Album Review: Therion - Leviathan
Reviewed by Gareth Pugh
Named after the Celtic Frost album 'To Mega Therion', due to the fact, that that album was one of the first albums to combine female vocals and extreme metal, Therion is the brainchild of Christofer Johnsson (main man, guitar, keyboards, programming, songwriting etc. etc.), and starting off as a more of a ‘standard’ death metal outfit they slowly started to add more symphonic elements with their third album 'Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas' and then progressing this style to create arguably their first truly symphonic metal album with fifth release 'Theli'. Now they come with their seventeenth full length – Leviathan.
For this landmark release the band have decided to give the fans what they have been asking for, an album full of all the elements that make a Therion album unique. So that’s male and female vocals, the classical Wagneresque elements with sharp riffing and gorgeous melodic leads. I think for fans this is going to be a real treat, from the fast and super catchy opener 'The Leaf on the Oak of Far' through stand-out track 'Tuonela' featuring guest vocals from former Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala. The other highlights are the title-track with its beautiful male/female vocal interaction and what sounds like a complete choir! 'Die Wellen der Zeit' really showcases that Richard Wagner influences to the maximum, a very strong and powerful track. If you prefer the slightly heavier aspect of the band's work 'Psalm of Retribution' is probably the one for you, Thomas’ really sounding massive on this one. While closing track 'Ten Courts of Diyu' is a true epic, with an almost folkish start before building to a huge climax.
Sound wise this is a brilliantly produced album, everything sounds clear, the guitars bite when they have to, and the classical elements really soar, this is sonically a dazzling experience. The cover art is also spectacular, a wonderfully evocative piece.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Therion, I think this will please you no end, some might say that the band have played it a bit safe, but sometimes it’s best to play to your strengths, and as such 'Leviathan'” could just be the gateway release for new fans to jump on board with. If you like metal, if you like classical music and especially opera and a sense of the grandiose, this might be just the band you’re looking for.
