Members of Taiwanese death metal band 'Dharma' practising during a rehearsal in Taipei October 18, 2020. — AFP pic
Founder and drummer Jack Tung first came up with the idea 14 years ago after listening to a recording of Tibetan lamas reciting sutras. While many were simply trying to shock, some bands — especially out of Scandinavia — were committed Satanists or vehemently anti-religion.Miao-ben, the Buddhist nun who opened a recent Dharma gig in Taipei with traditional chanting, said she had no issue taking the stage alongside such music.Unlike more dogmatic faiths, she added, Buddhism is syncretic. Bringing Dharma together was not easy.
They sought the advice of Buddhist Master Chan Song, who provided interpretations of the ancient text and rituals. The island transitioned towards democracy in the 1980s and 1990s and Tung devoured whatever he could find. The island’s most famous metal act “Chthonic”, which utilises traditional instruments like the erhu alongside guitars, has toured globally and is fronted by Freddie Lim, a now prominent politician.
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