Nine Treasures fusion of Mongolian traditional music and heavy metal has captivated audiences worldwide. We spoke with Askhan about their Metal Blade Records signing, creative evolution, and upcoming reissues and album.
1. Congratulations
on signing with Metal Blade Records! How does it feel to join such an iconic
label, and what does this milestone mean for the band’s future?
Signing
with Metal Blade is a dream come true for us. I remember when I was
in high school I read allot about Metal Blade in a Chinese metal magazine
called Painkiller. The label and their artists were
a massive influence in my musical journey. I’m absolutely
honored to be a part of that family now..
2. Your
music blends heavy metal with traditional Mongolian instruments like the
balalaika and morin khuur. Can you share how you developed this unique sound
and what inspired you to merge these genres?
When I was
a child I grew up with Mongolian traditional music in my house and around all
of my family and friends. Where I grew up there was a radio
station that would play traditional Mongolian music every morning which I was
exposed to. As a teenager I discovered metal bands like: Kill
Switch Engage, Megadeth and In Flames which inspired me to learn how to play
guitar. It was only natural for me and the band members to infuse
the metal music we loved with the traditional music we grew up with.
3. You’ve
performed at major festivals like Wacken Open Air and Woodstock Poland. How
have these experiences shaped your career and connection with international
audiences?
The past 2
years in China we’ve played over 80 festivals that had anywhere from ten to
fifty thousand people per show. The energy we feel at these
shows is incredible. When we played European festivals in the past
we were worried the European fans would not reciprocate the same
energy. However we were absolutely relieved and thrilled at the
response and the love and support we felt from the Western
audiences. We can’t wait to go back and continue growing our
band in Europe, North America, Australia and South America..
4. Your
reissues of Awakening From Dukkha and Wisdom Eyes drop
in January 2025. What motivated you to revisit and re-release these albums, and
how have they been updated for this release?
When these
albums were released, we had limited distribution options. Once we
formed an alliance with Metal Blade we knew that we would have access to a
global audience. We are very proud of these albums and want
more people to be able to access them. It’s an important part of our
journey and evolution as a band. I went back to the original
sessions, remixed the songs, edited some parts to perfect the overall quality
of each song while preserving the raw power of each track so they are the most
current representation of us sonically.
5. The
new album you’ve been working on for five years sounds like a major evolution
for the band. Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process and how it
differs from your earlier work?
We wanted to approach this new album from a perspective that was outside of our normal routine or environment. Myself and the band traveled to Los Angeles where we met and collaborated with very talented western producers, songwriters and composers. We wanted to feel the energy of living in California where we stayed for 9 months. This experience changed my writing process. It inspired me and at the same time it evolved my previous approach to songwriting. The experience changed my perspective on composing music and writing lyrics.
6. As a
practicing Buddhist, Askhan, you’ve mentioned using your music to bring comfort
and ease suffering. How does your spirituality influence the themes and
messages in your music?
Practicing
Buddhism allows me to quiet my mind when I most need it. It gives me
introspect into allowing chaotic things in the World to happen around me while
accepting them as part of my journey. I will often
reference these teachings in my lyrics and composing music from a place of good
intention.
7. The
name Nine Treasures is rooted in Mongolian folklore. Can you tell us more about
the significance of the treasures and how they connect to your music and
storytelling?
Nine
Treasures refers to the nine materials evoked in ancient Mongolian poems as
favoring luck (gold, silver, bronze, iron, agate, amber, jade, pearl and
coral).
8. You’ve
spoken about incorporating “big riffs and inspiring moments” into your new
material. What do you hope listeners will feel or experience when they hear
this upcoming album?
When I was
a kid and got my hands on the Slipknot CD called Iowa, I
played it with my headphones on every night and it took me on a journey every
time I listened to it. It inspired me and motivated
me. It was the most incredible feeling. I couldn’t get
enough of it. I hope to one day have the same impact on people that
discover our music.
9. Your
sound is deeply rooted in pentatonic eastern music. For fans unfamiliar with
this musical tradition, how would you describe its energy and impact on your
compositions?
Mongolian
traditional music has been rooted in Metal basics more than most people would
know. The traditional Mongolian instruments such as Morin Khuur are
tuned in 4ths which are power chords that are the fundamentals of all metal
music.
10. Having
toured extensively in Asia and Europe, what differences have you noticed in the
way audiences around the world connect with your music?
Music fans
are the same everywhere in the world. Music is the universal
language.
11. Your
upcoming reissues and new album mark a pivotal moment in your career. What are
your plans for touring, especially in regions like the U.S. and Europe,
following these releases?
We are
currently organizing a European and American 2025 tour.
12. Finally,
what message would you like to share with your fans, both old and new, as you
embark on this exciting new chapter with Metal Blade Records?
We are
thrilled to be in partnership with the legendary Metal Blade
label. Brian Slagel and his team are the pioneers of Metal
Music. Metallica, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse etc all
owe their origins to the Metal Blade story. They
are the GOATs of metal music and influenced us as well as all metal bands and
fans. We are excited to embark on this journey and grateful to be
partnered with one of the original architects of Metal Music, Brian Slagel and
Metal Blade.
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