WAND OF ABARIS

"Wand of Abaris" is Therion's latest single release at time of writing. All three tracks here are taken from "Gothic Kabbalah", the single being released in advance of the album. The versions of the tracks here are identical to those which appeared on disc 2 of the album, devoid of radio editing or remixing.

The tracks are an accurate representation of the album as a whole, as as such they warn us that "Gothic Kabbalah" is a major departure from the style of its immediate predecssors. The music here is earthier, less symphonic than we have come to expect from Therion, with the orchestras missing altogether and the operatic vocals kept firmly in check.

Having heard the album first, it would have muffled the blow for me somewhat had I come to it by way of this single. Both the album and the extracted tracks here are disappointingly ordinary, being well recorded but prosaic rock numbers.

Sadly, there are not even any rare songs here to make this single worthwhile now.