Taiwanese metal band ChthoniC (閃靈) is to hold a concert at a human rights park in New Taipei City on Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of Amnesty International Taiwan and raise funds for its causes.
The show at the Jingmei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Park will take the form of a folk music concert, said Freddy Lim (林昶佐), lead vocalist of the band and chairman of Amnesty International Taiwan.
All proceeds from ticket sales, which have so far surpassed NT$700,000 (US$23,200), will be donated to Amnesty International Taiwan, Lim said.
Photo: CNA
He said his band has decided to tune down its heavy metal music for fear that it would disturb nearby residents.
“The park is not a traditional concert venue,” he said.
Through the concert, Lim hopes to encourage the public, especially the younger generation, to take part in more activism, such as the release of political prisoners in other countries and campaigns against sexual exploitation.
Singer-songwriter Chen Ming-chang (陳明章) and Ke Jen-chien (柯仁堅), vocalist of punk-rock band LTK (Loh Tsui Kweh) Commune (濁水溪公社) will also make guest appearances, Lim said.
ChthoniC’s lyrics are inspired by Taiwanese legends, history and folklore, and its heavy metal music incorporates melodies from Taiwanese opera and folk melodies. Traditional instruments such as the box zither and the two-stringed erhu are also often heard in its songs.
The five-member group is one of the best-known Taiwanese bands overseas. It won Taiwan’s Golden Melody Best Band award in 2003 and was voted second best band by readers of the British extreme metal magazine Terrorizer in 2009.
The group is also known for its human rights activism and for advocating independence for Taiwan.
Founded in London in 1961, Amnesty International works to protect human rights around the world. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. The Taiwan chapter of the organization was established in 1994.
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