Name: Lepaca Kliffoth
Brand: Therion

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

HHR202116

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "HHR202116"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-04-08

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

8715392221620

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "8715392221620"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Therion

Genre GB

Metal

Label GB

Hammerheart Records

Hammerheart Records is a Dutch heavy metal label that has been a prominent force in the music industry. Established in [year], the brand experienced a period of change when it was temporarily replaced by Karmageddon Media. However, in 2011, Hammerheart Records made a triumphant return and continues to thrive today.

With an impressive roster of talented *artists* and performers, Hammerheart Records has solidified its position as a respected authority in the heavy metal genre. The label's commitment to showcasing exceptional talent and delivering high-quality music has earned them a dedicated fan base worldwide.

Whether you are an avid heavy metal enthusiast or simply appreciate powerful and authentic music, Hammerheart Records offers an extensive selection of albums that will satisfy your musical cravings. Explore their catalog and discover the thrilling sounds of some of the most influential *artists* in the industry.

A symphonic metal band from Stockholm, Sweden, Therion was founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987/1988. Initially starting with a death metal sound, the band soon evolved into a more complex and symphonic direction. Over the past two decades, Therion has perfected their unique blend of metal and orchestral/classical music elements.

With their exceptional skills, Therion effortlessly combines ripping metal riffs, epic operatic vibes, symphonic elements, and complex multi-layered choirs within their compositions. The current line-up includes Christofer Johnsson on guitar, keyboards, programming, bass and vocals since 1988; Sami Karppinen on drums (1998–2001, 2017–); Nalle Påhlsson on bass (2008–); Thomas Vikström on vocals and flute (2009–); Christian Vidal on guitars (2010–); Lori Lewis on vocals (2011–). 

Therion collaborates with talented artists such as Chiara Malvestiti for vocals since 2015; Rosalía Sairem for vocals since 2019; Justin Biggs for bass since 2019. Drawing inspiration from bands like Theatre Of Tragedy, Tristania, Epica and many others [listed above], Therion continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their powerful and intricate musical creations.

The dawn of Symphonic Therion glooming at the horizon, yet still drenched in Dark Metal execution! Though it was their fourth full-length, and we had been given a sampling of their symphonic/gothic direction with “Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas”, Lepaca Kliffoth might remain the most memorable masterpiece of the band’s career along the follow-up “Theli”. A transitional phase between the band’s Death Metal roots and the hybrid of symphonic, gothic metal which they would carry forward for the rest of their career. This is an extremely dark album. The band retains their fascination with obscure occult magick and prophecies within the lyrics, and the music revolves around killer mid-paced Metal riffs drenched in the vocal libations of Christofer Johnsson. The album starts off strongly with “The Wings of the Hydra”, and from there on the serpent has snaked about your spine.

An addictive piece with an obvious Celtic Frost influence, chanting vocals, simple synth tones and arabesque guitar melodies which evoke the mythical age of the song’s namesake. The album’s ‘hit single’, “The Beauty in Black” is glorious and gothic, it uses a pair of operatic vocalists (male and female), a sort of predecessor to the revolving door of guest musicians the band would use on their later albums. Other excellent tracks include the charging “Riders of Theli”, the crushing doom of “Black” which would have fit almost perfectly on “Into the Pandemonium”. The rest of the album is equally dark and enchanting, with other standouts being the title track and “Evocation of Vovin”. Synthesizers, flutes multiple vocalists, and the core of the band are all clear and precise throughout, yet it still carries a very raw and dark, ominous tone to it which trumps the later studio efforts. This may not be quite as symphonic as many Therion fans demand of their material in recent years, but it clearly marks the point where this band transformed from a innovative Death Metal band into the Gods of Gothic Metal. There are very few parallels to something like this, and it belongs in the collection of any fan of quality Occult Metal.

Lepaca Kliffoth

Music GB