Askhan tells Jam Man how he blends throat singing with metal growls, what surprised him on Nine Treasures’ first U.S. tour, and how “Real Dream” shaped Seeking the Absolute.
Watch the full interview on YouTube
What surprised Askhan about American metal crowds
Askhan expected more mosh pits on Nine Treasures’ first U.S. tour with Mushroomhead and Fear Factory. Instead, he noticed fans watching closely to see what the band was playing. At a sold-out Cleveland show in Mushroomhead’s hometown, the crowd’s response and the rush for merch after the set stuck with him. He also hears a connection between Nine Treasures’ strings and sounds familiar to American listeners through country music, from banjos to cigar box guitars.
The HU comparisons and the growl inside Askhan’s vocals
Askhan takes comparisons with The HU in stride. He points out that Nine Treasures come from Inner Mongolia, China, while The HU come from Mongolia. He hears The HU leaning more heavily on throat singing and Nine Treasures putting more emphasis on their instruments. Askhan also explains why he blends a growl into his own technique to give it enough punch alongside distorted guitars. When Jam Man asks for his “throat GOAT,” he points to the Tuvan group Huun-Huur-Tu.
Why “Real Dream” mattered to Seeking the Absolute
Askhan talks about the work of finding a direction for Seeking the Absolute and what it took to get the album’s details and arrangements right. “Real Dream” helped the band find that direction. Some of the material is still tricky to bring to the stage because switching instruments can leave long gaps between songs. After years of doing things themselves, Askhan says the band still has creative freedom with Metal Blade.
The Death Row Meal
Jam Man closes with his signature last-meal question. Askhan’s pick is something from home, possibly dumplings.
Nine Treasures at Metal Blade Records · Nine Treasures on Facebook · Metal Blade tour listings