THERION – Leviathan II

October 31, 2022 Bryce Van Patten Album Reviews, Reviews 0
Therion - Leviathan II - Artwork
  • 8.1/10
    THERION - Leviathan II - 8.1/10
8.1/10

Summary

Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: October 28, 2022

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5/10 (1 vote)

Leviathan Trilogy Continues

From one of Sweden’s long running Symphonic Metal bands comes their 18th full length album: Therion – Leviathan II. The record is the sequel to 2021’s Leviathan, and the 2nd part of a 3 part story. Chief composer, guitarist and musical professor Christofer Johnsson leads the band. With vocalists Thomas Vikström and Lori Lewis, guitarist Christian Vidal, bass player Nalle Påhlsson, drummer Björn Höglund and a whole choir of guest singers, Therion bridges past, present and future with this newest release on Nuclear Blast Records.

Myths & Legends

Therion – Leviathan II is rooted deep in the mythologies of the world, in ancient legends, forbidden knowledge and arcane beliefs. Christofer Johnsson tells us “We write about what sparks our interest”….”To me, this is always a welcome opportunity to dive into some mythology, culture or belief I haven’t tapped in too much before.” The Leviathan trilogy is Therion’s way of honoring their storied career, carving out all the elements that made them become the revered Symphonic Metal titans they are.

Final Notes

Leviathan II is a very polished Symphonic Metal album with big melodies, operatic vocals, and anthemic choruses throughout. Favorite tracks for this reviewer include “Lucifuge Rofocale” with it’s almost Yngwie Malmsteen styled guitars, and “Midnight Star for it’s heavy-ish guitar riffs and vocal duet which works to full effect. Recorded remotely in the shadow of the pandemic, Leviathan II shows yet again how many musicians used the down time from touring to great effect. If you’re into Symphonic Metal, you’re sure to find many gems on Leviathan II.

Therion band photo

Lineup

Thomas Vikström – vocals
Lori Lewis – vocals
Christofer Johnsson – guitar
Christian Vidal – Guitar
Nalle Påhlsson – bass
Björn Höglund – drums

Leviathan II – Tracklist

01. Aeon of Maat
02. Litany of the Fallen
03. Alchemy of the Soul
04. Lunar Coloured Fields
05. Lucifuge Rofocale
06. Marijin Min Nar
07. Hades and Elysium
08. Midnight Star
09. Cavern Cold as Ice
10. Codex Gigas
11. Pazuzu
12. Aeon of Maat (Alternative Vocals Version)
13. Pazuzu (AOR Version)

Author

  • Bryce Van Patten

    Bryce is an audio engineer and a graphic designer here at Metal Express Radio. From the day he purchased his first album (Machine Head by Deep Purple), he has had a passion for heavy music, which has influenced his whole life. Bryce is from the great Pacific Northwest in USA, and has played in metal bands like Babylon, Holy Terror, The Wild Dogs, Warhead and Egypt through the 80s. He had his first interview for the Portland, Oregon publication The Rock Rag with guitarist Paul Gilbert in his Racer X days. Then he was honored to get to have drinks, and talk for an hour with the legendary Dan McCafferty of Nazareth for his second interview. In 2013, he spent an amazing hour talking to Andi Deris of Helloween, which was the high point of his heavy metal journalism.   In the year 2001, he formed Man in Black Music Publishing. They released recordings by several local bands, and in the spirit of the old Metal Massacre compilations, he created a 2-album series called The Defenders of Metal. The albums featured classic styled Metal bands from all around the world, with bands from Australia to England, and from Argentina to Russia. Currently, he is the producer/creator/vocalist of the Metal band The Black Tuesdays.

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