Live Gothic is taken from a performance on the Gothic Kabbalah Tour in 2007, a world wide tour that saw the band successfully assault the consciousness of listeners on several continents. This particular performance was in Warsaw, Poland. It is a combo offering, with a full DVD of the concert accompanied by two CDs, with identical music. And it is breathtaking. Never having seen Therion in concert live, I have only videos to judge them on, although I have a number of their CD releases. Of course, they own large segments of YouTube, having been one of the more prolific bands in terms of output over the years. And I watch a lot of them. This concert, however, is one of the most visually impressive, and, of course musically dynamic things ever recorded.

First, let’s look at what Therion is. The name is explained as the Greek interpretation of the old Biblical term for the Beast. Nice start. The band, well, it’s really only one guy, at least musically. His name is Christofer Johnsson, and he does the music and arranging and plays lead guitar. The lyrics are another, and somewhat more interesting story. They are largely a creative effort by one Thomas Karlsson who has collaborated with Johnson over a period of time. Karlsson has an interesting perspective on things, he is closely associated with Ordo Draconis et Atri Adamantis; Dragon Rouge. Dragon Rouge is a Northern European gothic mystical occult sect of the Left Hand Path. So, if you’re wondering what Therion is talking about, well, that’s it. For further information:

http://www.dragonrouge.net

Therion’s music is performed by a continuously changing lineup of musicians, and one that can become extremely broad in terms of numbers. On Serius B, Johnsson augments the core Therion sound of three guitars with a drummer, 5 classically trained instrumental soloists, a rock vocalist, 6 classical opera singers, The City of Prague Philharmonic and a classically trained performing choir from central Europe with over 50 members. We ain’t talking two rappers, a base player and some guy with a whistle here. Performers on this DVD include Johnsson and the two regular guitar players who have constituted the Therion core for some time: brothers Kristian Niemann on guitar and Johann Niemann on bass. They are joined by drummer Petter Karlsson to form the instrumental component. Male vocals are provided by Snowy Shaw (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE) and Mats Levén (Yngwie). Female vocals are delivered by a pair of sultry vixons named Lori Lewis and Katarina Lilja. And this later pair is something to behold, both in terms of their music and visuals with Lilja and Lewis portraying seductive, yet stoic songstresses and accounting for a vocal component often requiring a dozen or more. Oh yea, there’s a belly dancer in there too, don’t know her name but you won’t miss her. Of course, there are a couple other names that should be mentioned, given the incredible visual and musical background to the concert. The stunning setlist is augmented by a fabulous sound (Richard Peach, Petter Karlsson) and an unforgettable light show from Chris Parschau. You really have to see it to believe it.

But let’s talk about the set list. Although the Tour was intended to promote the Gothic Kabbalah CD, it only covers a few songs from that title. The rest of the 22 song set comes from several CDs including Lemuria and Serius B. They include favorites that most Therion fans will recognize and, in some instances, this live performance of those titles is actually better than the studio versions. Most of us have heard numerous Therion titles done by multiple singers, but, these are amongst the best. Son of the Sun, for instance, is the best cover of that song I have heard. . . or seen. It is a high point of the DVD, at least in my opinion. But choosing favorites on this production has to take into account personal favorites. There is just too much good material to focus on any single group of titles. So, I’ll give you mine.

Beyond Son of the Son, you have to consider presentations based on personal perspective. And, I do love that belly dancer. So, Wine Of Aluqah has to be on the list.. You have a great song, great vocals from the entire cast. . . and a sexy belly dancer, how can you beat that? Well, you might go to Rise Of Sodom And Gomorrah where she makes an even more dramatic showing, and to a song and light show that is hard to believe. As our belly dancer / fan dancer dances, the cast sings, the music swirls and we hear:

(The) Sun enter the Capricorn (and) the Star of Sin will shine

The King of Sodom drink again

Lady Babalons whine

Rise of Sodom

and Gomorrah

Reveal the gnosis

of Borora

If you don’t like this one, you’re on the wrong web site.

There are too many others to name, but, for any Therion fan, it’s hard to get past To Mega Therion. It’s pretty much a staple, and it’s done right here. And, it goes way beyond musical presentation, it’s pagan ritual. Even the crowd gets into the act. To Mega Therion is an anthem, and the band treats it as such. The guitars scream, the ladies hit the high notes, the light show is world class, and you have lyrics that others only dream of:

Ascending fiend of the sea

Will fulfil prophecy

Man will feel the wrath of beast

Then Fenris wolf is released

The dragon open the eye

And reveal both true and lie

Spiritual supremacy

The end of revelation

A soulful violation

The end of revelation

Bear the mark of victory

And the speak of destiny

Bear the mark of victory

If you’re looking for deep Christianity, look elsewhere.

Live Gothic pretty much sets the bar for music of this type. No one else can go to this level. Unfortunately, Therion won’t be doing this again either. Johnsson summarily dismissed the Niemann brothers at the conclusion of this tour so the future of the band is headed in directions unknown at this time. However, this isn’t the first time this has happened. The core of the band is Johnsson and Karlsson, so we can expect to see movement in a similar direction at some point.

However, given the incredible beauty, both musical and visual, of this offering, we can only trust that that direction will continue. This has been a real ride, and this has been the high point.

10 / 10