Taiwanese extreme metal giants Chthonic have returned to the global metal stage with their powerful new single, “Endless Aeons.” In an extensive conversation, vocalist and former parliamentarian Freddy Lim reveals the deeply personal and historical motivations behind the band’s international comeback.
“Endless Aeons” is more than just a single, it’s an emotional and political statement announcing the band’s renewed focus on music after Lim’s retirement from Taiwanese politics. Lim, who served two terms advocating for human rights, discovered through recently opened archives that his grandfather had been a victim of Taiwan’s authoritarian regime during the 228 massacre. This profound revelation became the core inspiration for Chthonic’s latest work.
The single and its video symbolize breaking the cycle of reincarnation and suffering. Lim describes the realization that one doesn’t carry this burden alone as a turning point, captured vividly when the music video’s character breaks through into modern reality, meeting his creators. Musically, “Endless Aeons” features singer Doris Yeh experimenting with traditional Taiwanese enka-style vocals, a creative leap she initially hesitated to undertake.
Lim acknowledges that stepping back from politics was difficult, given his influential role and intense support from constituents. Yet, passing the torch to younger political figures allowed him to return fully to his musical roots.
The band’s forthcoming album, currently without a fixed release date, promises deeper introspection and musical complexity. Lim and guitarist Jesse Liu aim to encapsulate their personal emotions into shorter yet intensely layered compositions. Recent live recordings from Taiwan’s largest festival, Mega Port, will be released as the “MEGAPORTAL 2425” EP, capturing landmark performances where the band’s fictional universe merged vividly with historical reality onstage.
Looking ahead, Chthonic plans to approach future projects at a deliberate pace, prioritizing authenticity over haste. While international touring remains uncertain, Lim emphasizes his enthusiasm to reconnect personally with global audiences. The Taiwanese metal scene he helped pioneer has evolved significantly, with new bands confidently incorporating local heritage into their music.
Chthonic interview 08.05.2025
English article:
Freddy Lim
Producer: Janne Vuorela
https://chthonic.tw/en/
Picture: Chthonic
Chthonic interview from 2021: https://anti-commercial.media/chthonic-30-06-2021/
