Professor and Metal Band Lead Singer: Chinese Man Balances Academia and Heavy Metal Music
Liu Yao, a 41-year-old doctoral supervisor at one of China’s top universities, has been identified as the lead singer of the renowned black metal band Zuriaake, South China Morning Post reports.
Liu, who serves as a professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shandong University, specializes in metamaterials and electromagnetic functional materials, making him a prominent figure in both academia and the music scene.
Established in 1998 when Liu was an undergraduate, Zuriaake has carved a niche in the Chinese heavy metal genre, particularly known for their unique performance style and theatricality. The band members — who go by nicknames such as Bloodfire, Bloodsea, and Deadsphere — are noted for performing in straw rain capes, bamboo hats, and veils, concealing their identities during shows.
The band released their acclaimed album “Afterimage of Autumn” in 2007 while Liu was pursuing his master’s degree. This album, which merges black metal with original poetry, quickly gained popularity and is recognized as a landmark in the history of Chinese heavy metal music. Known for their distinct sound, Zuriaake blends traditional black metal with Chinese influences, incorporating samples of traditional instruments like temple blocks, handbells, and the xun, a globular vessel flute. Their lyrics often draw inspiration from classical Chinese poetry, legends, and mythology, with some tracks exceeding 20 minutes in length.
After the band experienced a period of inactivity between 2008 and 2012 — during which Liu was in Germany at the Technical University Berlin completing his doctoral studies — they resumed their musical endeavors. In 2012, Liu returned to China and joined Shandong University, a university ranked 316th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, eventually rising from lecturer to tenured professor and doctoral supervisor by 2020.
Liu’s academic accomplishments are noteworthy; he has published over 80 scientific papers, with 14 featured on the covers of scientific journals, and holds multiple invention patents. His parallel musical career flourished as well, evident in Zuriaake’s 2015 hit, “Gu Yan,” or “Lonely Wild Goose,” which resonated deeply with fans for its evocative lyrics, encapsulating themes of solitude and perseverance.
Liu’s dual identity has sparked lively discussions online, with fans and followers marveling at his ability to balance rigorous academic responsibilities with a thriving music career. Comments range from admiration for his unique combination of pursuits to humor regarding the professor who plays heavy metal by night and conducts metallurgical research by day.
Students at Shandong University have expressed particular pride in Liu’s rocker credentials. One student, who is also a drummer, noted that attaching photos of his band to his application helped him secure Liu as his supervisorю
“My supervisor is this lead singer, and I’m a drummer. When I was competing to be his student, I attached some photos of my band rehearsals and performances in my email, and that made him choose me,” he said.
