You may have followed along with the recent Mongolian folk metal craze via The Hu, however true fans know that Nine Treasures were the first group to merge heaviness with throat singing and instrumentation including morin khuur, balalaika, or tovshuur. Several years ago, the Inner Mongolia-based act dropped a compilation titled Awakening from Dukkha, showcasing re-recordings of select tracks like “Black Heart,” “Wisdom Eyes,” “Tes River’s Hymn,” and even “Nomin Dalai,” originally off their 2012 debut album –十丈铜嘴 – Arvan Ald Guulin Honshoor. Now, the band has announced their full-fledged return with a new single and album.
Practicing buddhist and founding frontman Askhan crafts the subdued, yet dynamic and infectious track “Real Dream.” Although omitting the signature throat singing shown in previous material, the single features morin khuur (sometimes referred to as a horsehead fiddle) as well as a Tool-like progressive groove bridge.
Additionally, the band announced their upcoming album Seeking the Absolute, dropping October 24th via Metal Blade Records. One can assume the record will boast some throat singing!