful These guys have been on my radar for a very long time. Ever since “Seediq Bale” (a masterpiece of modern metal in my opinion), these guys have been slowly developing their style. Slowly dispatching the black metal style, these guys have adopted a more modern metal sound, rather than sound like an Emperor or Cradle Of Filth rip off. I did prefer their earlier stuff, but I have to admit, I really do admire that these guys are adopting their own sound and doing what they want.

Although, having said that these guys are doing what they want and are slowly progressing their own style, this is their most accessible album...oddly enough. I don't know whether this is because they are gaining popularity now throughout the world or not, but yea, this is pretty much a very easy listening experience, which is hard to say about their previous albums.

The songs on this album all have a similar feel to them. And that is anthemic. Yes, in many ways, you could say that these songs are almost intentional anthems, obviously relating to the albums overlaying concept. Like all their albums, this album is also a concept album, but with a slight twist. Instead of a full story throughout, the band have decided to make the songs more like flashbacks through history, while a man in the afterlife watches them. Topics like the Seediq massacre, Taiwanese revolutionaries and a lot of happy stuff like that.

The only real negative that I can hold against this album is one that my brother presented to me, and that would be the vocals. Now, don't get me wrong, Freddy Lim has to be one of the best vocalists in metal today. In fact, he has such a big range...and it's so big he doesn't know which range's to stay in, and would rather jump between them throughout the album. Not a big criticism, but a criticism nontheless.

The album's starter and intro (“Arising Armament” and “Undying Rearmament”) are the obvious ethnic instrumentals. Beautifully crafted and performed, they perk a brilliant atmosphere up for the album.

The album opener, “Supreme Pain For The Tyrant” is a brilliant opener. Incredibly anthemic and having interesting patriotic lyrics, it really puts you in the mood to give the middle finger to China and Japan.

The 2 best songs on the album have to be “Next Republic” & “Rage Of My Sword”. “Next Republic” blends oriental sounds and samples with the heaviest and most spellbinding of riffs. “Rage Of My Sword” is definitely the obelisk which holds the album together. One of the most brutal and ear crunching songs, a definite strong point.

In conclusion, this wouldn't be my favourite Chthonic album, but it is their strongest since “Seediq Bale.” I have to admit, “Takasago Army” and “ Mirror Of Retribution” may have way better songs and more classic moments, this album is short, sweet and brilliantly put together. The impact of the songs pack more of a punch than their earlier releases, and are more palatable on the ear.

7.7/10