THERION – “SITRA AHRA”
NUCLEAR BLAST (2010)
Therion is a band that first came to my attention back in 1993 through the release of their epic third full-length “Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas” – an album that saw the band abandoning their thus far trademark early 90s Death Metal sound in favour of a more symphonic and progressive-orientated style. The story from then onwards is pretty well known to most fans of extreme metal music; with each new album, Christofer Johnsson and Co further indulged in both orchestral and choral arrangements whose influence and importance is clearly audible in albums like “Deggial”, “Lemuria” and “Sirius B”. One album that stood out as more Rock orientated and was described by many as the first Rock Opera of the 21st century was 2007’s “Gothic Kabbalah” and for these and many more good reasons received a top rating from the author of this review. Following this release and numerous live performances, Therion experienced radical changes in their line up so one could say that it was with renewed energy and spirit that the Swedes begun the recordings of “Sitra Ahra” – the band’s fourteenth full-length record to date.
Last time I interviewed Christofer I was told that his next album (see “Sitra Ahra”) would signal a return to the style and sound of “Sirius B” and the reason for that was its function/role as the final part of the same concept story that started with “Deggial” back in 2000. What I did not know at the time the interview took place was how hooked I would eventually become with “Gothic Kabbalah” and how that addition would eventually influence my perception and appreciation of this new album. “Sitra Ahra” is a classic Therion release in the sense that it follows a formula that has been the band’s trademark since my musical journey as their fan begun back in the early 90s, so it should meet with my requirements, right? Well, even though it is indeed a cleverly crafted album which ticks almost all boxes, at times it does come across as slightly predictable when compared with its highly acclaimed predecessor. Is this a sign of Christofer going with the flow and looking to satisfy his loyal fan base? Even if the answer to that question is yes, the fact remains that the eleven compositions which are featured in “Sitra Ahra” are all fine examples of good quality Symphonic/Operatic Metal – better than what most bands can come up to these days.
The album kicks off with the same-titled “Sitra Ahra”, a slow tempo riff-orientated little gem that is accompanied by numerous male/female choral arrangements and which also features one of the most epic refrains of the album. “Kings of Edom” is another mid tempo riff orientated piece also featuring numerous choral arrangements, however it does pick up pace towards the end, creating a different atmosphere in comparison with the opening track. My favourite composition of the album is “Unguentum Sabbati” – a heavy rhythmical guitar piece which features an amazing melodic refrain and its is followed by the more varied and progressive oriental-sounding opus “Land Of Canaan”. The only composition which slightly disappointed me was “Hellequin” and that is due to the out of place use of unusual male vocals. “2012” brought some sense of ‘normality’ onto the fold and by the time the heavy and epic sounding tunes of both “Cu Chulain” and “Kali Yoga III” filled my living room, things were back on track. “The Sells Are Open” is quite an interesting composition as it incorporated a few theatrical elements but cannot really compete with the immense dynamism of “Din” and the atmospheric choral arrangements of “After The Inquisition; Children Of the Stone” who add the finishing touches in this very impressive release.
With “Sitra Ahra” Therion went back to doing what they know best; mixing their mid tempo rhythmical riffs with beautiful melodic orchestrations and adding various choral arrangements onto the fold. Is that album going to satisfy the band’s loyal fan base? I am quite confident that all those people who felt strongly against “Gothic Kabbalah” will soldier behind “Sitra Ahra”. As for me; I have already spend many hours listen to this album and I will have absolutely no reason continue doing so in the near future, however, I cannot deny that I would choose “Gothic Kabbalah” over this one any time of the day. Therion will soon go on tour around the world in promotion of this album; if you just so happen to visit London for the band’s upcoming show, I guarantee you that you will find me indulging in the ancient art of head banging somewhere very close to you.
John Stefanis
Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)
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