Year : 1996 (Deluxe Digipak Edition 2014) Style : Symphonic Operatic Metal Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 170 mb
Bio:
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by Occultist Aleister Crowley'.Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre.In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.On February 14, 2012, Therion announced it was recording a studio album and had planned a 25th Anniversary Tour.Les Fleurs du Mal was released on September 28.The album was not released by Nuclear Blast, but financed and released by Johnsson's own label, Adulruna. He calls Les Fleurs an "art project", which includes not only the music, but also special inlay graphics and video clips - later partly released on a limited edition DVD. The album consisted of covers of French chansons and pop songs that were performed in the band's style.On the release day the 25th Anniversary Tour was also started through Europe, also featuring the album's contributing keyboardist Stefan Jernståhl.On September 14, Johnsson posted a statement on the band's website about developing a rock metal opera, and that the band will not be doing any major tours or releasing studio albums.According this in 2013 the band played only at three minor summer festivals in Europe.In April 2013 this statement was reconsidered by Johnsson itself, and the Rock Opera Unveiled Tour was scheduled for December 2013 with 15 European gigs, to test the fans' acceptance on the new material. The main framework of these shows didn't only include excerpts from the future rock opera, but also the entire Vovin album due to its 15th anniversary.On February 21, 2014 two new releases were put on market: a deluxe edition of Theli - including three bonus tracks from A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming and a DVD with Theli's live performance - and a DVD set Adulruna Rediviva And Beyond with the 2007 Anniversary concert in Budapest and the 2011 Atlanta show.
Album:
Theli is the fifth studio album by Swedish symphonic metal band Therion. While Theli stays true to the band's roots in that it has a very dark sound, it is a major turning point in their history. Set, Egyptian god, is shown on the front cover.This was the last album on which Christofer Johnsson sang until 2004's "Lemuria". A music video was filmed for the song "To Mega Therion". The song To Mega Therion appears in the shockumentary film Traces of Death IV.
Line-Up:
Christofer Johnsson - Guitars, Keyboards (1987-present), Vocals (1987-2006), Programming (2006) - See also: ex-Carbonized, ex-Procreation, ex-Demonoid, ex-Excruciate, ex-Messiah Lars Rosenberg – bass guitar Jonas Mellberg – guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards Piotr Wawrzeniuk – drums, vocals
Guest musicians:
Dan Swanö – vocals Jan Peter Genkel – grand piano, keyboards, programming Gottfried Koch – keyboards, programming
Tracklist:
01. Preludium 01:43 instrumental 02. To Mega Therion 06:33 03. Cults of the Shadow 05:13 04. In the Desert of Set 05:27 05. Interludium 01:47 instrumental 06. Nightside of Eden 07:29 07. Opus Eclipse 03:40 instrumental 08. Invocation of Naamah 05:30 09. The Siren of the Woods 09:53 10. Grand Finale/Postludium 04:04 instrumental 11. In Remembrance (Bonus Track) 12. Black Fairy (European Metal Version) (Bonus Track) 13. Fly to the Rainbow (Scorpions cover) (Bonus Track)
Year : 2018 Style : Symphonic Operatic Metal Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video Size : 470 mb
Bio:
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by Occultist Aleister Crowley'.Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre.In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.On February 14, 2012, Therion announced it was recording a studio album and had planned a 25th Anniversary Tour.Les Fleurs du Mal was released on September 28.The album was not released by Nuclear Blast, but financed and released by Johnsson's own label, Adulruna. He calls Les Fleurs an "art project", which includes not only the music, but also special inlay graphics and video clips - later partly released on a limited edition DVD. The album consisted of covers of French chansons and pop songs that were performed in the band's style.On the release day the 25th Anniversary Tour was also started through Europe, also featuring the album's contributing keyboardist Stefan Jernståhl.On September 14, Johnsson posted a statement on the band's website about developing a rock metal opera, and that the band will not be doing any major tours or releasing studio albums.According this in 2013 the band played only at three minor summer festivals in Europe.In April 2013 this statement was reconsidered by Johnsson itself, and the Rock Opera Unveiled Tour was scheduled for December 2013 with 15 European gigs, to test the fans' acceptance on the new material. The main framework of these shows didn't only include excerpts from the future rock opera, but also the entire Vovin album due to its 15th anniversary.On February 21, 2014 two new releases were put on market: a deluxe edition of Theli - including three bonus tracks from A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming and a DVD with Theli's live performance - and a DVD set Adulruna Rediviva And Beyond with the 2007 Anniversary concert in Budapest and the 2011 Atlanta show.
Album:
When you try to picture the word “epic”, you think of something bigger than you can comprehend. Something grandiose and awe-inspiring.These are the feelings that this new Therion record evokes.For those who are uninitiated, Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded in 1988. They started out as a death metal band but started to incorporate orchestral elements such as choirs, string sections and classical singing. They’ve put out 15 full length records and ‘Beloved Antichrist’ is their latest offering.There is one important thing to note about this record, which makes it a bit hard to review it. This is a metal opera. There are themes and motifs occurring and re-occurring throughout. Melodies are revisited in different configurations and much of the texture of the record is tightly woven with the story, which you will have to dig into yourself if you want to enjoy this record.This is a 46 track behemoth that is separated into 3 acts and lasts over 3 and a half hours featuring 29 characters played by 29 singers. The story is loosely based on Vladímir Soloviov’s “A Short Tale Of The Antichrist”. Band mastermind Christofer Johnsson remarks “It is simply the main idea of the antichrist character that is very much based on the book.“ It’s not a record that you can casually play in the background. The scale and proportion of this record is beyond anything that I have ever witnessed or heard of.The tracks are well structured with dramatic mezzo soprano vocal styles over a tight rhythm section and layered guitar work. There are huge choirs featured on “Signs Are Here” and “Never Again”. “The Crowning Of Splendour” and “Astral Sophia” have a sense of urgency and mystery that add some flavor and variation from the other tracks. You’ve got sounds ranging from 80s ballads to orchestration similar to the romantic era of western classical music. There is no real way to pick a favourite track only because it’s a story and each track has a part to play. The last track on the record does have a similar riff pattern to Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song”. Imagine you’re watching a theater act or a musical when you’re listening to this album. The more you read into and let your imagination fly, the more you will get out of this record. It’s not a record you can listen to while you’re doing mundane activities.I will confess that time constraints allowed me to listen to this album only twice, over a period, in multiple sittings. That’s not the suggested way to listen to this as you would not watch a musical in multiple sittings. This album did seem exhausting to digest in one sitting and that may be it’s only weakness – it’s just too long. I do hope they have a theatrical element to it when they take this music out on the road.Only multiple listens will give you a sense of what Therion have set out to accomplish and the sheer ambition of their endeavor is a testament to their belief in their craft. As far as production is concerned – this is as good as production gets. Instruments are well balanced and don’t overshadow any other. This is especially important with heavy orchestration going on supporting and driving the melodies.If you’re looking for an experience in the perfect marriage of classical symphonic music and metal, you must look no further than this record. Grab your favourite pair of headphones and strap in for this journey that you’re going to embark on.
Line-Up:
Christofer Johnsson Guitars, Keyboards (1988-present), Vocals (1988-2006), Programming (2006-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra, ex-Carbonized, ex-Procreation, ex-Demonoid, ex-Excruciate, ex-Messiah Sami Karppinen Drums (1998-2001, 2017-present) - See also: Curse, ex-Natsipaska, ex-Ruoska Nalle Påhlsson Bass (2008-present) - See also: The Experiment No.Q, Vindictiv, Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), Gathering of Kings, Hardcore Circus, Last Autumn's Dream, Zan Clan, ex-Animal, ex-Ludor (live), ex-Chris Laney, ex-Treat Thomas Vikström Vocals, Flute (2009-present) - See also: 7days, Dark Illusion, Mehida, Stormwind, Covered Call, Enlighted, ex-Candlemass, ex-Demon Angels, ex-Silent Memorial, ex-Tommy Vitaly, ex-Afterglow, ex-Brazen Abbot, ex-Talisman, ex-Talk of the Town, ex-Thomas Vikström, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live), ex-Vinnie Vincent Invasion (live) Christian Vidal Guitars (2010-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), ex-Cuero, ex-Magnos, ex-The Road Vultures, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Lori Lewis Vocals (2011-present) - See also: ex-Aesma Daeva, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live)
Tracklist:
CD1:
01. Turn from heaven 02. Where will you go? 03. Through dust through rain 04. Signs are here 05. Never again 06. Bring her home 07. The solid black beyond 08. The crowning of splendour 09. Morning has broken 10. Garden of peace 11. Our destiny 12. Anthem 13. The palace ball 14. Jewels from afar 15. Hail caesar 16. What is wrong? 17. Nothing but my name
CD2:
01. The arrival of apollonius 02. Pledging loyalty 03. Night reborn 04. Dagger of god 05. Temple of new jerusalem 06. The lions roar 07. Bringing the gospel 08. Laudate dominum 09. Remaining silent 10. Behold antichrist 11. Cursed by the fallen 12. Résurrection 13. To where I weep 14. Astral sophia 15. Thy will be done
CD3:
01. Shoot them down 02. Beneath the starry skies 03. Forgive me 04. The wasteland of my heart 05. Burning the palace 06. Prelude to war 07. Day of wrath 08. Rise to war 09. Time has come / final battle 10. My voyage carries on 11. Striking darkness 12. Seeds of time 13. To shine forever 14. Thème of antichrist
Year : 2021 Style : Symphonic Operatic Metal Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 170 mb
Bio:
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by Occultist Aleister Crowley'.Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre.In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.On February 14, 2012, Therion announced it was recording a studio album and had planned a 25th Anniversary Tour.Les Fleurs du Mal was released on September 28.The album was not released by Nuclear Blast, but financed and released by Johnsson's own label, Adulruna. He calls Les Fleurs an "art project", which includes not only the music, but also special inlay graphics and video clips - later partly released on a limited edition DVD. The album consisted of covers of French chansons and pop songs that were performed in the band's style.On the release day the 25th Anniversary Tour was also started through Europe, also featuring the album's contributing keyboardist Stefan Jernståhl.On September 14, Johnsson posted a statement on the band's website about developing a rock metal opera, and that the band will not be doing any major tours or releasing studio albums.According this in 2013 the band played only at three minor summer festivals in Europe.In April 2013 this statement was reconsidered by Johnsson itself, and the Rock Opera Unveiled Tour was scheduled for December 2013 with 15 European gigs, to test the fans' acceptance on the new material. The main framework of these shows didn't only include excerpts from the future rock opera, but also the entire Vovin album due to its 15th anniversary.On February 21, 2014 two new releases were put on market: a deluxe edition of Theli - including three bonus tracks from A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming and a DVD with Theli's live performance - and a DVD set Adulruna Rediviva And Beyond with the 2007 Anniversary concert in Budapest and the 2011 Atlanta show.
Album:
Therion are a Swedish symphonic/operatic metal band and this is their seventeenth album.Where do you go after a three-hour metal opera marathon such as 2018’s Beloved Antichrist? Well, in Therion’s case, you condense, you prioritise arena-friendly catchiness, and you produce 46 minutes of thoroughly enjoyable material.Yes, this time around Therion have focused their attention on crafting crowd-pleasing, song-based tracks, and the album is full of catchy choruses and memorable songcraft. These new tracks are operatic/symphonic power metal songs, with bombastic atmosphere and rich arrangements. The songs are easily accessible for fans of power and symphonic metal, and have clearly been designed to appeal to a broad base. This is no bad thing at all in this case, as the music has an authentic, honest quality to it that belies its ostentatious nature. Balancing instant gratification against replay ability well, these new songs hit the mark very nicely indeed.The songs show good diversity within the musical framework that the band use, with a good selection of blood-pumping anthems, heartfelt ballads, and atmospheric pieces deployed, as a few examples. The music is as well-written, arranged, and produced as you would expect for a band of Therion’s stature, and there are plenty of earworms here to keep drawing the listener back, (Psalm of Retribution is a particular favourite of mine).There’s a great variety of vocals and vocal styles on display across the album, as is the norm for Therion, from power metal singing to full-blown operatic vocals and choirs. Guests appear too, including the male singer of Nightwish, (who has a voice I always love to hear), and current/ex-members of Scardust/Candlemass.The album reminds me much more of mid-period Therion than Beloved Antichrist did, (think Vovin to Sirius B), so if that classic run of albums does it for you, then you should find much to enjoy on Leviathan.I really, really enjoyed this album. Despite having a certain nostalgic quality to it, it stands tall in its own right by building on a classic era of the band’s discography and delivering a very fine collection of metal songs. If you’re a fan of symphonic power metal, why wouldn’t you seek out Leviathan‘s many charms? Very highly recommended.
Line-Up:
Lori Lewis - Vocals (2011-present) - See also: ex-Aesma Daeva, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Christofer Johnsson - Guitars, Keyboards (1988-present), Vocals (1988-2006), Programming (2006-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra, ex-Carbonized, ex-Procreation, ex-Demonoid, ex-Excruciate, ex-Messiah Sami Karppinen - Drums (1998-2001, 2017-present) - See also: Curse, ex-Natsipaska, ex-Ruoska Nalle Påhlsson - Bass (2008-present) - See also: The Experiment No.Q, Vindictiv, Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), Gathering of Kings, Hardcore Circus, Last Autumn's Dream, Zan Clan, ex-Animal, ex-Ludor (live), ex-Chris Laney, ex-Treat Thomas Vikström - Vocals, Flute (2009-present) - See also: 7days, Dark Illusion, Mehida, Stormwind, Covered Call, Enlighted, ex-Candlemass, ex-Demon Angels, ex-Silent Memorial, ex-Tommy Vitaly, ex-Afterglow, ex-Brazen Abbot, ex-Talisman, ex-Talk of the Town, ex-Thomas Vikström, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live), ex-Vinnie Vincent Invasion (live) Christian Vidal - Guitars (2010-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), ex-Cuero, ex-Magnos, ex-The Road Vultures, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live)
Tracklist:
01. The Leaf on the Oak of Far 03:38 02. Tuonela 04:37 03. Leviathan 04:01 04. Die Wellen der Zeit 03:46 05. Aži Dahāka 03:06 06. Eye of Algol 04:03 07. Nocturnal Light 05:37 08. Great Marquis of Hell 02:36 09. Psalm of Retribution 05:03 10. El Primer Sol 03:37 11. Ten Courts of Diyu 05:29 12. Eye of Algol (Alternative Vocal Version) 04:05 (Bonus Track) 13. Tuonela (Full Marco Vocal Version) 04:41 (Bonus Track) 14. Tuonela (Alternative Vocal Version) 04:41 (Bonus Track) 15. Tuonela (Instrumental Version) 04:40 instrumental (Bonus Track) 16. Tuonela (Orchestra Version) 04:33 instrumental (Bonus Track)
Year : 2022 Style : Symphonic Operatic Metal Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 130 mb
Bio:
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by Occultist Aleister Crowley'.Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre.In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.On February 14, 2012, Therion announced it was recording a studio album and had planned a 25th Anniversary Tour.Les Fleurs du Mal was released on September 28.The album was not released by Nuclear Blast, but financed and released by Johnsson's own label, Adulruna. He calls Les Fleurs an "art project", which includes not only the music, but also special inlay graphics and video clips - later partly released on a limited edition DVD. The album consisted of covers of French chansons and pop songs that were performed in the band's style.On the release day the 25th Anniversary Tour was also started through Europe, also featuring the album's contributing keyboardist Stefan Jernståhl.On September 14, Johnsson posted a statement on the band's website about developing a rock metal opera, and that the band will not be doing any major tours or releasing studio albums.According this in 2013 the band played only at three minor summer festivals in Europe.In April 2013 this statement was reconsidered by Johnsson itself, and the Rock Opera Unveiled Tour was scheduled for December 2013 with 15 European gigs, to test the fans' acceptance on the new material. The main framework of these shows didn't only include excerpts from the future rock opera, but also the entire Vovin album due to its 15th anniversary.On February 21, 2014 two new releases were put on market: a deluxe edition of Theli - including three bonus tracks from A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming and a DVD with Theli's live performance - and a DVD set Adulruna Rediviva And Beyond with the 2007 Anniversary concert in Budapest and the 2011 Atlanta show.
Album:
With defiant determination rarely found in a metal band, THERION have always and exclusively done what they deemed right. Never did they stick to a successful formula, never did they give in to fickle friends like expectation, commercial aspects or trends. Now, more than three decades into their storied career, they actually do something every fan had hoped for but never actually thought possible. “We wanted to give fans what they want this time,” is how musical mastermind Christofer Johnsson describes the second part in a trilogy of THERION “hit records”. “Leviathan II” is a mystic, melancholic, epic, heavy, orchestral, catchy and atmospheric sonic feast distilling the essence of THERION in magnificent songs!I double-check their discography, and sure as rain, Leviathan II is no less than Therion’s 18th full-length studio album. You will not find anything truly new here, but it is greatly more varied than its predecessor, and probably the band’s most memorable album in over a decade.Now, I cannot say that Therion’s output as of late has been all that relevant to me, but this is a band to which I have a long-standing personal connection. It was one of the very first bands I fell in love with as a young teenager, having recently discovered metal by way of Nightwish’s Oceanborn, and I have spent countless hours listening to every album released before 2010. Hell, even my username is one I have used on various sites since my teens after appropriating it from the song “Up To Netzach” from A’arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming (not so much because it is a great song and album, because, nah). Thus, I felt the need to appoint myself for reviewing their latest effort, with a fair share of trepidation associated to the task. This trepidation mainly stems from the fact that I have not truly enjoyed a Therion album since the excellent prog opus Gothic Kabbalah, which by now is (counting the years in my head)... wow, 16 years ago? Damn, that is old. Damn, Therion is old. Damn, I am old.Enter the 2020s, then, to find a band finding its way back halfway through to its roots. As pointed out by Radu in his review, “With Leviathan, Therion give you exactly what you want.” While that was certainly the band’s mentality in the making of Leviathan II’s predecessor, Therion certainly did not give me what I want from a Therion album in 2021; being a hit parade of songs all veering into symphonic pop territory resulting in an album full of tunes so equally memorable that to this day I still can only remember the best one of them, namely “Tuonela”. My hopes were kindled slightly after reading an interview with Christofer where he says that Leviathan II would be more “dark and melancholic”, with more experimental and progressive songs, and compared it to 1998s high-water mark Vovin.So, how does Leviathan II compare to my expectations? For starters, the much more varied songwriting and, I feel, more natural performances on display here meant I needed only half a play through to decide in favour of this album over its predecessor. It starts out with the 2½-minute short, but sweet, “Aeon Of Maat” (referring to the Egyptian goddess of truth, balance and justice). There is an airy sparseness to the instrumentation which adds a certain bounce to the layered interplay of Thomas Vikström’s tenor and Lori Lewis’ soprano, and while it is grandiose and memorable, I would hesitate to say it opts for “catchy”, instead moving quickly through its motions and ending in a blistering guitar solo by Christian Vidal.“Litany Of The Fallen” is the latest of Therion’s many odes to Satan, and reminds me of the fact that this is still the band whose main lyricist used to be Thomas Karlsson, founder of the occult Swedish left-hand-path organisation Dragon Rouge. It is one of the singles released ahead of the full album, and one of the songs most similar to Leviathan. It is here it becomes apparent that the main fault of said predecessor was not so much the quality of the music itself, but the fact that it was a collection of songs that all fought for the same spot in your memory: that of the album’s top hit. While “Alchemy Of The Soul” follows up with another catchy number, it goes through more progressive sections, and about midway through the lush power ballad “Lunar Coloured Fields”, I find “Litany Of The Fallen” still fresh in memory rather than any of its impact having been taken away by following songs, as they all deliver a variety of impressions that nestle snugly beside, rather than on top of, each other in my memory.Next follow two lukewarm songs about the prime minister of Hell and the fiery origins of djinns, respectively, and then another pseudo-progressive power ballad where any momentum in the tracklist meets a bitter end. Luckily, “Midnight Star” remedies this with a hard-rocking riff and Lori’s intense performance in the verses trading place with a high-octave, albeit slightly uninspired, chorus by Vikström in the “Beauty and the Beast” fashion Therion pioneered in the 90s and helped become a mainstay of gothic and symphonic metal alike. “Codex Gigas” is another memorable, epic arena rocker which makes it clear to me that the best parts of Leviathan II are the rocking, riffing, catchy cuts - but this only thanks to much of the tracklist not being deliberate hit songs, instead consisting of progressive and classical mid-paced pieces replete with lots and lots of layered operatic trickery.All in all, Leviathan II is much more memorable than its predecessor, mostly thanks to literally every song not being equally memorable; the greater variety in compositional approach and dynamic tracklisting resulting in a very decent album. The one problem with Leviathan that persists is a slightly flat production that does not offer enough room for all the orchestrations and sometimes puts too much focus on the vocals, to the point that the instrumentation drowns behind them. There is something to say about the lack of innovation, but as the 2010s showed, innovation is not necessarily a good thing for this band (any more).The result of more varied songwriting and lusher execution makes Leviathan II an enjoyable, albeit unsurprising listen, and it is at least on par with Sitra Ahra, which makes it the best Therion album in over a decade. Still, it is a far shot from Vovin, Secret Of The Runes, or Gothic Kabbalah, but by the 18th album in a band’s career I think we can accept the stellar performances and decent music in all its predictable glory, no?
Line-Up:
Lori Lewis - Vocals (2011-present) - See also: ex-Aesma Daeva, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Christofer Johnsson - Guitars, Keyboards (1988-present), Vocals (1988-2006), Programming (2006-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra, ex-Carbonized, ex-Procreation, ex-Demonoid, ex-Excruciate, ex-Messiah Nalle Påhlsson - Bass (2008-present) - See also: The Experiment No.Q, Vindictiv, Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), Gathering of Kings, Hardcore Circus, Last Autumn's Dream, Zan Clan, ex-Animal, ex-Ludor (live), ex-Chris Laney, ex-Treat Thomas Vikström - Vocals, Flute (2009-present) - See also: 7days, Dark Illusion, Mehida, Stormwind, Covered Call, Enlighted, ex-Candlemass, ex-Demon Angels, ex-Silent Memorial, ex-Tommy Vitaly, ex-Afterglow, ex-Brazen Abbot, ex-Talisman, ex-Talk of the Town, ex-Thomas Vikström, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live), ex-Vinnie Vincent Invasion (live) Christian Vidal - Guitars (2010-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), ex-Cuero, ex-Magnos, ex-The Road Vultures, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Sami Karppinen - Drums (1998-2001, 2017-present) - See also: Curse, ex-Natsipaska, ex-Ruoska
Tracklist:
01. Aeon of Maat 02. Litany of the Fallen 03. Alchemy of the Soul 04. Lunar Coloured Fields 05. Lucifuge Rofocale 06. Marijin Min Nar 07. Hades and Elysium 08. Midnight Star 09. Cavern Cold As Ice 10. Codex Gigas 11. Pazuzu 12. Aeon of Maat (Alternative Vocals Version) (Bonus Track) 13. Pazuzu (AOR Version) (Bonus Track)
Year : 2023 Style : Symphonic Operatic Metal Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 124 mb
Bio:
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by Occultist Aleister Crowley'.Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre.In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.On February 14, 2012, Therion announced it was recording a studio album and had planned a 25th Anniversary Tour.Les Fleurs du Mal was released on September 28.The album was not released by Nuclear Blast, but financed and released by Johnsson's own label, Adulruna. He calls Les Fleurs an "art project", which includes not only the music, but also special inlay graphics and video clips - later partly released on a limited edition DVD. The album consisted of covers of French chansons and pop songs that were performed in the band's style.On the release day the 25th Anniversary Tour was also started through Europe, also featuring the album's contributing keyboardist Stefan Jernståhl.On September 14, Johnsson posted a statement on the band's website about developing a rock metal opera, and that the band will not be doing any major tours or releasing studio albums.According this in 2013 the band played only at three minor summer festivals in Europe.In April 2013 this statement was reconsidered by Johnsson itself, and the Rock Opera Unveiled Tour was scheduled for December 2013 with 15 European gigs, to test the fans' acceptance on the new material. The main framework of these shows didn't only include excerpts from the future rock opera, but also the entire Vovin album due to its 15th anniversary.On February 21, 2014 two new releases were put on market: a deluxe edition of Theli - including three bonus tracks from A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming and a DVD with Theli's live performance - and a DVD set Adulruna Rediviva And Beyond with the 2007 Anniversary concert in Budapest and the 2011 Atlanta show.
Album:
Sweden's Therion have released nearly two dozen studio albums over the last 30-odd years, and their latest LP – Leviathan III – is the third and final entry in a trilogy that spans as many years. It's fair to say, then, that you'd be hard pressed to find a more prolific, reliable, and important symphonic death metal act around today.Fortunately, Leviathan III doesn't deserve acclaim simply because it validates the band's longevity and staggering work ethic; it deserves it because it's a really good record. Granted, it doesn't rewrite the rules or do anything substantially risky or fresh; however, its diversity and dependability make it another excellent chapter of Therion's catalog.Naturally, the LP contains the same lineup as its 2022 predecessor (which marked the return of drummer Sami Karppinen). Although no details have been revealed about its plot, it's fair to assume that Leviathan III caps off the mythological storyline 2021's Leviathan began. Plus, in a 2021 interview with Metal Insider, mastermind Christofer Johnsson clarified that while Leviathan was "very direct, very bombastic" and Leviathan II was "dark and melancholic," Leviathan III is meant to be "adventurous or experimental," with some "odd" tinges, "folk music influences… [and] more proggy influences."Without a doubt, the record fulfills those goals.To be fair, the journey begins somewhat conventionally—though still engagingly—with "Ninkigal," a frantic and complex amalgamation of guttural vocals, operatic choruses, and thunderous instrumentation. As usual, the flashiness and fluidity of the ever-changing arrangement is stunning, and the contrasts between Lori Lewis's soaring magnificence and Thomas Vikström's scratchy malevolence work wonders. In their own ways, subsequent pieces such as "Maleficium," "Nummo," and "Baccanale" do equally great jobs adhering to that general template.That said, it's often when the record spices things up the most that it shines brightest.Despite having a bit of heaviness, classical/folk ballad "Ruler of Tamag" is majorly beautiful and delicate. As such, it brings a valuable change of pace to the sequence and definitely ranks one of Therion's best songs in years. Similarly, the interlocking choral chants of "An Unsung Lament" enhance its inherently grand splendor, whereas "Ayahuasca" is a dense yet relatively straightforward duet that showcases additional singing styles and keyboard prowess.Johnsson's aforementioned plan also comes to fruition on "What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More," in that it's surprisingly "proggy" not only because of its colorful and dynamic instrumentation but also because of its overlapping vocals. Afterward, the varied timbres and quasi-monologues of "Duende" and finale "Twilight of the Gods" make them seem as much like additional songs as like scenes from a play. They're exceptionally done.There's no reason why Therion fans shouldn't love Leviathan III just as much—if not more—that the first two entries in the saga (which is saying something considering the band's quick turnaround time). Beyond that, the fact that the sextet sounds this impassioned and inspired after over three decades is quite commendable, as they simultaneously stay true to what's always worked while shaking things up enough to be palpably daring and unpredictable. Wherever Therion goes from here, there's no doubt that they'll continue to be masters of their craft.
Line-Up:
Lori Lewis - Vocals (2011-present) - See also: ex-Aesma Daeva, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Christofer Johnsson - Guitars, Keyboards (1988-present), Vocals (1988-2006), Programming (2006-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra, ex-Carbonized, ex-Procreation, ex-Demonoid, ex-Excruciate, ex-Messiah Nalle Påhlsson - Bass (2008-present) - See also: The Experiment No.Q, Vindictiv, Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), Gathering of Kings, Hardcore Circus, Last Autumn's Dream, Zan Clan, ex-Animal, ex-Ludor (live), ex-Chris Laney, ex-Treat Thomas Vikström - Vocals, Flute (2009-present) - See also: 7days, Dark Illusion, Mehida, Stormwind, Covered Call, Enlighted, ex-Candlemass, ex-Demon Angels, ex-Silent Memorial, ex-Tommy Vitaly, ex-Afterglow, ex-Brazen Abbot, ex-Talisman, ex-Talk of the Town, ex-Thomas Vikström, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live), ex-Vinnie Vincent Invasion (live) Christian Vidal - Guitars (2010-present) - See also: Luciferian Light Orchestra (live), ex-Cuero, ex-Magnos, ex-The Road Vultures, ex-Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen (live) Sami Karppinen - Drums (1998-2001, 2017-present) - See also: Curse, ex-Natsipaska, ex-Ruoska
Tracklist:
01. Ninkigal 03:06 02. Ruler of Tamag 06:44 03. An Unsung Lament 06:58 04. Maleficium 03:34 05. Ayahuasca 07:57 06. Baccanale 03:52 07. Midsommarblot 03:04 08. What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More 03:59 09. Duende 04:18 10. Nummo 02:30 11. Twilight of the Gods 06:23
