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'.
This album, Cold Steel, by the Dutch progressive band, Cliffhanger, is a re-mastered and expanded release of the debut album that first saw the light of day in 1995…
RUPHUS is probably one of the most important 70's Norwegian hard rock band with progressive tendencies (there were a few of those back then: AUNT MARY, TITANIC, POPOL VUH / ACE etc..)
“Norrøne Spor” is the eighth full-length recording from Viking Metal mainstays EINHERJER. Founded in 1993, the band has been instrumental in perpetuating the renaissance of Viking culture in Metal. Surely, this has been a domino effect as Vikings have expanded beyond the ballads and hymns of Quorthorn into television shows and commercials. Seriously, though, EINHERJER are proud progenitors of their unique heritage honoring it with respect and reverence at every turn. A twenty-five-year career speaks to the band’s dedication and mettle…