Therion is a Swedish symphonic/death metal band. Its name originates from Greek, where therion (θηρίον) means beast; the name refers to the beast of the Christian Book of Revelation. Therion was founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1989. Beginning as death metal band they later turned to symphonic metal - the release of "Theli" in 1996 is considered the turning point.
Therion's later albums take their themes from different mythologies (Sumerian, Scandinavian and others), along with many occult themes. The music is sometimes thought to be unusual even by goth metal standards, often featuring classical solo vocalists, a choir and an orchestra. Members cite Richard Wagner as among their main musical influences.
Therion can be considered highly successful for a band outside the mainstream, with their albums selling up to 125,000 copies.
Cristofer Johnsson is also a member of the magical order Dragon Rouge, and many song lyrics are written by this order's head and founder Thomas Karlsson . The phrase "Ho Drakon Ho Megas", for example, is part of Dragon Rouge's central ritual, the Dragon Ceremony.
Band members
Discography
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