Takasago Army
Chthonic · 2011
40 min · 10 tracks · death metal
A fierce blend of symphonic elements and brutal metal, invoking Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage through powerful narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
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Legacy of the Seediq — This track powerfully narrates the tragic story of the Seediq people, intertwining historical context with vivid imagery that reflects the album's themes of identity and resistance.
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Broken Jade — Broken Jade showcases a dynamic range, blending haunting melodies with aggressive riffs, illustrating the band's prowess in merging symphonic elements with intense metal.
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MAHAKALA — Incorporating Buddhist themes, MAHAKALA stands out for its complex arrangements and lyrical depth, representing a pivotal moment where spirituality meets raw energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively merges death metal with Taiwanese cultural elements, showcasing strong writing and production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a symphonic introduction that sets a dramatic tone before transitioning into aggressive guitar riffs and blast beats.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional Taiwanese instruments, creating a distinct sound that blends with the heavy metal elements.
- The lyrics often reference historical and cultural themes, providing a narrative depth that complements the music's intensity.
- 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
- steady mid-tempo sonic journey
- evocative themes of cultural history
- immersive storytelling through sound
- dynamic contrasts in pacing
- engaging narrative across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Takasago Army is Chthonic's fifth studio album, arriving after their breakthrough success with 2009's Mirror of Retribution. At this point, the band solidified their identity within the metal scene, combining heavy music with Taiwanese folklore and historical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleshgod Apocalypse· Dimmu Borgir· Septicflesh
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Island 2:15
- 2 Legacy of the Seediq 4:21
- 3 Takao 4:19
- 4 Oceanquake 3:44
- 5 Southern Cross 3:53
- 6 KAORU 5:38
- 7 Broken Jade 5:43
- 8 Root Regeneration 1:24
- 9 MAHAKALA 4:02
- 10 Quell the Souls in Sing Ling Temple 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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