Chthonic

They're the best political black metal band ever to come out of Taiwan, but it's doubtful that Chthonic would've received quite as much international attention were it not for their delectable bassist, Doris Yeh. Militantly pro-independence, the group incorporate Taiwanese mythology – and even smatterings of the island's indigenous language – into their songs, along with a judicious dash of two-stringed erhu. You wouldn't see that in Norway, would you? They're returning to Japan after a well-received turn at last year's Loud Park festival.