Bu-Tik
Chthonic · 2013
40 min · 10 tracks · death metal
Fierce symphonic black metal merges traditional Taiwanese elements with intense riffs and orchestral arrangements, creating an epic sonic journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Supreme Pain for the Tyrant — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend aggressive instrumentation with melodic hooks while addressing themes of oppression and resistance.
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Rage of My Sword — With its intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, this song serves as a rallying cry that showcases the band’s thematic focus on strength and defiance.
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Defenders of Bú-tik Palace — The incorporation of traditional instruments alongside heavy metal riffs makes this track a testament to Chthonic's unique sound and cultural heritage.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional elements with intense metal, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a unique sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rapid-fire tempo and aggressive guitar riffs, maintaining intensity through the first five tracks before introducing more melodic elements.
- Traditional Taiwanese instruments are woven into the arrangements, creating a distinct cultural texture that contrasts with the heavy metal instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature orchestral interludes that provide dynamic shifts in mood, allowing for both aggression and moments of reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamics with intensity
- epic storytelling through sound
- cathartic release of aggression
- immersive journey through battles
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighter, upbeat sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Bu-Tik is Chthonic's fifth studio album and follows their critically acclaimed work, Takasago Army. At this point in their career, they were gaining international recognition, having already toured extensively and participated in prominent festivals like Ozzfest.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleshgod Apocalypse· Dimmu Borgir· Septicflesh
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Arising Armament 2:27
- 2 Supreme Pain for the Tyrant 4:46
- 3 Sail Into the Sunset's Fire 4:01
- 4 Next Republic 4:12
- 5 Rage of My Sword 4:38
- 6 Between Silence and Death 4:39
- 7 Resurrection Pyre 5:00
- 8 Set Fire to the Island 3:47
- 9 Defenders of Bú-tik Palace 5:23
- 10 Undying Rearmament 1:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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