#26: Black Kirin (黑麒)
China has its large share of amazing artists and Black Kirin is among the most epic.
Background Info (Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives):
Country of origin: China
Location: Changchun, Jilin Province
Status: Active
Formed in: 2012
Genre: Melodic Death/Folk Metal
Lyrical themes: War, History
Current label: Pest Productions
Years active: 2012-present
Death/black metal has been proven to blend seamlessly with Chinese traditional music as exemplified by Taiwanese bands such Chthonic and Bloody Tyrant. However, Black Kirin takes fusion up to several more notches higher by incorporating numerous Chinese folk instruments, apart from the erhu and pipa, such as the dizi, suona, sheng, guzheng, and drums (gu), etc.
The most striking and distinct feature of Black Kirin, however, is their adoption of vocal styles from kunqu or Chinese opera. This, along with dramatic and sorrowful symphonic atmospheres, combined with metal’s extreme qualities, creates a very potent music that cuts through and stimulates one’s emotions.
Aside from their awesome metal songs, the band also does acoustic and soft songs that are more on the folk side — perfect for when the occasion calls for it.
Favorite Albums:
- National Trauma / 哀郢 (2016)
Favorite Songs:
- Yellow River / 黄河 (National Trauma)
- Eagle / 无双 (National Trauma)
