Taiwanese extreme metal band CHTHONIC will release their seventh studio album, entitled Bú-Tik, on June 3rd via Spinefarm Records. Check out the album artwork, designed by Oink Chen, below:

Bú-Tik tracklisting:

'Arising Armament' (intro)

'Supreme Pain For The Tyrant'

'Sail Into The Sunset's Fire'

'Next Republic'

'Rage Of My Sword'

'Between Silence And Death'

'Resurrection Pyre'

'Set Fire To The Island'

'Defenders Of Bu-Tik Palace'

'Undying Rearmament' (outro)

Listen to 'Next Republic', streaming below:

Bú-Tik was 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 & justifiable defence”; once more, it takes the listener deep into the folklore & history of exotic Taiwan.

Says bassist and band spokesperson, Doris Yeh: “We are very proud to present Bú-Tik to the world; it talks about self-defence, 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!”

First single, 'Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace’, will be made available digitally shortly via Spinefarm Records, 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 are confirmed to play on the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday, June 15th at the Download Festival 2013, set to take place over the weekend of June 14th - 16th 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 utilise 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…”

Plans are currently being discussed for an autumn UK tour. Updates to follow.