THERION Leviathan II | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

Released by Nuclear Blast Records on October 28th, 2022

Quick Background

Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast". Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at some concert performances. As a result, they are considered pioneers of the symphonic metal genre. 1996's Theli is their masterpiece and one of my favorite albums of all times. But its 1998's Vovin is their most commercially successful album. 

Leviathan II

Leviathan II is the 18th album from the Sweden's symphonic metal pioneers. Named after a giant sea monster from Judeo-Christian myth, Leviathan II follows up the part I released in 2021. As it was the case with Part I, Part II is a simple, straightforward album, 11 relatively short songs in just over 45 minutes. So basically we are being tricked into another triple album, but I appreciate that being released as 3 albums. It will make it much easier to digest them. Part III is expected to be released next year and should be more guitar oriented and heavier. Remember that Part I was a "back to the roots" album and I thought it was a very good one. Part II follows a similar concept, but focus more on the Vovin era with less focus on guitar and riffs and more on the female singers, choirs and orchestration. "Aeon of Maat" for example gives me a "Wine Of Aluqah" vibe. But it's not a song that fully represents the album. Why? Because it is more hard rock oriented than most of the album. On the other hand, it already shows the dominance of female choirs and singers on this album. I really like the guitar focus of this song and also the contrast between the female singers and the hard rock male voice. I just feel the song to be too short, almost rushed to be concluded. The single "Codex Gigas" builds up from this beautiful melancholic melody into a mid tempo gothic song which is full of emotions and melodies. It's another example of great male/female vocal balance. It's the perfect bridge to another single and album closer "Pazuzu". This one is a rocker and written for the male singer to take center stage. "Lucifuge Rofocale" and "Midnight Star" featuring a nice guitar work are also hard rock songs.

Conversely, the single "Litany of the Fallen" doubles down the focus on the female singers. It's really the theme of this album, "Alchemy of the Soul" is another example. Both songs are short and fast tempo. Another single "Marijin Min Nar" and "Hades and Elysium" focus on the symphonic elements and choirs. The cool thing with "Marijin Min Nar" are the many guitar solos underneath, at moments sounds like Malsmsteen is a guest player. It also features this eastern music flavor. 

The Picky Guy

But not everything works on Part II. "Lunar Coloured Fields" for example is a very mellow ballad that goes on for a bit too long. Then "Cavern Cold as Ice" feels a bit too poppy for my taste. Other than that the only complain is that the album is pretty safe and doesn't add much to their discography growth.  

Wrap Up Opinion 

But it does add some cool tunes to their setlist and helps the band to remain relevant after all those years. So, if you are a Therion fan of any of their phases, then you will enjoy this one. I'm actually surprised of so many low rates I have seen for this release. To me it is an 81/100, good album that delivers what Therion intended to do with quality and energy. 

SCORE: 81/100

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Released by Nuclear Blast Records on October 28th, 2022

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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