There are many bands which I consider to be amongst my personal favourites and which, having established their personal style/sound, choose to follow the "safe" option by producing albums of a similar musical approach - the names are numerous and not important to be mentioned in this review. What is important is to recognise the artistic value of bands like Therion who, with every new release, manage to re-invent themselves, whilst still retaining the interest of their loyal supporters.

Three years ago, Christofer Johnsson and Co released their operatic/symphonic masterpiece "Lemuria/Serius B" - a double release that was featured in my list of the best albums of 2004. Since then quite a few changes have taken place, both in terms of line up and musical arrangements, but one thing certainly remained the same - Therion's ability to create outstanding music, the latest representation of which is the double CD "Gothic Kabbalah".

I have to admit that my introduction to this album left me with quite a few questions. My original impression was that the band's latest compositions were stripped of the majestic operatic parts that had a predominant role in previous albums, to the point that Therion now sounded more like a Power Metal band than the powerful symphonic metal outfit that we all know and love. Do I still support this argument, having had the time to listen to and analyse the music of "Gothic Kabbalah" more carefully?

Well, "Gothic Kabbalah" may indeed find Therion sounding more heavy and straight-forward than in their previous efforts, but at the same time, it contains compositions such as "T.O.F - The Trinity", whose musical complexity can only classify them as operatic progressive power metal anthems. There is a great change/improvement in the vocal section, with Mats Leven sounding much more involved in the compositions and up to his game, thus giving extra colour and character to songs like "The Perennial Sophia", accompanied by the double female contribution of Katarina Lilja and Hannah Holgersson, recording some of the best female vocals to date.

Having given up his vocal contributions completely, guitar wizard Christofer Johnsson was more free to invest in his heavy riffs and beautifully arranged guitar melodies, which make songs like the same-titled "Gothic Kabbalah", the epic "Son of the Staves of Time", the folky-sounding "Trul" and the low-tuned atmospheric masterpiece "Close Up the Streams" sound totally irresistible.

Closer to the spirit of classic Therion, the dark/atmospheric sounding jewels "Three Treasures", "The Wand of Abaris" and 'Adulruna Redivivia' should receive your utmost attention, just as "Tuna 1613" which once again proves Christofer's love and appreciation of the almighty Scorpions.

I never claimed that I have listened to everything that this band has to offer, yet I have to admit that Therion took me totally by surprise with this wonderful release. 'Gothic Kabbalah' is the kind of album that will give you more with every new spin, and as such, will quite deservedly impose its presence in your CD collection. Less than a month before the arrival of the new year, Christofer Johnsson and Co are presenting us with "Gothic Kabbalah" - an album that will without doubt dominate the playlists of many music journalists. Cannot wait to get my hands on it!

*****

Review by John Stefanis