Origin : Sweden
Genre : Symphonic Metal
Release : 2023
Album Info / Review
**Therion – Leviathan III**
Therion’s latest opus dives deep into an abyss of mythic metal, pulling the band further into the labyrinthine depths of their own soundscape. From the first kick of the opening track to the last swale of echoing choirs, the album is an auditory undersea adventure that doesn’t waver between ambition and execution.
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### Sound & Atmosphere
The album opens with a reedy, otherworldly opening that immediately sets a maritime tone: distant, whale‑like blasts and a faint grey‑hushed hiss that feels like pressure rising from the trench. The layers beneath are a meticulous blend of phased organ swells, a low rumble of analog synths, and the stark, metallic glint of a thrash‑style rhythm section. Each track cradles a moody, storm‑born atmosphere—temperatures drop within the halls of the recorded studio, and the listener feels that genuinely.
Core to the album’s ambiance is the choir. Genres veer between plein‑orchestral strings and a darker choir, both handled by the label’s in‑house vocal ensembles and a boutique camp ensemble that creates a claustrophobic feeling. In the interludes—short, poetic moments colored by high‑pitched bells and smoothed synth pads—Atmospheric noise sequences (short bursts of ambient oceanic sound) provide a sense of drifting, buoying the album toward the perception of a vast, sonic undersea world.
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### Riffs & Song Structures
The riffs are a keen mix of shred‑based leads over thunderous guitar thrumming. Version after version of compressor chaining turns each riff into an emblematic jag, speedwise or melody‑wise. The second track teases out a single pick stalemate that becomes the backbone of the entire course, bridging well into the massive, double‑kick driven intensity. The guitar tone is heavily guitar‑bent with a unicorn‑like brightness that doesn’t get lost in other emissions.
Even in the heavy songs, Therion pulls back to give time for lyrical storytelling. Hidden within garish arrangements, a thoughtful hook holds the composition. The poems—written by lead vocalist Robert Eriksson—are amorphous and minimalistic, providing the backbone for the harsh, slightly satanic feel. The fusion of doom‑style motifs with a belligerent standoff adds broader dimensions to each riff.
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### Production Quality
The production hits its sweet spot between an old‑school analog feel and modern, refined clarity. The drums are naturally recorded with a palpable feeling of space—there’s a weighty presence to the snare that brings an almost haunting undertone. The bass tones carry a fresh, slightly crunchy presence, providing a thick, almost deep oceanic stability.
Synths and choirs are executed with a precise balance, ensuring the lead voice still stands out as a mastership. The sonic edges make living moments feel present, while sub‑bass frequencies grant a resonant sense of gravity. It is worth pointing out that the mixing retains a realistic depth and stakes while giving the guitars a striking front-line presence.
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### Overall Impression
Therion’s *Leviathan III* offers an intricately crafted world that follows the true musical possibilities of symphonic metal. The collection delivers excitement with hard‑driving heaviness, yet it remains in harmony with its own ancient, resonant atmosphere and mythological storytelling. For a longtime follower or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a challenge to understand, and a reward for any true fan looking for a deep, exploratory journey. It feels like a storied carving out of the depths of a muscular, highly regarded band that also favors dramatic theatricality.
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