Therion – Leviathan III

Written by on 24-12-2023 at 22:26.

The release was delayed somewhat but finally Leviathan III is upon us, completing the trilogy. The trilogy is not a true concept, however, but rather three separate albums each having its own distinct identity. As you may have read in the interview with Christofer in 2021, this closing chapter would contain some heavier and more progressive songs as well as folk influences. Well, Christofer clearly didn’t lie about that. The album contains so many different elements that it is definitely the most diverse album of the three Leviathan albums, and perhaps even of the band’s entire career.

Opening track Ninkigal immediately kicks things off with a lot of intensity. With much more intensity than you have been used to from Therion since many years. It reminds me of the Lepaca Kliffoth (1995) and Theli (1996) period. This song even has grunting! Too bad it only lasts three minutes. The second song is also the second single from this album, Ruler Of Tamag. Tamag (or simply Tam) is the word for hell in Turkish mythology. This track has symphonic and folk-like verses, giving it a mystical touch. Christofer enlisted the textual help of Soner Canzöner from the disbanded Turkish symphonic metal formation Almôra to read through and adapt the pieces of text written in Turkish.

An Unsung Lament really is all over the place stylistically. From authentic hard rock with Hammond organ to an opera-like style and then back to symphonic metal via a heavy metal piece and a Queen-sounding musical piece. This song, clocking in just short of seven minutes, is filled to the brim with styles and turning points and is without a doubt the most progressive track on Leviathan III.

Via the bombastic Maleficium we come to Ayahuasca, the third single from the album. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew with a mind-altering effect. The lyrics actually deal with these topics while musically it exudes a psychedelic and transcendent atmosphere.

I could discuss each track individually and tell you how varied each of them is, but I invite you to experience them for yourself. Listening to the album only once surely is not enough to get a clear picture of Leviathan III. It will take a couple of spins on the CD or vinyl record player, or perhaps digitally, to get to grips with this album as many strange excursions are made. I already mentioned some examples: An Unsung Lament and Ninkigal. But What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More and Duende as well, containing a lot of Spanish folk influences. I would also like to mention the first single which can be found, strangely, at the very end of the album. From the first notes, and the first verse strengthens this, Twilight Of The Gods has a Candlemass or Below vibe .

A worthy conclusion to the trilogy and certainly not the least Leviathan album. It reminds me most of the Lepaca Kliffoth, Theli and Vovin periods. The trilogy really has something to offer for every fan of every period in Therion‘s existence. Unfortunately for fans of the first three albums, Therion will not return to those times. The track that comes closest to the old style, is Ninkigal, but don’t expect the death metal of yesteryear.

Score:

95/100

Label:

Napalm Records, 2023

Tracklisting:

  1. Ninkigal
  2. Ruler Of Tamag
  3. An Unsung Lament
  4. Maleficium
  5. Ayahuasca
  6. Baccanale
  7. Midsommarblot
  8. What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More
  9. Duende
  10. Nummo
  11. Twilight Of The Gods

Line-up:

  • Christofer Johnsson – Guitars, keyboards
  • Sami Karppinen – Drums
  • Nalle “Grizzly” Påhlsson – Bass guitar
  • Thomas Vikström – Vocals
  • Christian Vidal – Guitars
  • Lori Lewis – Vocals

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