Doris Yeh plays bass for Chthonic, a Taiwanese extreme metal band who mix traditional culture with scorched-throat vocals and lightening-speed guitar. They are well-known for their human rights activism, and Doris has also become a bit of a sex symbol. Wheel asked her how it all fits together.
By Victoria Ford
How did you get into extreme metal? My band mates at university listened to metal music all the time, so I played a lot of songs from bands like Slayer, Metallica and Megadeth. After I met Chthonic, they took me into the world of extreme metal.
What did you study in university, and how has that influenced what you’re doing now? I studied public administration. I found it quite boring to be honest, but it did arouse my interest in both politics and law. I think that is why I now have an awareness of social justice and human rights. Besides those two courses, I tended to stay at home playing my guitar or rehearsing with my band mates.
You use Chthonic to promote culture, freedom and human rights. Why is metal a good genre for conveying your messages? Our songs are all about Oriental mythology and history. In order to advance the things we believe in, we have assumed the role of promoter for special events like the Free Tibet Concert and a popular annual happening called the Formoz Festival in Taiwan, which promotes music and human rights. When we play in foreign countries, we bring messages of human rights and freedom.
Being so politically active and vocal about Taiwanese independence, do you feel safe going back home? What does your family think of your work? Taiwan is still a safe place for me, but I don’t know what will happen in the future because our democracy seems to be taking some backward steps right now. I’ll try my very best not to let this kind of thing happen, we want to keep Taiwan as an independent country. My family think this is the right thing to do and they respect my decisions on these matters.
Do you also use your modelling, such as for FHM, GQ and Front magazine, to promote your causes or is it just something you enjoy? I think it just adds to my life experiences. I’m also involved in a locally-made movie that will be in the theatres early next year. I appreciate that I have the chance to do so many different things in my life, even though music is still the very best thing for me.
As a musician and political activist, how do you feel about being called one of “the hottest chicks in metal” by revolvermag.com, and often having people refer to your appearance? It’s not something I’ve set out to achieve, so I was very surprised when it happened, actually. However, beauty will fade some day so I’ll keep it as a good memory, and it will definitely be something to talk about when I’m a grandma! 
Chthonic’s website
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