Lepaca Kliffoth cover

Lepaca Kliffoth

Therion · 1995

41 min · 11 tracks · symphonic metal

Symphonic metal swells with operatic vocals and intricate arrangements, creating a darkly cinematic atmosphere throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Wings of the Hydra — This opening track introduces listeners to the album’s lush orchestration and powerful vocal delivery, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
  • →
    The Beauty in Black — Blending haunting melodies with dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse classical elements with heavy metal sensibilities.
  • →
    Lepaca Kliffoth — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic essence through its lyrical depth and complex musical structure, showcasing Therion's signature style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's orchestral depth and vocal performances create a strong identity within the symphonic metal genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that incorporate strings and choirs, creating a lush backdrop for the operatic vocals.
  • Several songs include interludes or instrumental sections that contribute to the cinematic feel without relying solely on lyrics.
  • The final track serves as a culmination of themes presented earlier, tying together motifs from previous songs.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • wave-like pacing with intensity shifts
  • dark cinematic soundscapes throughout
  • ethereal moments that invite reflection
  • dynamic flow for engaged listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Solidified Therion's symphonic metal sound and influenced the genre significantly.
Themes
orchestral darkness· mythical narratives· operatic grandeur
Career context
By the time 'Lepaca Kliffoth' was released in April 1995, Therion had transitioned from their death metal roots to a more symphonic metal sound, following their breakthrough album 'Theli'. This change marked a significant artistic reinvention for the band, as they began to incorporate orchestral elements and choral arrangements into their music.
Stylistic neighbors
Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Wings of the Hydra 3:33
  • 2 Melez 4:07
  • 3 Arrival of the Darkest Queen 0:54
  • 4 The Beauty in Black 3:12
  • 5 Riders of Theli 2:51
  • 6 Black 5:02
  • 7 Darkness Eve 5:19
  • 8 Sorrows of the Moon 3:26
  • 9 Let the New Day Begin 3:35
  • 10 Lepaca Kliffoth 4:26
  • 11 Evocation of Vovin 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata