Has there ever been a band as stylistically distant from its origins as Therion? VoiVod, no. Even Metallica’s dreaded "Load" era pales in comparison to the seismic shift Christofer Johnsson has guided his ship through, over the course of two decades, beginning life as a pure death metal act and gradually transforming into the current symphonic laced rock/metal outfit. While most of the female fronted symphonic acts attempt to add orchestral elements into a rock/metal structure, Therion are more content allowing rock/metal instrumentation into their symphonic world.

‘Land Of Canaan’ is a veritable trip around the world, beginning with traditional Asian instrumentation, but also employing flute, harmonica and piano through its 10:32 length, which also includes Italian and Russian rhythms. Baritones, shrill/operatic female voices, it’s ‘Beauty In Black’ on steroids. Imagine King Diamond, Tarja, David DeFeis (Virgin Steele) and the B-52s fronting your local philharmonic! ‘201 – 2’ is the most consistently metal, in a prog sort of way, while ‘Cu Chulainn’ begins with death metal vocals that quickly give way to the omnipresent dual sexed choir: at times a cappella, always off kilter. ‘Children Of The Stone After The Inquisition’ could be the sympho-rock version of ‘It’s A Small World’.

Definitely a unique listen, for the open-minded.