THERION — Secret of the Runes (review)

THERION — Secret of the Runes album cover Album · 2001 · Symphonic Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
arcane-beautiful
For those that don't know Therion is actually a band, with no real lead vocalists, but a revolving door of amazing metal vocalists and operatic singers. This album I wasn't very fond of (I still loved it), because it focused too much on the operatic element rather than find the perfect balance between the 2.

This album is also conceptually based on Norse mythology, and went into detail behind creation and the real mythos, rather than the stereotypical mythos that shudders that great belief.

I would recomend this album mainly for one thing, the Abba cover at the end. I love Abba, especially the song Summernight City, but this is the greatest cover I have ever heard of an Abba song. Although the rest of the album is also worth the price alone.

1. Ginnungagap - The guitar riffs are like punches in the face. The vocals are great as well, very epic indeed. 9/10

2. Midgård - The vocals are amazing, especially the solo soprano. Beautiful arrangement. 9/10

3. Asgård - The vocal harmonies are beautifull. Obvious folk influence. Very battle metal. 9/10

4. Jotunheim - Great arrangment. The vocals are hilarious though. 8/10

5. Schwarzalbenheim - Sounds like if Ramstein where to do Opera. Some amazing vocal arrangements and odd melodies. 9/10

6. Ljusalfheim - Very cheesy. Some pretty interesting instrumental work. 7/10

7. Musphelheim - I like the vocal pedal at the start. Pretty kick ass riffing. 9/10

8. Nifelheim - Love the contrapuntal vocals. Best song on the album. 10/10

9. Vanaheim - Some more folk influences. Love the vocals in this song. Very kick ass. 9/10

10. Helheim - The lead soprano again shows off some amazing throat work. Love the vocal melodies. 9/10

11. Secret Of The Runes - Pretty cool ending. Some powerfull vocals. 8/10

CONCLUSION: Pretty interesting album, with some fantastic vocal work, but Therion do excel better when both Operatic and powerfull Metal vocals are mixed.

arcane-beautiful
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