What makes Crowning of Atlantis by Therion notable?

The album is significant for its role in popularizing symphonic metal, showcasing Therion's unique blend of classical music influences with heavy metal. It received critical acclaim, contributing to the band's growing international fanbase and recognition within the genre. When 'Crowning of Atlantis' was released in 1999, Therion was transitioning from their earlier death metal roots to a more symphonic and operatic sound. This album followed the groundbreaking 'Theli', marking their full embrace of orchestral elements and choral arrangements that would define their subsequent work.

Who is Crowning of Atlantis for?

Crowning of Atlantis works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, mythological narrative explorations and epic auditory experiences.

How many songs are on Crowning of Atlantis?

Crowning of Atlantis has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Crowning of Atlantis

Therion · 1999

50 min · 10 tracks · symphonic metal

Epic orchestration intertwines with heavy guitar riffs, creating a cinematic and grand sonic landscape characteristic of symphonic metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Crowning of Atlantis — Opening the album, this track showcases the lush orchestration and powerful vocals that set the tone for the entire record, blending symphonic elements with metal seamlessly.
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Mark of Cain — This track features intricate guitar work paired with operatic vocals, exemplifying the album's thematic depth and musical complexity, making it a standout piece.
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Thor — 'Thor' combines mythological themes with energetic instrumentation, effectively illustrating Therion's narrative style while delivering anthemic power within its composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Crowning of Atlantis showcases a strong blend of orchestration and metal, marking a key moment in symphonic metal's evolution.

What we noticed

The first track features a full orchestral introduction that sets a dramatic tone, followed by heavy guitar riffs that intertwine with the strings.
Several tracks incorporate operatic vocals alongside traditional metal singing, creating a dynamic contrast between styles.
The album includes interludes of instrumental passages that allow for thematic development and transitions between heavier sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo progression
mythological narrative explorations
epic auditory experiences
operatic vocals with grandeur

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album popularized symphonic metal and showcased Therion's unique sound evolution.
Career context: When 'Crowning of Atlantis' was released in 1999, Therion was transitioning from their earlier death metal roots to a more symphonic and operatic sound. This album followed the groundbreaking 'Theli', marking their full embrace of orchestral elements and choral arrangements that would define their subsequent work.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation