Review by JD on May 27, 2011.

Symphonic Metal. Even the name of it seem so large, but at the same time inviting. Bands like this can go one of two ways. One is that it is a sound that cascades around you, while pummling you with its thunderous riffing, the other is that it comes across like a very bad cartoon on really bad drugs. And now for your headbanging enjoyment - Therion.

Formed in 1988 just outside of Stockholm, Sweden this band of amazing musicians at first were a straight ahead Death Metal band in the vein of Celtic Frost, then slowly morphed from there into something different. Now, they are Thrash inspired Symphonic Metal, and one of the leaders in this genre. With inflences like that, plus the drive to make some of the wickedest metal around - it does not take a rocket scientist to see this band is one of the few that can blow your head off.

The are many songs that I could pick out, so I will just say that there really is no weak song on the album. With songs that are as technically sound as they are masterfully and deliciously brutal - Therion is one of the few acts, that no matter what genre of meat you like - you find this album both compelling and impressive. With very biting lyrics and some truly nasty riffs that seem to stick in your head for hours, they seem to be a band that will be around for a long time still.

Later release saw the band go through more changes, yet still keep themselves true to what they were doing. This was Therion’s finest release. Others might disagree... but that is my opinion. Excuse me while I pop the top on another cold one and listen to this album again.... I just have to.

Metal... still fucking rules. Yeah... it still does.(Puts up the horns)!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality:8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.7 out of 10

Review by Alex Grindor on March 20, 2021.

Seraph in Travail from Philadelphia, has recently released their third full-length, and it is marvelous from start to finish.

The album itself wastes no time with long intros and the like, immediately punching you in the face with 'Fixed and Dilated'.
The amount of variety in this record is worth numerous listens. Vocals that growl, shriek and sing clean melodies, changing between styles in a fraction of seconds, guitars that crush and pulverize while delivering beautiful licks and melodies all around, keyboards that intertwine with the guitars, yet they go on their own at moments where they are left alone to shine.
And the drums, dear me those drums... They are among the best drums I've heard in a very long time, with a ridiculous variety of patterns and techniques, going from maniacal frenzy to slow pummeling and everything in between. I commend Mike Shaw's performance, truly a highlight of this whole album.

The rest of the band is not left behind though. J. Sutherland is an amazing vocalist in its own right. Piercing shrieks
and demonic growls are delivered on par throughout the album, with even some clean vocals that either accompany these extreme deliveries or go on their own. Victoria Ebana provides additional vocals, adding even more variety to this already great experience. Dan Shegue's guitarwork is exceptional as well; crushing slow riffs mixed with fast tremolo-picked riffage and melodic solos thrown everywhere possible, with additional guitarwork delivered by Joe Bonner and the addition of Rachel Kolster on violin and cello.

With 8 tracks nearing almost 48 minutes of music, this is an absolute recommendation for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse and
similar artists. Very strong album by the band, who already had 2 previous full-lengths released. There is pretty much nothing wrong with this record at all, I recommend you go listen to it. NOW.

Rating: 9 out of 10