For all that folk metal has brought to the table this year, there is one particular of the sound that I have found strange in its lack representation in the face of the genre doing so well: the greater Asian scene. There’s always so much potential to be had across much of what Asia can bring to the table in metal, and it absolutely applies to folk metal just as much. We’ve seen a little bit of a rise in Asian metal in recent years, and Nine Treasures has been a big part of that conversation for some time now. Honing their craft for over ten years, this act has only grown in power with time. That proves true yet again with their fifth album.

Just like folk metal as a whole, the raw possibilities that can be delivered throughout folk metal with a strong understanding of Asian heritage, folklore, and instrumentation is something that can really turn heads when put in the right hands. Ever since their beginning, Nine Treasures has proven itself to be a very capable set of hands as their Mongolian theme has taken them far and above much of the competition in what folk metal has to offer to make this name one of the need-to-know acts not just in the Asian scene as a whole, but a force that demands to be recognized on a global scale. Across an impressively diverse set of nine tracks, “Seeking the Absolute” furthers the legacy of Nine Treasures in such a form that is simply undeniable. Heaviness and atmosphere go hand-in-hand throughout this entire effort while it’s at every turn Nine Treasures uses their deep knowledge of myths and unique instruments to elevate their sound to something far more than mere poem recital. The very world of Nine Treasures springs to life in captivating form throughout “Seeking the Absolute”. The realm overflows with light, becomes a warm rich place where the spirits dance freely, and it’s before such profound intensity powered by a unique sense of euphoria that one cannot help but become enveloped fully by such magnificence.

Nine Treasures hasn’t needed to prove anything for some time now with their magnitude and splendor nothing that can be denied for multiple albums now, yet there’s something magical about what’s been brought forth here that I cannot quite put my finger on. An ancient corner of the world is brought to life once again and given extreme justice for all that it can be to make “Seeking the Absolute” not just a record hoping to tap into its heritage, but, rather, a gorgeous creation that takes into consideration so much and executes it all with staggering flair and glory.

“Seeking the Absolute” releases on October 24th via Metal Blade Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Seeking the Absolute” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Nine Treasures on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Nine Treasures on Instagram here.