Therion – Leviathan III - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Sweden

Genre : Symphonic Metal

Release : 2023

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The final installment of Therion’s ambitious “Leviathan” trilogy, “Leviathan III,” arrives not as a mere conclusion, but as a potent culmination. Building upon the symphonic grandeur and operatic narratives of its predecessors, this album plunges deeper into the thematic waters of ancient mythology and occult lore, showcasing Christofer Johnsson and his ever-evolving ensemble at a peak of refined power and thematic cohesion. “Leviathan III” is a meticulously crafted tapestry, weaving together elements of progressive metal, classical composition, and a distinctly theatrical sensibility into a sonic leviathan that commands attention.

Track Analysis:
1. **”The Fall of the Leviathan”**: The album opens with a thunderous overture, a cinematic instrumental that immediately establishes the epic scope. Crashing percussion, swirling strings, and a driving orchestral motif create a sense of impending doom and grand revelation. It’s a declaration of intent, a sonic harbinger of the mythological beasts and cosmic struggles to come.

2. **”Chironeta”**: This track introduces the vocal element with a powerful, melodic force. Chiara Malvestiti’s soprano soars over a bed of intricate guitar work and a pulsating symphonic arrangement. The song’s structure is dynamic, shifting from moments of delicate beauty to passages of unbridled aggression, mirroring the duality of the mythological figures it likely references. The interplay between the clean operatic vocals and the more guttural, almost chanting male vocals creates a compelling tension.

3. **”The Serpent’s Tongue”**: A more aggressive cut, this song leans heavily into Therion’s signature blend of heavy riffs and dramatic orchestration. The tempo is relentless, driven by a propulsive drum beat and sharp, angular guitar lines. The operatic choruses are massive, layered with multiple vocalists, creating a sense of immense choral power that contrasts with the visceral heaviness of the instrumentation. The use of brass sections here adds a distinct martial feel.

4. **”The Crucible of Fate”**: This piece showcases Therion’s progressive leanings. The song unfolds in multiple movements, with intricate instrumental passages that hint at jazz-fusion influences before erupting into bombastic, operatic refrains. The guitar solos are technically proficient and melodically inventive, weaving seamlessly with the orchestral arrangements. The vocal performances are nuanced, conveying a range of emotions from despair to defiance.

5. **”Leviathan”**: The title track is an undeniable epic, a cornerstone of the album. It’s a sprawling composition that moves through various sonic landscapes. The orchestration is particularly dense and evocative, painting vivid sonic pictures of ancient seas and primordial forces. The vocal arrangements are complex and multi-layered, featuring both soaring operatic passages and powerful, anthemic chants. The song builds to a monumental climax, a true sonic representation of its namesake.

6. **”Maleficium”**: This track delves into darker, more dissonant territories. The riffs are heavier and more menacing, punctuated by dissonant chord progressions and eerie atmospheric elements. The vocal delivery shifts to a more haunting and spectral tone, with female vocals taking on a more ethereal, almost siren-like quality. The use of choir here is particularly effective in creating a sense of dread and occult ritual.

7. **”The Invocation”**: A more introspective and atmospheric piece, this track allows the orchestral elements to truly shine. Delicate piano melodies intertwine with sweeping string arrangements and subtle electronic textures. The vocal performance is restrained yet powerful, conveying a sense of reverence and contemplation. It serves as a moment of sonic respite before the album’s final descent.

8. **”The Fallen Idol”**: This song returns to a more direct and powerful metal sound, but with the characteristic Therion flourish. The riffing is strong and memorable, supported by a robust symphonic backing. The vocal melodies are infectious, and the chorus is designed for maximum impact. There’s a sense of defiant triumph in this track, a wrestling with and overcoming of challenges.

9. **”Leviathan III”**: The final track, and the closing statement of the trilogy, is a sprawling, multi-part epic. It synthesizes many of the musical and thematic elements explored throughout the album and the entire trilogy. Expect intricate instrumental passages, soaring operatic vocals, powerful male choirs, and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. It’s a grand, operatic finale that leaves a lasting impression of immense scale and artistic ambition. The track concludes with a sense of resolution, albeit one tinged with the vastness of the mythological ocean it represents.

Conclusion:
“Leviathan III” stands as a testament to Therion’s enduring mastery of symphonic metal. It is not merely a collection of songs, but a cohesive and immersive narrative experience. The album successfully integrates a vast array of musical influences, from progressive metal intricacies to classical grandeur and operatic drama, into a potent and unified whole. The vocal performances are exceptional across the board, each singer contributing a distinct color and power to the ensemble. Christofer Johnsson has once again crafted an album that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally impactful, solidifying the “Leviathan” trilogy as a significant achievement in the genre. This is an album that demands repeated listening to fully appreciate its intricate layers and epic scope.