(January 2024) Episode 540 is NINE TREASURES, a folk metal group from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China. Its members are ethnically Mongolian (calling themselves Southern Mongolian), and the music blends heavy metal guitars and drums with traditional Mongolian musical instruments and throat singing. The fusion is quite enjoyable. And maybe there’s a logic to it. Historians have noted parallels between the warrior cultures and civilizational paths of Scandinavians and Mongolians. And since Nordic mythology and imagery seem a natural fit for metal music, as well as offer an explanation for its popularity in Scandinavian countries, perhaps we can see the same with Mongolians. Nine Treasures’ lyrics evoke Mongolian history, landscapes, legends and mythologies.
Favorite album: Wisdom Eyes
Favorite song: Black Heart
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: Try it. I dislike most forms of fusion, but this one feels genuine and instinctive.
Opus Project 
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