Following the release of the stunning video singles for “Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace” and “Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire” from their forthcoming new full-length Bú-Tik, Taiwanese metal ensemble CHTHONIC are pleased to unleash their latest work of cinematic magnificence in the form of “Supreme Pain For The Tyrant.”
The video carries on the band’s mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and the tragic events in their country’s history. On April 24, 1970, a member of the World United Formosans for Independence, Peter Huang, attempted to assassinate Chiang Ching-kuo, who was the Vice Premier of the Republic of China at the time, in front of the Plaza Hotel in New York. The attempt failed, however, when pushed to the ground by security personnel, Huang shouted, “Let me stand up like a Taiwanese!”
While the theme of the song “Supreme Pain For The Tyrant” is about assassination, the music video recounts a story in which CHTHONIC members travel through time and space to penetrate into a reception held after Nazi Germany and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government inked a deal on military cooperation in Shanghai in the 1930s to assassinate the officials.
The video is a collaboration between film directors Cheng Wen-tang and Chang Yih-feng, was shot inside the Kaohsiung Museum of History and includes group dance, combat fighting, gambling tables, alcohol and more as well as the fundamental elements of the golden age in Shanghai. Two buses were hired to move the entire crew to Kaohsiung. Additionally, renowned choreographer Bulareyaung Pagarlava (Cloud Gate Dance Theatre) led a group of Department of Dance students from National Taiwan University of Arts to work on the dance segments of the clip.
“This is a rare experience that gives me a chance to work with a different genre of music,” said Bulareyaung, who choreographed for heavy metal music for the first time. “I was determined to take part in creating the music video when I heard the phrase ‘let me stand up like a Taiwanese’ in the song.”
Martial arts director Yang Chih-lung again directed the action part. Different from the video for “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace,” the action scenes in the latest clip are more close quarters combat style. At first, CHTHONIC members thought things would be easier without having to dangle from suspension wire, however, the shooting turned out to be equally challenging.
“The director asked for a real fight, so we did, and got bruises all over our arms and legs,” elaborates vocalist Freddy Lim. In fact, Freddy and guitarist Jesse Liu even harmed the actor who posed as their rival in the shooting. “Before the director called a stop, I was already apologizing. I saw the guy bleeding after he was hit by me,” Liu said.
“It’s hard enough to write music, but it’s even more tiring to shoot a music video,” adds bassist Doris Yeh, who took part in the entire production process. “But I have to say that a video tells a story very well, and CHTHONIC‘s music is especially suitable for a music video, because it contains a strong sense of history. I learned a lot in shooting these three music videos; I would love to have the opportunity to work with more directors.” She also thanked the Kaohsiung City Government and the Film Development and Production Center under the city’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs for their assistance. “A historical scene is the key to the success of the music video; we’re grateful that the city would allow us to shoot the video in a historic building, and provided us all kinds of support in our work.”
View the exclusive video premiere of “Supreme Pain For The Tyrant,” courtesy of Revolver Magazine, at THIS LOCATION.
CHTHONIC’s seventh studio recording, Bú-Tik, was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length. Centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, Bú-Tik highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!”
Bú-Tik Bú-Tik will be released in North America via Spinefarm Records US digitally on June 18, 2013 and on CD June 25 2013. For pre-orders, point your browser HERE.
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