Since the 1990’s, black metal has become an important Norwegian cultural export article. Highly popular in many regions of the world, China has so far enjoyed few visits from Norwegian black metal bands. However, that is to change as Trail of Tears brings their black metal to a number of Chinese cities through their ‘Bloodstained China Tour’.
The band, originally formed in 1994, has since experienced several changes in their line-up. This has not prevented the band from releasing six albums, the last one being the highly acclaimed ‘Bloodstained Endurance’. Their seventh album has recently been recorded and is currently in the process of mixing, giving the Chinese audience some hope of hearing Trail of Tears’ latest material as they play their way through China.
Their music style combines gothic and symphonic elements, using both soprano vocals and the characteristic growling often attributed to black metal. The clean vocals are done by female singer Cathrine Paulsen, adding a distinctive feature to the band trough the contrasted vocal harmonies. The rest of the band is otherwise known for delivering hard metal riffs and pulsing rhythm sections, distinctive to the powerful and energetic sound of metal.
With the rise of Norwegian black metal as a global phenomenon, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry has even begun offering training for foreign diplomats in the music genre, as a response to the growing global demand. The general knowledge and interest in this music has on the other hand been limited in China. Perhaps Trail of Tears’ tour will be a door opener for other Norwegian black metal bands’ march into the Chinese musical landscape in the years to come.
Check out these websites for more information about Trail of Tears and their upcoming tour:
http://www.douban.com/event/14720499/
http://www.trailoftears.no/
To listen to the music of Trail of Tears, please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/trailoftearsmetal
Touring schedule:
November 26: Guangzhou, Tekkwun Livehouse
November 27: Shanghai, Shanhai Livehouse
November 28: Wuhan, Vox Livehouse
November 29: Hangzhou, Nine-Ball Livehouse
November 30: Nanjing, Castle Bar
December 2: Xi’an, Aperture Club
December 4: Beijing, Mao Livehouse