By blending contemporary and traditional instruments, CHTHONIC bridges the two contrasting sides of Taiwan: the historic, mystic homeland of Austronesian peoples, and its bustling, technology-driven modern image. The metal band often uses cultural mythology, folklore and historical events to drive their music — and their latest single, "Pattonkan," is no different.
"Pattonkan" is CHTHONIC's first studio release since their 2018 album, Battlefields of Asura, written in honor of Kao Yi-sheng, an outspoken democracy advocate executed during the White Terror repression. The song title is a reference to Jade Mountain, a sacred area in Taiwan that Kao mentioned in his final letter to his family.
In this episode of Global Spin, CHTHONIC performs "Pattonkan," live from the Megaport Festival in Takao City, Taiwan. The quintet's energetic performance is charged by headbanging, fans jumping along, and confetti fluttering in the air.
Outside of their musical endeavors, CHTHONIC are active educators and human rights activists, with the group's frontman, Freddy Lim, acting as a member of the Legislative Yuan and a founder of the New Power Party. Lim also worked alongside his wife and bandmate, Doris Yeh, to form the Taiwan Rock Alliance, one of the lead organizers of the Formoz and Megaport music festivals in the country.
Press play on the video above to watch CHTHONIC's energetic performance of "Pattonkan," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.