Therion - Sitra Ahra

Release Date: September 17, 2010
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Introduction/Sitra Ahra
2.  Kings of Edom
3.  Unguentum Sabbati
4.  Land of Canaan
5.  Hellequin
6.  2012
7.  Cú Chulainn
8.  Kali Yuga, pt. 3
9.  The Shells are Open
10.  Din
11.  After the Inquisition:
       Children of the Stone

Total playing time:  61:11

October 12, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

To paraphrase a quote from the movie Forrest Gump, “Therion is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”  In a sense, Therion has provided something for everyone since the beginning, from their early days as a death metal band to the 1996 album Theli, which began their symphonic metal ways.  That, in turn, has allowed the band to really try different things and combined with not having a permanent vocalist for a while, has given listeners a variety of choices when it comes to a favorite Therion album.

It had only been recently on the 2007 release Gothic Kabbalah that Therion began to stabilize their vocalist(s) situation.  Gaining the services of Snowy Shaw, among others for their tours was a start, since the band had been relying on various people to fill the spots needed.  Now, with a new album in Sitra Ahra, Therion only continues to add to their ever growing legacy with another album for the ages.

Anyone who has listened to any Therion album knows to expect a grand listening experience.  Yes, the subject matter does dictate what the band does, but they always tailor their sound to get the most out of everything that is before them.  This time around, the band employs the services of ex-Candlemass vocalist Thomas Vikström, which offers a different dynamic for the band.  Listening to “Introduction/Sitra Ahra” and “Kings of Edom,” the listener gets a sense of being inside a large cathedral in that the choir singing, especially on the latter, creates that feeling of being inside while the sound fills the large space that many cathedrals are traditionally known for having.  In that sense, Sitra Ahra is like Vovin in that the compositions are at their grandest in their delivery.  The vocals add a Gothic feel to the proceedings, which further adds to the overall feel of the album.  The intro to “Land of Canaan” offers a different perspective in that it transports the listener to a Buddhist temple in time for meditation.  The longest track on the album, it is also the most diverse song on the album, as in addition to the intro, there are flutes, acoustic guitars, piano, and even a harmonica, all tied together by the vocals of the choir and Vikström.  On “The Shells are Open,” there is Therion’s trademark usage of vocals for each range, which furthers the grand design for the album.  As with any Therion album, the enjoyment level will vary from listener to listener, where some will immensely enjoy the album while others won’t enjoy it as much.

While every Therion album is different, the quality of the album is the same in that each one is remarkably high.  Sitra Ahra meets the band’s high standards in a major way, with a sound that is as grand since Vovin.  Regardless of which Therion album is your favorite, Sitra Ahra definitely deserves your time and a few listens.

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