Szmadzinski is in charge of remixing for Black Panther's new album, and the musician, also a violinist, performs in the band's songs.

Comparison is inevitable between the new lead and the old one, but Li is confident about Zhang, who majored in Peking Opera at the Central Academy of Drama.

"Since we're starting from a new point, it's good to bring in new resources into our music and change our classic habits a little," says Li.

The new songs in the album also represent a return to the band's roots.

The songs reflect criticism on social problems and also the individual experiences of band members during the past seven years.

Li is not worried about fans comparing the new album with their old ones. "That period was over, and we have to move on," he says.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn.