Taiwanese Metallers Chthonic will release their seventh studio album, "Bú-Tik", on June 3 via Spinefarm Records.

Recorded at Sweden's Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011's "Takasago Army", "Bú-Tik" sees the band returning to the scene with their signature brand of symphonic "orient metal," as they choose to define it. As usual, the musicians continue on their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and thetragic events in their country's history.

"Bú-Tik" — based around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution — highlights "righteous violence and justifiable defence"; once more, it takes the listener deep into the folklore and history of exotic Taiwan.

Says Chthonic bassist and band spokesperson Doris Yeh: "We are very proud to present 'Bú-Tik' to the world. It talks about self-defense, righteous violence and the armed spirits! With this album, we have pushed ourselves to achieve new heights — heights we've never imagined before! We are leading metal fans to the next episode of Chthonic!"

"Bú-Tik" track listing:

01. Arising Armament (intro)
02. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant
03. Sail Into The Sunset's Fire
04. Next Republic
05. Rage Of My Sword
06. Between Silence And Death
07. Resurrection Pyre
08. Set Fire To The Island
09. Defenders Of Bu-Tik Palace
10. Undying Rearmament (outro)

The song "Next Republic" can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below.

The first single, "Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace", will be made available digitally shortly, with a very special video to follow.

"For this clip, the first in a series of four, we decided to put ourselves through one month of martial arts training, to prepare ourselves properly," explains Doris. "Finally, a couple of days ago, we filmed the video over a 24-hour period, and we are all now covered in bruises and completely exhausted… it's not easy to go at it for such an extended period!"

On the live front, Chthonic is confirmed to play on the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday, June 15 at the Download festival at its historical stamping ground of Donington Park.

Chthonic last appeared at Download in 2011, but for this follow-up show, they are returning in greater numbers, the plan being to utilize the skills of the oriental orchestra.

Says Doris: "This is the first time we’ll have played with the orchestra outside of Taiwan. We're really hoping to present a show that people will be talking about for some time to come."