LEVIATHAN

I know I am not the only person who felt that Therion's previous album, 'Beloved Antichrist', was just too clever for its own good. A triple CD opera with a running time of more than 3 hours it was certainly ambitious, and a million miles away from what the band were doing when they started out as a metal act inspired by Slayer and Celtic Frost. In the last thirty years they have moved more dramatically from their roots than even Opeth, but the last album was just a step too far. So, when the new album arrived, I was both excited and intrigued, but also somewhat wary. Then I noticed there was something rather strange even before putting it on the player, as here we had just 11 songs and a running time of 45 minutes. What was going on?

Apparently, band leader and guitarist Christofer Johnsson and his collaborator singer Thomas Vikström decided to produce an album which contained far catchier and shorter songs, as a direct shift away from the previous release. That is not to say that we don't have mass choirs which sound as if they are performing in a cathedral, or that there are not plenty of female vocals, but here it makes much more sense. It kicks off with "The Leaf on the Oak of Far" which in many ways is the perfect introduction to Therion, as it is metal, yet there are twin lead vocals for the most part, as well as massed male and female choirs taking it in a more operatic manner, yet never losing sight of the metal. "Tuonela" sees Marko Hietala (Nightwish) bringing in his unique style, as we see Therion moving slightly more into that band's territory, yet still being distinctly different.

There is no doubt that this is a huge step back in the right direction, with the driving "Azi Dahāka" being my favourite. Just over three minutes in length, this is a blast of fun throughout, bringing together the best parts of Therion in one place. This album is a delight, and one to which I keep finding myself returning, unlike 'Beloved Antichrist' which has not been played since I wrote the review. Welcome back guys.