Therion

Live in Midgard (Nuclear Blast)
by Scott Hefflon

Therion celebrates its 15-year anniversary with a double live CD spanning their history. Many of these songs haven’t been performed live in years, and in a single sitting, it’s quite a chore for all but true fans. But seeing as Therion has evolved from a traditional (as in boring) death metal band to a completely original mix of power metal chug and operatic screeching (crossing ancient Nordic lands, viewing the pyramids, and soaring the cosmos all the while), it may be a taxing listen, but knowledge doesn’t come easily, kids…

Very live-sounding, it’s cool to hear the huge male choirs and siren calls duplicated, as well as all the vocal snarls and metal riffery, but it’s all about the sparse moments, the moody, Gothic, heavens-tickling aspects blossom and blow in the gentle breeze, and that’s a tricky feat to pull off live. Seeing as the band doesn’t tour the States regularly, this may be your best bet to hear them live.
(2323 W. El Segundo Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250)