Aum: "Of Pestilence"

Hong Kong black metal with no gimmicks or lame frills

Featuring fully half of the members of Hong Kong thrash maniacs Aortic Regurgitation, Aum worships at the altar of black metal. Having started out in 2010, it wasn't until 2012 that the Of Pestilence EP found its way from the trio's minds to our ears.

Though Aum are clearly influenced by the second wave of black metal from the Nordic countries, there is a touch of melody present that sternly sets them apart. To the sound of blast beats, the riffs sound like a mix of Immortal and Celtic Frost, with the vocalist ranging somewhere between Abbath and Tom Warrior. Though focused on high speeds, Aum produce some easily discernible riffs that are highly enjoyable in their ruthless simplicity.

Aortic Regurgitation: "Aortic Regurgitation"

Five ruthless broadsides from the East

I don't think anyone would argue against the impact bands like Metallica and Slayer have made on metal as a whole. While thrash metal was a while under way it has held its throne for years. Usually when it comes to thrash USA and Germany in particular come to mind. One thing is for sure, China is one of the places in the modern world you'd least expect to find it.