PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Evocation 招魂 are the Chinese winners of this years Wacken Metal Battle. They play at Wacken along with all the other Metal Battle winners from all over the world to compete for the Over All Metal Battle Champion!
Can you give the readers a quick introduction to the band.
Formed in 2002, Evocation 招魂 is considered to be one of the leading black death metal bands in HK. It was founded by Tomy Chiu, the vocal and guitarist and there was a few lineup shifts in the past 11 years. And the current lineup was formed since 2010: Tai Tam (Guitar), Chung Chow (Bass), Man Leung (Drums), Ho (Synth)
Evocation招魂 is characterized by its blending of Eastern instrumentation and black death metal. Much of the lyrical content is based on the interest in Taoism, Buddhism and the related evocation rites. Songs are written to inspire and awake the mass to walk out of the control of the authoritative dictatorship of any aspect.
How would you describe your sound.
A blend of Eastern instrumentation and black death metal.
How would you describe the metal music scene in your country? What has changed over the last few years.
The metal scene in Hong Kong has been always the same for the past 20 years. The numbers of death core bands and “trendy” synth metal are increasing, but there are just around just 5 death/black metal bands. There are only around 20 metal bands that are active in Hong Kong.
On the other hand, the metal scene in mainland China is thriving. Four bands played in WOA: Nine Treasures, Spring Autumn, Suffocated & The Falling. They are heavy and yet different. You can find lots of different metal in mainland China, from traditional thrash metal to Chinese opera black metal. The 330 Metal Festival found in Beijing is getting bigger and starts to hold the festival in other places in mainland China
Why did you enter the WOA Metal Battle Competition.
WOA Metal Battle Competition is the ultimate goal of any metal band in Hong Kong/China. We aim to bring our music out of China and learn more from WOA.
What was your initial reaction when you found out that you have won & you were playing at Wacken.
We just couldn’t believe it. The finalists of WOA Metal Battle China are all very good and we never thought of winning at all. We were very excited when we found out we won and we did thank our “tao”
What was the best and worst part of the competition for you.
The worst part of the competition was our musical instruments were actually detained at the custom in the airport (because lacking of authorization document of bringing instruments. Unbelievable!!!). It turned out that the best thing is actually meeting metal bands from all over China who are very kind and helpful. With help of Zakk Wu, the chief editor of Painkiller magazine, we borrowed guitars and bass from a stoner metal called Never Before, so that we could perform.
Would you recommend the competition to other bands? Any hints/tips for bands that are looking to enter.
We definitely recommend it other bands. The competition is great. This is the only chance to pull metal bands in your country together. And if you want to join, get yourself prepared and sound different.
What can the audience expect from you at the festival.
Chinese. Eastern. Taoism.
What has been the bands biggest achievement so far.
Entering WOA Metal Battle Competition with our music blending death metal with Eastern instrumentation.
Have you ever been to Wacken before? If so when and what did you enjoy most about it.
Never
What is your opinion of the Wacken line-up.
The line-up is perfect!!! It’s just perfect. If possible, I want to see Death in the future in any form.
Can you sum up Wacken in one sentence.
The world’s heaviest metal festival that one should never miss out.
Any message you wish to pass on to the PM readers.
Sing with us to condemn injustice and corruption and release souls from purgatory.
Links :
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Evocation-%E6%8B%9B%E9%AD%82/491006354294741
