Swedish symphonic metal legends, Therion, deliver another preview with stomping “Ayahuasca” from their upcoming album, Leviathan III, set for release on December 15. With this new opus, mastermind Christofer Johnsson continues the band’s 30 year-plus string of success, with their predecessor Leviathan peaking at #11 on the German Album Charts.
The new track is a true musical journey featuring a deep choir and psychedelic elements, delivering the finest bombast - versatile yet heavy while finding a harmonious and balanced blend between guitars, choir and orchestra. The new single is accompanied by a fascinating and extraordinary official video that was filmed in the Amazon. You can check it out below.
Christofer Johnsson on “Ayahuasca”: "This video was filmed in the Amazon, with a real shaman working with ayahuasca as an actor for the clip. The song was the first song we wrote in the Leviathan trilogy writing sessions.”
The album sets off with the powerful “Ninkigal”, catapulting the listener directly into the dramatic universe of Therion with skillfully crafted compositions and operatic female vocals by Lori Lewis, alternating with grim growling and pleasing melodies. It’s followed by “Ruler of Tamag”, enchanting with a gentle acoustic guitar intro and lingering female vocals that open up to a fairytale-like scenario of old times. This then bursts into a heavy track with gloomy parts, building up to a fascinating score-like symphony. Therion once more draw charm from the courage to mix styles ranging from gothic parts to melodic death metal and neo-classical elements to power metal in a complex and versatile way, thus challenging their listeners. The songs are quickly engaging and skillfully employ catchy melodies, as witnessed on uplifting tracks like “An Unsung Lament” and “Baccanale”. Advancing melodies are combined with rock elements, captivating lyrics and choir parts, while lively “Maleficium” is structured around a duet between Thomas Vikström and Lori Lewis. Stomping “Ayahuasca” is a true musical journey featuring a male choir and psychedelic elements, while speedy “Nummo” offers splendid hard guitar explosions and the finest classic vocals and choirs.
Overall, the compositions lean towards the magnificent and theatrical, offering a high variety of musical styles while deftly blurring the boundaries of metal and classical music. With their newest opus, Leviathan III, mastermind Christofer Johnsson proves his incredible talent once more, and that Therion have perfected their very own combination of versatile styles - resulting in the creation of a symphonic league of their own.
Leviathan III will be available in the following formats:
- 6-Page Digipak CD
- 2LP Gatefold in Black
- 2LP Gatefold Silver LTD to 500 copies
- Die Hard Deluxe Edition Gold / Black Marbled Album Cover Slipmat, Covert Artprint & Alternative Album Cover Artprint LTD to 300copies
- Digipak Bundle Pendant, Cotton Bag, Patch
- Digipak & Shirt Bundle Shirt
Pre-order here.
Leviathan III tracklisting:
"Ninkigal"
"Ruler Of Tamag"
"An Unsung Lament"
"Maleficium"
"Ayahuasca"
"Baccanale"
"Midsommarblot"
"What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More"
"Duende"
"Nummo"
"Twilight Of The Gods"
"Ruler Of Tamag" lyric video:
"Twilight Of The Gods" video:
Therion are:
Christofer Johnsson - guitars and keyboards
Sami Karppinen - drums
Nalle “Grizzly” Påhlsson - bass
Thomas Vikström - lead vocals
Christian Vidal - guitar
Lori Lewis - vocals
(Photo - Mina Karadzic)
