Leviathan
Therion · 2021
68 min · 16 tracks · symphonic metal
A grand tapestry of symphonic metal interwoven with mythological themes and operatic vocals that soar through intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Leviathan — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, combining heavy instrumentation with sweeping melodies that evoke a sense of grandeur and mystery.
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Tuonela — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere and rich orchestration, showcasing the band's ability to blend lyrical storytelling with complex musical landscapes.
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Psalm of Retribution — With its powerful chorus and dynamic shifts in tempo, this song exemplifies Therion’s signature blend of operatic vocals and heavy riffs, creating an impactful listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and operatic elements but has a somewhat uneven flow due to bonus tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend operatic vocals with heavy guitar riffs, while the second half shifts towards more orchestral arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate choral elements, creating a layered sound that enhances the mythological themes present in the lyrics.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- dynamic journey with variations
- wave-like pacing through tracks
- grand orchestral arrangements present
- operatic vocals for dramatic flair
- engaging multiple vocal interpretations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek quick, immediate satisfaction
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in Therion's established symphonic metal style.
- Career context
- By the time of its release in January 2021, Therion was well-established within the symphonic metal genre, having released over a dozen albums since their formation in 1987. 'Leviathan' serves as a continuation of their exploration into progressive structures and orchestration, following their previous album 'Beloved Antichrist' from 2018, which had showcased an ambitious rock opera style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Leaf on the Oak of Far 3:38
- 2 Tuonela 4:37
- 3 Leviathan 4:02
- 4 Die Wellen der Zeit 3:45
- 5 Aži Dahāka 3:07
- 6 Eye of Algol 4:03
- 7 Nocturnal Light 5:37
- 8 Great Marquis of Hell 2:36
- 9 Psalm of Retribution 5:01
- 10 El primer sol 3:38
- 11 Ten Courts of Diyu 5:29
- 12 Eye of Algol (alternative vocals version) 4:05
- 13 Tuonela (full Marco vocals version) 4:41
- 14 Tuonela (alternative vocals version) 4:40
- 15 Tuonela (instrumental version) 4:40
- 16 Tuonela (orchestral version) 4:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Endless Forms Most Beautiful
Nightwish
Shares grand orchestration and operatic vocals with mythological themes and intricate arrangements.
The Holographic Principle
Epica
Combines symphonic elements with powerful vocals, exploring philosophical and existential themes.
Hydra
Within Temptation
Features a blend of orchestral arrangements and strong lyrical narratives, maintaining a dramatic atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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