You know, as a website that has always extensively, and primarily covered folk metal, one of the most wonderful aspects of this genre is sharing cultural experiences from amazing bands around the globe who infuse their heritage with metal. We’ve closely followed the Taiwanese folk metal scene—and the broader scene in general—for many years, witnessing a plethora of incredible acts emerge from that corner of the world. Among them, one of the most notable and a personal favorite of ours has always been NiNi.
I can recall my own introduction to her work some years ago. It was a chance encounter, a serendipitous stumble upon a cover of Zelda’s Lullaby. As a devoted fan of the Legend of Zelda series, I spent more than my fair share of time in Hyrule, so I was drawn in to her work, and her other covers. The familiar melody, reimagined through NiNi’s unique lens, really struck a chord with me.
Since that initial discovery, it’s been great to witness the evolution of her music and the artistic journey she has traveled upon. Which brings us to today, and the exciting release of her brand new collaboration with K-Roww of Infernal Chaos: “GĀN BĒI” 乾杯.
About the track, she comments:
Chinese New Year is about connection and celebration.” With ‘GAN BEI,’ we’ve created a powerful blend of tradition and rebellion, infusing our heritage with the raw energy of metal.
The track opens with the earthy and robust sound of the dàgǔ drum. Its thunderous rhythmic patterns build with a subtle intensity before culminating in a majestic, resounding boom. Whether it be the year of the Dragon, or the year of the Wood Snake, the song brings a serpentine spirit with the Sanxian. Low, vibrant tones hiss and slither, creating an enchanting, scaly symphony. Then, the music explodes into a powerful folk metal anthem with an adrenaline-fueled eruption, like a sudden strike.
The melody that comes in which is infectious and beautifully crafted, giving us a striking contrast to the intense shredding of the guitars that form the backdrop. This interplay between melody and power creates a very cool dynamic and engaging sound. We are then treated to NiNi’s graceful and spellbinding vocals, which puts this gentle spell over you. At this point, K-roww steps in with clean vocals, adding another bit of depth on this dynamic interplay of sound.
In the background, we hear subtle chants of “Hey! Hey!” These chants add an interesting dimension to the song. For a folk metal track, this element actually draws a parallel to Celtic punk, a genre known for similar vocal underlays and chants, particularly in the context of lively drinking songs. This specific similarity, the use of these kinds of vocal interjections, is something I noticed and found particularly awesome. This call-and-response moment creates what I think feels almost like bridge between the two genres, adding a unique flavor to the overall sound.
With the popping and the pouring of a brew, we have this transition as K-Roww steps in with a burst of heavy vocals. His entrance shifts the mood from enchanting to fierce, a very cool contrast that amplifies the song’s duality I feel. His brutal vocal delivery cuts deep, clashing with and complementing her graceful, spellbinding clean vocals that she gave us at the start of the track. I feel like this interplay between K-Roww’s intensity and her ethereal sound creates so many layers of emotion and power to the track.
Lyrically, the song I feel is about the warm embrace of camaraderie, capturing the spirit of reunion and celebration. It feels like a place where friends and family get to gather, reminiscing under the lively atmosphere of Lunar New Year festivities. And it makes you think of the streets where toasts are shared under the glow of lanterns, and really feels like it’s all about this sense of togetherness.
The chorus is about the act of raising glasses, that satisfying clink hitting among those gathered, which is both personal and universally I would say. The words do a great job of putting you in that moment of collective celebration, where every toast reinforces the feeling of belonging. There’s a great line in the song about your glass being full—like asking, ‘Are you raising fish in there or what?’ This admonishment feels like it’s saying, ‘Hey, it’s time to drink up and celebrate.’
The video is visually stunning, set against the historic backdrop of the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden. Watching it feels like stepping into a living painting, where the essence of tradition and music intertwine The cinematography captures centuries-old wooden beams bathed in the soft morning light, revealing ornate carvings. Each camera pan across the courtyard made me imagine the countless stories mixed into these timeless works of art and surroundings.
These visuals are punctuated by some very eye-catching editing choices—smooth transitions that mirror the act of filling up a glass for example, flowing effortlessly into scenes featuring K-Roww. The use of morning light that I mentioned, gives off this dreamy quality, casting long shadows and warm glows over ancient architecture, while sharp cuts and cool transitions lend a modern edge to this historical setting. In a way, the video itself really sums up folk metal by being a fusion of ancient traditions and modern musicality.
The track is now available on streaming platforms, so be sure to check it out.
Something else that is exciting for those of us in the U.S., at the end of February, NiNi Music will be hitting the road alongside a host of folk metal legends. Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, and Trollfest,
The tour kicks off in Boston, Massachusetts, marking the beginning of what promises to be a whirlwind journey through North America. After Boston, NiNi and her fellow musicians will bring their fiery performances to fans in Canada, then make their way to Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles, before eventually wrapping up in Brooklyn, New York, in late March.
This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to experience NiNi Music live, sharing stages with some of the best in the folk metal scene. For those eager to catch a show, a full list of dates and locations is available below—don’t miss the chance to be part of these epic gatherings.
The track is now available on streaming platforms, so be sure to check it out at this link.
In releated news, there are exciting things coming to those of us in North America. Nini will be joining forces with folk metal legends Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, and Trollfest on their upcoming tour. The journey kicks off in Boston, Massachusetts, before making stops in Canada, Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles, finally wrapping up in late March in Brooklyn, New York.
For those looking to catch a live performance, a full list of dates and locations is available below.
Folkfest of the North Tour
02/27 Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
02/28 Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne
03/01 Montreal, QC – Beanfield
03/02 Ottawa, ON – Overflow
03/03 Toronto, ON – The Concert Hall
03/04 Columbus, OH – King Of Clubs
03/05 Pontiac, MI – Crofoot
03/06 Chicago, IL – Outset
03/07 Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
03/08 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
03/09 Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
03/11 Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
03/13 Sacramento, CA – Goldfield Roseville
03/14 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
03/15 Los Angeles, CA – Regent Theater
03/16 San Diego, CA – House Of Blues
03/17 Phoenix, AZ – Nile
03/18 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine
03/20 Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
03/21 Dallas, TX – Granada
03/22 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
03/23 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
03/25 Tampa, FL – Orpheum
03/26 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Heaven
03/27 Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
03/28 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
03/29 Mechanicsburg, PA – Lovedraft’s
03/30 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch