Leviathan

Released in 2021, Leviathan marks a deliberate pivot for Therion back toward the 'hit-oriented' symphonic metal style that defined their peak years like Vovin and Lemuria. After the massive, three-hour rock opera Beloved Antichrist, mastermind Christofer Johnsson sought to create an album of 'Therion hits' - songs that were intentionally designed to be accessible, melodic, and myth-focused without the weight of a singular overarching concept. The recording features a global cast of collaborators, most notably Nightwish's Marco Hietala on the standout track 'Tuonela'. Sonically, the album is characterized by its high-gloss production and the seamless integration of a full choir, which provides the majority of the lead vocal melodies. Critically, it was seen as a refreshing return to form, successfully recapturing the Wagnerian metal atmosphere that the band pioneered in the 1990s while benefiting from modern digital clarity.