It is safe to say that THERION has been around longer than expected as the band formed all the way back in 1988. They also were known as BLITZKRIEG and then changed it to MEGATHERION then of course shortened to THERION. The early days of the band began with CHRISTOFER JOHANSSON and he plays guitar, sings and plays keyboard too as well as making the songwriting process his priority. After some demo releases in 1988 - 1990 plus an EP, their debut album OF DARKNESS.... came out in 1991. This was succeeded by two consecutive albums in 1992 which was BEYOND SANCTORUM and in 1993 was SYMPHONY MASSES: HO DRAGON HO MEGAS.

Then in 1995 came LEPACA KLIFFOTH before two more albums; THELI in 1996 and A'ARAB ZARAQ-LUCID DREAMING in 1997 followed suit. Their sound has certainly also been through various directions starting with predominantly thrash metal similar to big bands like SLAYER. Then they made a transition to symphonic/operatic metal but along their way had elements of possibly death metal in their early days. I will be looking at LEPACA KLIFFOTH which was their fourth highly acclaimed album as it has now been reissued earlier this year in April.

Starting with "The Wings Of Hydra" with a thrashing crescendo drum part as keyboard appears briefly before guitar + vocals join in. Thrash elements serve their purpose as vocals guide the track along with keyboard providing melody as guitar does too. "Melez" starts with stunning and electrifying guitar riffs as keys also make an appearance. Vocals come in eventually with harsh tone and bass captures the warmth of the track. Drums have clarity too as they play out the outro leading into the next track which is "Arrival Of The Darkest Queen".

There is a melodic passage by keyboard, guitar and drums that provide breakbeats that project very well. Operatic vocals are heard as track three is short enough so we dive into track four which is "The Beauty In Black". Following on is "Riders Of Theli" with stamping drums as meaningful bliss of words comes into the fore as the correlation between vocals and guitar is very effective. Guitar very much stands out with vibrato and solo work as the keyboard has the mid range of the tone covered. "Black" where vocals and female vocals are both heard alongside slow drum patterns.

Then drums pick the pace up as vocals echo throughout as they come in phases. Keyboard and bass guitar have an interesting pairing here before both male/female vocals return. "Darkness Eve" is where male vocals dominate as a thrash style combination of guitar, bass and drums. Keyboard comes in to give a gothic or mediaeval soundscape as drums throw many cymbal hits. A short experimental rock phrase then pulls drums, guitar and bass guitar back into the spotlight as the next track begins. "Sorrows Of The Moon" is next as crisp sounding drums introduce a gloomy guitar or keyboard line.

This is a cover of CELTIC FROST track which was on their INTO THE PANDEMONIUM album. There is certainly that occultic feel with guitar giving a more spooky or horrifying sound as vocals drag more as the track is more settled back in tempo. "Let The New Day Begin" is next up as epic guitar hooks and thrash style vocals are brought together for hardcore revelations. A quieter section or instrumental comes to light and introduces the next track. "Lepaca Kliffoth" opens with subtle guitar which is mellow and drums dampen down to suit the intro.

Normal service resumes eventually as electric guitar blends all instruments together even bass guitar can be heard. Vocals make a later than usual arrival but bow out to allow clarity and tone or texture become more defined. Tempo slows down a bit as vocal harmonies are called into the mix and guide us into the next track. "Evocation Of Vovin" a keyboard intro and electric guitar with eerie, melodic tuning. Vocals return back to loud and edgy but then the operatic vocal line is brought back briefly and then a faster ramping up of a full band unison.

Operatic vocals are heard again before the end as drums or guitar takes the melody into a pop rock phase short before the end. As this is a reissue of the original album released in 1995, it includes two bonus tracks which are titled "Enter The Voids" and "The Veil Of Golden Spheres". The album overall is very well produced, it certainly has thrash influences at heart with some death metal or symphonic metal elements. After this original release, there were more to come as VOVIN (1998), CROWNING OF ATLANTIS(1999) and DEGGIAL came in 2000. Then in the early 2000's the band released four more albums in the years of 2001 - 2007, there were also the additions of; vocalist LORI LEWIS in 2011, bassist NALLE PAHLSSON joined in 2008, guitarist CHRISTIAN VIDAL joining in 2010 plus second vocalist THOMAS VIKSTROM joined in 2009. The band still remained active with three more albums in 2010 - 2018 before their recent release LEVIATHAN in 2021. Long live this band is what I can say and they deliver in their music as promised.