Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. The word 'therion' comes from the Greek therion (θηρίον), meaning 'Beast,' i.e., that of the Christian Book of Revelation. However, the band's name is a homage to the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. Beginning as a death metal band, they later turned to combining orchestral elements with their metal music, employing heavy use of choirs and classical musicians, not only as additions to but also as integral parts of the composition. Therion is the first metal band with fully live orchestra featured. It is also the band which originated, popularised and influenced the symphonic metal genre, cited as 'the most adventurous metal band at present'. Because of these extents they take in conducting their music, they have been dubbed as 'Opera Metal'.
Amberian Dawn is a Finnish metal band which combines bravely many different kinds of styles in their music with high skilled playing. During their existence, Amberian Dawn has honed their trademark sound with expert precision, making highly polished albums of Neoclassic symphonic metal that are sure to be heralded as future classics by fans of the genre…
Their unique blend of technical death metal with a symphonic elements have quickly made them a favorite with fans and critics alike…
Dragonland is a power metal band from Sweden. The group is most notable for basing their first two and fifth albums upon the self-produced The Dragonland Chronicles fantasy saga and for the original symphonic/electronic parts by Elias Holmlid…
Somehow, leading Norway's Tristania to the top of the goth metal heap wasn't enough for vocalist/guitarist Morten Veland, who unilaterally seceded from the union in the year 2000 to found a brand-spanking-new though similar-sounding band named Sirenia…
There aren't too many bands out there that can say they have been around for a decade, let alone a quarter of a century. For those few that manage to hit the twenty five year mark, some sort of celebration is usually in order. Some might go on a world tour and appeal to their aging fanbase, while others may record an album or release a collection of shelved demo tracks for the diehard followers to eat up. Of course, Therion have never been known to follow in the footsteps of others. Although the operatic symphonic metal style is all-too common in current metal culture, Therion carved out their own niche, unshackling from their death metal roots and taking a more sophisticated and experimental approach to the symphonic style. With that in mind, it's no surprise that Therion didn't decide to celebrate things the regular way; instead, they went ahead and did an album of 1960's French pop song covers…
The Great Beast known as Therion has been around for a very long time, leaving a solid mark within the metal world. Commanded by leader and mastermind Christofer Johnsson, their musical output has been in constant evolution to the point that they have explored a wide range of subgenres and musical approaches. They have gone from death metal to being considered symphonic metal pioneers, showing an inexhaustible will to search for new sounds and ideas…
With their latest chart-topping studio album, Wanderers (2019), and the recent release of their first ever live BluRay/DVD, A Symphonic Journey To Remember, symphonic metal visionaries VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have, without a doubt, proven that they are on top of the scene. Now, the band sets sail on another adventurous journey and new exciting chapter, marking a turning point of their discography with the upcoming album, Pirates, out May 13, 2022 via Napalm Records. With their eighth full-length, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS deliver their most confident and honest record so far, proving that they have definitely stopped wandering to finally unleash their rebellious side and a free spirit untamed as the seven seas. The band invites its listener to join on a marvelous ride through intriguing soundscapes and hauntingly beautiful melodies along with smashing symphonic heaviness, that musically and lyrically embodies a form of transition and self-discovery.