Leviathan III cover

Leviathan III

Therion · 2023

63 min · 15 tracks · symphonic metal

Orchestral arrangements intertwine with heavy riffs, creating a grand yet haunting atmosphere that defines Therion's symphonic metal vision.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ninkigal — The opening track sets the tone with its powerful orchestration and dark themes, immediately immersing listeners in the album's dramatic narrative.
  • →
    Ayahuasca — This track stands out for its intricate layering of vocals and instruments, reflecting the band's ability to create a transcendent sonic experience that captures the essence of spiritual exploration.
  • →
    Twilight of the Gods — A climactic piece that combines heavy guitar riffs with lush symphonic elements, showcasing Therion's signature style while encapsulating the overarching mythological themes present throughout the album.

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

Leviathan III blends orchestral and metal elements effectively, showcasing strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that frequently shift between heavy guitar riffs and softer, melodic passages.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral elements, enhancing the grandiosity of the sound while maintaining a haunting atmosphere.
  • The last three tracks are variations on a theme, each progressively altering the arrangement and instrumentation, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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 emotional dynamics
  • mythological thematic explorations
  • dramatic peaks and valleys
  • immersive two-part listening experience
  • operatic vocal highlights

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek quick, energizing tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — 'Leviathan III' showcases continued vitality and exploration in their symphonic metal sound.
Themes
mythological narratives· spiritual exploration· orchestral darkness
Career context
Released on December 15, 2023, 'Leviathan III' represents Therion's ongoing exploration of symphonic metal, following their ambitious double album 'Leviathan I & II' in 2022. This album continues their legacy of blending classical music elements with metal, showcasing their evolution into more complex arrangements and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ninkigal 3:08
  • 2 Ruler of Tamag 6:46
  • 3 An Unsung Lament 6:59
  • 4 Maleficium 3:36
  • 5 Ayahuasca 7:57
  • 6 Baccanale 3:54
  • 7 Midsommarblot 3:05
  • 8 What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More 4:00
  • 9 Duende 4:20
  • 10 Nummo 2:32
  • 11 Twilight of the Gods 6:24
  • 12 Counter Points A Capella 1:08
  • 13 Winter Cape 1.0 2:32
  • 14 Winter Cape 2.1 2:54
  • 15 Winter Cape 3.7 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata