Taiwan’s biggest metal band, CHTHONIC, and Mariska released a surprise collaboration track titled “Näin Määrättiin” (Thus It Was Ordained). This marks the first time ever that Mariska has featured on an extreme metal song.
Although the new track was inspired by the final words Taiwanese prisoners of conscience wrote to their loved ones before their executions, vocalist Freddy Lim realized that—despite historical differences—Finland’s history also holds similar, heart-wrenching stories of separation, loss, and survival.
Delving deeper into the subject, Freddy made a surprising discovery: during the Winter War, Finland’s resistance was frequently reported on in *Taiwan Minpo*, the first newspaper founded by Taiwanese people. At the time, Finland’s struggle against overwhelming odds offered inspiration and encouragement to Taiwanese readers. Many of those readers later became prisoners of conscience in the late 1940s.
The idea that people across the globe could share the same emotions and struggles—and even inspire one another—deeply resonated with Freddy. Around the same time, he became acquainted with Mariska and grew interested in her artistry and poetic lyrical style.
“This reminds me of my good old punk hardcore days; it’s a truly interesting experience!” Mariska continues: “When I first listened to CHTHONIC, their powerful music and videos made a deep impression on me. So, when they contacted me and proposed a collaboration, I agreed almost immediately.”
“I hope listeners can feel the sorrow in the song but also find solace in it. Death is something we all have to face sooner or later, and none of us can avoid it.”
The band’s other key songwriter and guitarist, Jesse Ulas Liu, adds:
“I think this is CHTHONIC’s first love song. It is a love song filled with conflicting emotions—sorrow, guilt, regret, despair, and hopelessness. Although the song still bears CHTHONIC’s signature style, we’ve also incorporated many new elements. I hope our fans find it refreshing.”
During the composition process, bassist Doris Yeh once again finalized the original demo by Freddy and Jesse, helping to shape the track just as she had for the band’s recent releases. “We no longer rush to release music the way we used to. Now, we finally have the opportunity to work carefully on each song, one by one. I really value the fact that we can still make music together, so I wanted to give careful thought to every detail,” says Doris Yeh, adding that she also discovered a surprising connection to Mariska through the latter’s well-known song “Terveisin Doris.”
The members of CHTHONIC are currently literally split between opposite sides of the globe, with Freddy and Doris living in Helsinki and the rest of the band in Taipei.
“Freddy still sends messages on every possible platform!” Dani laughs. “It still feels like he’s right here with us. But that’s a good thing. That attitude keeps us moving and drives us to create new music.”
The music video for the song “Näin Määrättiin” premiered at the Air Guitar World Championships’ Dark Horse Video Show and at the Oulu Music Video Festival.
Freddy Lim, who serves as Taiwan’s representative in Finland, has participated in several events within the European Capital of Culture program in Oulu this year, where he has also given speeches.
“In previous events, I’ve mostly expressed my thoughts through words. Thanks to a kind invitation, I now have the opportunity to express my emotions through music as well,” says Freddy Lim.