Therion Review - 5.29.04

Therion has been around for more than 15 years. 17 total if you count 1987, back then known as Blitzkrieg. They started out as a Death Metal band. Through the years, they have completely changed. Now, they are closer to Power Metal. Symphonic, Operatic, Atmospheric, Gothic Power Metal to be precise.

Not totally gone, are the Death vocals, just used much less...which is sad in a way, 'cause I really enjoyed their style of Death Metal. Now, their sound varies from song to song, which is very cool. Opera, choirs, melodic male vocals, and that weird male chanting thing are the norm now. Death vocals are back!! Christofer Johnsson, the founder and lead guitarist sounds better than ever with his mood inspiring guitar playing. Varying his styles from song to song, you can hear egytian, classical, midieval, european tavern folk, and many other influences. The songs on both Lemuria and Sirius B are awe inspiring! At times, you wouldn't even know you were listening to heavy metal, but they do remind you...abruptly at times. The music sound includes the metal basics, keys, and orchestras. Vocals vary more with Therion than any other band in existence. You can hear male and female opera singers, male choirs, female choirs, mixed choirs, clean vocals, raspy vocals, and all out death vocals.

On Sirius B, Kali Yuga part 1, has a very interesting percussive sound. Reminiscent of Danzig. The song just plods along and would be a bit boring without that addictive percussion. Of course, with all of Therion's music, they remind you of their death metal background and Kali Yuga Part 2 becomes an all out metalfest! On Lemuria, Typhon (the first song I heard) is brilliant. The song explores all that Therion is about. Every vocal effect is used to one extent or another. The verses are sung by Opera soloists and choirs, but the chorus erupts into oldschool death. It is a very interesting song and I just wanted to hear it again...and again... Therion's basic lineup is:

Christofer Johnsson...guitars/keyboards.
Kristian Niemann...lead guitar.
Johan Niemann...bass.
Sami Karppinen...drums.

The current lineup has been in place since 2001's Secret of the Runes. Their sound hasn't changed much since that album, but they have grown more in the production and arrangements of the songs. If you enjoy variety in your music, Therion's twin albums Sirius B and Lemuria provide a ton of variety and technical musicianship.