Therion – Vovin (2022 Slipcase CD) Review | Symphonic Metal Masterpiece Reborn
⛤ Operatic Symphonic Metal |
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Vovin is one of those albums that really showcases Therion evolving from just a metal band with some orchestral flair into something much grander and almost ceremonial.
You can feel this right from the start with "Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah," where the orchestra doesn’t just play in the background; it’s woven into the heartbeat and drama of the whole piece.
This album was the moment when Christofer Johnsson's vision came into clear focus, heightening Therion from pioneers to the forefront of symphonic metal.
A big part of what makes Vovin stand out is the lyrical content crafted by Thomas Karlsson, who's into occult mysticism. His lyrics go beyond generic dark fantasy; they incorporate Thelemic symbols, Qabalistic ideas, alchemical references, and mythic archetypes. It makes the lyrics feel like deep, coded texts that fit perfectly within these grand compositions. You’ve got themes of spiritual rebirth, cosmic journeys, and even ritual sacrifice that feel authentic and integral rather than just filler.
When you listen to tracks like "Clavicula Nox," it feels like you’re tapping into something genuine.
Karlsson's beliefs and connections to the Dragon Rouge order seep into the lyrics, adding a layer of seriousness you don’t often see in symphonic metal.
Concepts like "the opening of the seal" and "the birth of Venus" are not just for show; they reflect his real worldview. This is why the mysticism on the album feels lived-in and sincere rather than over-the-top theatrics.
In a way, Vovin functions as a spiritual text disguised as a metal album.
On the musical side, Vovin was a game-changer for how orchestration was integrated into metal.
Before this, a lot of bands would use keyboards to give a symphonic vibe, which is cool but often lacked the depth of real orchestral elements.
Therion flipped that with actual orchestral writing that treated the symphonic parts as major players in the songwriting, not just background ambiance.
Because of Vovin, other bands started to upgrade their game, paving the way for the grandeur of Septicflesh, the ambition of Epica, and Nightwish's shift into full classical arrangements.
Therion proved that classical arrangements could convey the emotional weight of metal without losing its heaviness.
To get this fresh sound, Therion used techniques that weren’t common in metal at the time.
Rather than slapping an orchestra on top of finished metal tracks, Johnsson wrote the orchestral arrangements alongside the metal, giving everything its own rhythmic and harmonic roles.
Choirs weren’t just there to fill space; they drove the narratives forward with intention.
The Indigo Orchestra captured real string performances with nuances you just can’t get from keyboards.
Even the guitar riffs were crafted to work with the orchestral elements, making everything feel cohesive rather than separate.
The influence of Vovin on later symphonic metal is massive.
It literally set the standard for what came after.
Think about Epica’s choral sound, or Nightwish’s classical twist; they were definitely influenced by this album.
Bands started to realize that the orchestra could lead the music instead of just decorating it, which elevated the genre as a whole.
Vovin didn’t just refine symphonic metal; it legitimized it.
From a production standpoint, the album has this epic feel thanks to the careful layering of sounds.
The mix is spacious, allowing choirs and orchestral parts to breathe, while giving guitars that solid punch. The drums pack a punch without sounding overly processed.
Most importantly, all the different layers complement each other perfectly.
This balance is what keeps the album sounding just as powerful today.
The symphonic parts feel alive, and the metal elements have that raw strength without being muddied.
That’s why Vovin stands out as a highlight in Therion's discography.
It feels like an experience, not just a collection of songs, with everything— the orchestra, guitars, lyrics, choirs, and production — all pushing toward a shared mystical vision.
Even after all these years, it remains a defining moment in symphonic metal and a truly impressive work.
Tracklist:
01. Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
02. Birth of Venus Illegitima
03. Wine of Aluqah
04. Clavicula Nox
05. The Wild Hunt
06. Eye of Shiva
07. Black Sun
08. The Opening of the Seal
09. Morning Star
10. Black Diamonds
11. Raven of Dispersion
Credits
Christofer Johnsson – Guitars, Keyboards, Composition
Tommy Eriksson – Guitars
Jan Kazda – Choir Conductor
Vocal Choir – Various classical vocalists
The Indigo Orchestra – Symphonic Arrangement & Performance
Produced by Christofer Johnsson.
Recorded at Woodhouse Studios, 1997–1998.
Mixed by Siggi Bemm.
Mastered at Woodhouse by Siggi Bemm.
Originally released by Nuclear Blast, reissued in slipcase CD edition in 2022.
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