Les Fleurs du Mal
Therion · 2012
47 min · 16 tracks · symphonic metal
Symphonic metal weaves together operatic vocals and orchestral arrangements with a theatrical flair, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Initials B.B. — This track stands out with its lush orchestration and powerful dual vocals that bring a dramatic tension to the reinterpretation of a classic song.
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Lilith — Featuring haunting melodies and intricate harmonies, this song encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of femininity and mythological figures.
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Poupée de cire, poupée de son Start here — This opening track not only introduces the album's stylistic direction but also showcases Therion's ability to merge lighthearted pop melodies with heavy instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative arrangements and vocal performances create a unique blend of symphonic metal and classic pop.
What we noticed
- The album features operatic vocals that alternate between male and female singers, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the tracks.
- Each song is arranged with orchestral elements, including strings and brass, which enhance the dramatic flair of the reinterpretations.
- Several tracks incorporate choral backing, adding depth and richness to the overall sound while maintaining a theatrical atmosphere.
- The sequencing includes both upbeat and slower songs, with transitions that often shift from intense instrumentation to more subdued moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 pacing for reflective moments
- operatic vocals enhance emotional depth
- gentle decline encourages relaxed listening
- short tracks for focused engagement
- symphonic arrangements invite immersive experience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hits over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Reinterprets classic French pop songs in a symphonic metal style, diverging from previous works.
- Themes
- mythological femininity· operatic drama
- Moods
- Melancholy· Chill
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 2012, Therion was well-established in the symphonic metal scene, having evolved significantly since their inception in 1987. 'Les Fleurs du Mal' marked a continuation of their artistic exploration after the ambitious 'Sitra Ahra' in 2010, showcasing their penchant for blending heavy metal with classical influences and operatic elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation
Tracklist
- 1 Poupée de cire, poupée de son Start here 2:51
- 2 Une fleur dans le cœur 3:03
- 3 Initials B.B. 3:44
- 4 Mon amour, mon ami 4:35
- 5 Polichinelle 2:28
- 6 La Maritza 3:54
- 7 Sœur Angélique 3:05
- 8 Dis‐moi poupée 3:24
- 9 Lilith 2:30
- 10 En Alabama 2:39
- 11 Wahala Manitou 2:34
- 12 Je n’ai besoin que de tendresse 2:14
- 13 La Licorne d’or 2:45
- 14 J’ai le mal de toi 2:51
- 15 Poupée de cire, poupée de son Start here 2:31
- 16 Les Sucettes 2:40
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Once
Nightwish
Combines operatic vocals with orchestral metal, exploring grand themes and lush arrangements.
The Divine Conspiracy
Epica
Merges symphonic elements with heavy riffs and dramatic narratives focused on philosophical themes.
The Silent Force
Within Temptation
Features a blend of orchestral soundscapes and emotive vocals with a theatrical storytelling approach.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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