Therion (band)
| Therion | |
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Therion live at Wacken Open Air 2016
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Blitzkrieg (1987–1988) Megatherion (1988) |
| Origin | Upplands Väsby, Sweden |
| Genres | Symphonic metal, death metal (early years) |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Nuclear Blast, Deaf, Active, Megarock |
| Website | therion |
| Members |
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| Past members | (Members by album) |
Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg, Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by occultist Aleister Crowley. Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, it has popularized the symphonic metal genre. In their biography, they state they have been cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present".
Therion takes its themes from different mythologies and practices, including occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. Thomas Karlsson, the head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, has provided lyrics for the band since 1996.
Therion originated as the band Blitzkrieg in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. In 1987, Christofer Johnsson, who had played bass for three months, teamed up with guitarist Peter Hansson, whom he had met in several musical groups, and drummer Oskar Forss, who was Johnsson's old schoolmate. The band's main influences were Metallica and Slayer, but its sound resembled Venom and Motörhead. The band had only two concerts. In March 1988, it split up after some disagreements with Forss.
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