Chthonic

The Taiwanese black metal band Chthonic has played Fuji Rock twice before and performed regularly in Japan for the last decade. This time however they were playing an acoustic set. Though still wearing black, there was no facepaint, no metal studs, and none of the other extreme costume elements of their normal stage show. The seven band members were seated, and the performance was almost like chamber music. Guitar and bass were all acoustic, and the set heavily featured the er-hu, a Chinese two-string fiddle with a lilting melancholy sound.

The show featured a guest appearance by the well-known Japanese singer Hajime Chitosen, who joined the band for two songs, including the finale, “Butik Palace.”

Chthonic, who have played Ozfest and Wacken, put together this acoustic set about a year ago and have performed it several times, though this is their first ever acoustic performance overseas. Fujirockers.org recently interviewed Chthonic frontman Freddy Lim about how the acoustic act came together. He said it’s possible this Fuji Rock set could be the last acoustic show before they go back to playing metal.

Lim is also currently running for a seat in Taiwan’s parliament, with elections coming later this fall. As the set came to an end, a large body of Taiwanese fans started chanting “Dang suan! Dang suan!” (當選), Taiwanese for “Get elected!”

As we reported earlier, Taiwanese also waved banners bearing slogans for Taiwanese independence. This year, Fuji Rock has more Taiwanese visitors than any previous year.