Therion (formerly Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987.
Therion was originally formed under the name "Blitzkrieg" in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. The founder, Christofer Johnsson, was originally the bassist and vocalist, despite having only played bass for 3 months prior to the band's formation. Joining him in this new band were guitarist Peter Hansson and drummer Oskar Forss. Johnsson and Hansson had met in several musical groups, while Forss was an old school friend of Johnsson. Blitzkrieg's main influences were Metallica and Slayer, but their sound was similar to Venom and Motörhead. The band however never recorded any proper demos, and only did two concerts together. Blitzkrieg decided to split up in March 1988 due to problems with Forss. Only a few recordings survive to this day.
The band was reformed later, in 1988, under the new name Megatherion and began to be influenced by the Swiss heavy metal band Celtic Frost. The new group name was originated by their album To Mega Therion. Johnsson switched [from bass] to guitar, P. Hansson was still guitarist, while Johan Hansson became a new bassist and Mika Tovalainen a drummer. The band name was soon shortened to Therion and the rhythm section was replaced by Erik Gustafsson of Dismember as a bassist and Oskar Forss returned as a drummer.
Beginning as a death metal band, they later turned to combining orchestral elements with their metal music, employing heavy use of choirs and classical musicians, not only as additions to, but also as integral parts of the composition.
Therion is the first metal band with a fully live orchestra featured. It is also the band which originated, popularized and influenced the symphonic metal genre, cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present". Because of the extents they take in conducting their music, it has been dubbed as "Opera Metal".
Therion's music takes its themes from different mythologies, and is based on concepts ranging from occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. The majority of their lyrics are written by Thomas Karlsson, head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, of which Johnsson is a member. The band has seen many changes in line-up and style throughout its history.
Members . . . Current lineup:
Christofer Johnsson — guitars, keyboards (1987–present), vocals (1987–2006)
Christian Vidal — guitar (2010–present)
Nalle "Grizzly" Påhlsson — bass guitar (2008–present)
Johan Koleberg — drums (2008–present)
Thomas Vikström — lead vocals (2007–present); live only (2007–2009), studio (2009–present)
Lori Lewis — vocals (2011–present)
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verändern ... Monica Isabel / Blog
. . . . S e n e c a . . . .
. . . "Artes serviunt vitae, sapientia imperat" . . .
. . ."Arts provide a service to life, wisdom governs" . . .
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. . . . ALBERT . . . . EINSTEIN . . .
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."
Albert Einstein
"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us "Universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest — a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security".
Albert Einstein
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. . . . T H E R I O N . . . .
Therion (formerly Megatherion) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987.
Therion was originally formed under the name "Blitzkrieg" in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. The founder, Christofer Johnsson, was originally the bassist and vocalist, despite having only played bass for 3 months prior to the band's formation. Joining him in this new band were guitarist Peter Hansson and drummer Oskar Forss. Johnsson and Hansson had met in several musical groups, while Forss was an old school friend of Johnsson. Blitzkrieg's main influences were Metallica and Slayer, but their sound was similar to Venom and Motörhead. The band however never recorded any proper demos, and only did two concerts together. Blitzkrieg decided to split up in March 1988 due to problems with Forss. Only a few recordings survive to this day.
The band was reformed later, in 1988, under the new name Megatherion and began to be influenced by the Swiss heavy metal band Celtic Frost. The new group name was originated by their album To Mega Therion. Johnsson switched [from bass] to guitar, P. Hansson was still guitarist, while Johan Hansson became a new bassist and Mika Tovalainen a drummer. The band name was soon shortened to Therion and the rhythm section was replaced by Erik Gustafsson of Dismember as a bassist and Oskar Forss returned as a drummer.
Beginning as a death metal band, they later turned to combining orchestral elements with their metal music, employing heavy use of choirs and classical musicians, not only as additions to, but also as integral parts of the composition.
Therion is the first metal band with a fully live orchestra featured. It is also the band which originated, popularized and influenced the symphonic metal genre, cited as "the most adventurous metal band at present". Because of the extents they take in conducting their music, it has been dubbed as "Opera Metal".
Therion's music takes its themes from different mythologies, and is based on concepts ranging from occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. The majority of their lyrics are written by Thomas Karlsson, head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, of which Johnsson is a member. The band has seen many changes in line-up and style throughout its history.
Members . . . Current lineup:
Christofer Johnsson — guitars, keyboards (1987–present), vocals (1987–2006)
Christian Vidal — guitar (2010–present)
Nalle "Grizzly" Påhlsson — bass guitar (2008–present)
Johan Koleberg — drums (2008–present)
Thomas Vikström — lead vocals (2007–present); live only (2007–2009), studio (2009–present)
Lori Lewis — vocals (2011–present)
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. . . . B L A C K . . . . W A T E R . . . . SOUL . . . .
BLACK WATER SOUL, Bakersfield, CA
Swamp Metal - Combining the relatable storytelling and tasty guitar licks of Southern Rock with the heaviness of Metal and the attitude of 80's/90's Rock & Roll. Black Water Soul is Bakersfield California's premier Swamp Metal band.
Members:
KEITH GALLOWAY . . . . . . . Vocals
BRETT GARRETT . . . . . . . . Guitars
TONY OLGUIN . . . . . . . . . . Guitars
NEIL PERRY . . . . . . . . . . . . Drums
JEFF DOLLEN . . . . . . . . . . . Bass
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