Leviathan III explained
Leviathan III is the nineteenth studio album by Swedish symphonic metal band Therion. It was released on 15 December 2023 by Napalm Records.[1] It is the final part of the Leviathan trilogy of the band.
Band leader Christofer Johnsson stated that this closure of the Leviathan trilogy would compile the most "experimental and adventurous" songs from that songwriting period.[2]
Lyrical themes
The third part of the Leviathan Trilogy focuses on the apocalyptic themes, odes to the rulers of the underworld as well as on the mystical rituals of several mythologies and traditions from around the world.
- Ninkigal refers to Sumerian goddess Ereshkigal and her title of "Lady of the Great Earth" as a force of destruction.
- Ruler Of Tamag tells the legend of Erlik, ruler of hell in Turkish mythology.
- An Unsung Lament talks about the resurrection of Greek deity Pan.
- Maleficium is about the dark rituals of necromancy and witchcraft.
- Ayahuasca talks about the rituals of consumption of said hallucinogenic substance and the mystical awakening of the inner cosmic serpent.
- Baccanale centers on the Greek festival to the god Baccus, of the same name.
- Midsommarblot is about the Pagan holiday of Summer solstice.
- What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More is about the struggle of demon Astaroth to make a return from the abyss and recover his treasures and glory.
- Duende is about the spirit from Flamenco tradition, that possesses dancers and musicians as a mean of inspiration.
- Nummo is about the fish-like spirits from Dogon cosmogony and their realm beyond the stars.
- Twilight Of The Gods chronicles the prophecy of Ragnarok and its aftermath from Norse mythology.
Reception
AllMusic commended the album for being "ambitious", and said that, while the album was somewhat hard to grasp, repeated listens to it were "rewarding", as Leviathan III was "easily one of Therion's most diverse, dramatic, and dynamic recordings yet".[3]
Notes and References
- https://napalmrecords.com/english/therion-leviathan-iii-die-hard-edition.html Record label information
- Web site: 2021-02-08 . Interview: Therion's Christofer Johnsson talks pleasing fans with new album 'Leviathan;' looks back on thirty years of 'Of Darkness...' Metal Insider . 2023-12-13 . metalinsider.net . en-US.
- https://www.allmusic.com/album/leviathan-iii-mw0004122910 AllMusic review
