THERION

Swedish symphonic metal stalwarts THERION have been swinging the axe for nearly 40 years, during which time they've released several live albums. Most notable of those live efforts was 2009's "The Miskolc Experience", which documented the band performing its own material as well as covers of classical works alongside a full choir and orchestra at a Hungarian opera festival two years prior. Nearly two decades later, in front of a sold-out crowd in Mexico City in 2024, the band embarked upon a similar endeavor. With "Con Orquesta", THERION teamed up with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, to reimagine their best work, taking the already ambitious and extravagant music to soaring, new heights.

"Con Orquesta" is a winner because it is much more than a collection of THERION songs aided by a tacked-on orchestra that merely mimicked the core, underlying music. Founding member and main man Christofer Johnsson invited Mexican conductor Rodrigo Cadet and composer Bernardo Lorentze to reinterpret THERION songs, add intros, interludes and new arrangements through an orchestra's lens. Given a long, loose leash and extensive creative license, the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México's cultural identity and character inevitably shines through, and its inherent passionate flair bounces back and forth with the energetic and interactive audience.

The release also serves as a career-spanning "best of," scraping across the Swedes' catalogue including numerous "hits." Amongst the album's 20 tracks — never mind the additional, bonus rehearsal material — are favorites like "The Blood of Kingu". The song opens as though it was the score of "The Mummy" before driving forward with traditional metal majesty that's deliciously theatrical on all fronts, augmented especially with the operatic vocal talents of Thomas Vikström, Rosalia Sairem and the seemingly inhuman Lori Lewis. Elsewhere, "Son of the Staves of Time" is an epic blend of orchestra with the most dramatic flavors of WHITESNAKE and SCORPIONS, and "Lemuria", pulled from the 2004 album of the same name, subtly moves forward with a lulling, Latin-flavored bounce.

The Swedes have come a long way since their early death metal days. Christofer Johnsson, who has worked with dozens of musicians under the THERION moniker, was long ago joined by members of ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER and CREMATORY. Now, evidenced on "Con Orquesta", the band confidently crafts a diverse collage of heavy metal, symphonic metal, doom and so much more to the backdrop of elaborate stage sets, blinding lights and flames. This is essential and mandatory as a stand-alone release for longtime fans. THERION continues to age like a fine wine.