LIVE GOTHIC

Therion's "Live Gothic" is a full length CD/DVD release recorded in February 2007 in Warsaw Poland. It proves that while Therion continues to change over time they are still one of the top prog-metal acts and capable of delivering this rip-roaring good time. The set list contains 6 tracks from the latest release Gothic Kabbalah, 2-3 each from Secret Runes, Sirius, Lemura, Vovin, Theli, and one each from Deggial and Crowning Atlantis (if my stats are correct!) I was a bit concerned when I heard the choirs were out and they were going with individuals, only because I happen to love the choirs. I was also disappointed initially when many of the early tracks were much more punchy and head-bangin riff stuff than the surreal, dreamy, and mystical tracks of my favorite album Deggial. And while I still prefer that side of Therion I have come to really enjoy this concert.

So let's discuss the DVD as that was the big selling point for me. I far prefer studio albums to live ones, but when they throw a DVD into the deal my wallet opens up pretty fast. Nothing like Therion standing right in your living room! The quick verdict: this is a fabulous musical and visual experience. The stage is handsomely decorated in the Gothic motif and while the production is nothing hugely expensive it does not need to be. A rewarding experience for the eyes comes from the sense of teamwork and fun the band is having along with very tasteful lighting. While the band is absolutely professional and tight it is the strength of the vocals that take Therion above the experience of other metal bands. This time out the band is losing the full choirs and going with four lead vocals, two male and two female. They are able to provide a full and enjoyable ride even if I do miss the full choirs in some tracks. The two boys are Snowy Shaw and Mats Leven. Snowy brings a strange tortured voice and an Ozzy level amount of enthusiasm and goodwill, he is obviously enjoying the hell out of this show. Mats is a talented guy with something between a Dio sound and 80s hair metal band. As much as I respect his vocal pipes I didn't feel his "vibe" was quite the right one for Therion. The two ladies Lori Lewis and Katarina Lilja are both enormously talented and charismatic, bringing operatic grace one moment and devilish mischief the next. Lori can remind me of Loreena McKennitt in the metal realm (or even Kate Bush in "Son of the Staves of Time") while Katarina has to be seen to be believed. Probably the smallest physically on the stage she projects unbelievable presence when taking the lead, and when she smiles I have to say she just melts me-just loved watching her start to finish. She does the vocal for "Musphelheim" as if possessed by something, very interesting. "Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah" is another highlight with a winged dancer under the cool lighting, and the most delicious chorus where the guitar hook sets up the delicate, lovely vocal line. I'm sure some will find this over the top or cheesy but I don't care, I found it a perfect balance of stage theatrics and musical delight-and yet still intimate. Therion takes every fan in this theatre with them rather than being so big and distant like a Metallica gig might be. Some may charge that Therion is not complex enough, not metal enough, not this or that enough. It is more important to me that the composition has emotion and beauty inherent, much more so that the level of complexity or the speed of the riff. Johnsson understands, in my view, the necessary elements of interesting, emotional musical storytelling which is why I place Therion above so many of the hyped modern prog acts, metal or otherwise. Johnsson and Therion have assembled quite a legacy.

Another issue I want to address is the band's image. While they are often described in various shades of "occultist" and readers might get the idea they are negative or depressing nothing could be further from the truth. While I can't speak to what their lyrics may be about (I don't pay that much attention to reading lyrics, shame on me), I can tell you that the music of Therion is filled with life, passion, and it makes me feel very good. Especially watching them perform it live.this is not a bummer in any way! Immaculately filmed and edited with reasonable pace to catch all of the action from close and from crowd perspective. A booklet of nice photos is included though it is sadly lacking in notes and written details. A very enjoyable package that is a must for Therion fans and recommended to any fans of dark symphonic metal with operatic beauty.