Wow. This band has changed over the years. But, unlike many bands that change styles, this band is one that was good at virtually ALL they did. From their early death metal days (Of Darkness through Symphony Masses) to the symphonic metal they are known for today (Theli and on), they could do no wrong. Here in 2004, they come out with their most ambitious project to date, Lemuria and Sirius B, two albums, nearly 100 minutes of music, one package. With their last couple albums (2000’s Deggial and 2001’s Secret of the Runes), in my opinion, the band had faltered. The albums didn’t seem to live up to the expectations that Therion have set for themselves for life. Again, with the Lemuria/Sirius B set, there was once again high anticipation for the two different yet connected albums. This time, they delivered.

Lemuria is the shorter opus of the two, and the better one. When I listen to this, I feel like I’m playing some RPG in the woods. This music could be in one of those types of games, and it would work perfectly. Hell, even a RPG-fanatic friend of mine said that this should be in one. This album has immense replay value. For the longest time, I couldn’t stop listening to it. From the driving opener “Typhon” to the epic closer “Feuer Overtüre/Prometheus Entfesselt,” this is a near-flawless album. The title track is a great ballad-like song, one of the highlights of the album. The two parts of “Three Ships of Berik” are what really make the album feel like RPG music. This is a forceful album without having to be unbelievably heavy or fast. That’s a rarity that I like. Great album.

Sirius B is also great, but it’s just not quite as good as Lemuria. Again, like Lemuria, this is a forceful album without having to be real heavy or fast. One thing that makes this album different from Lemuria, though, is that this one doesn’t feel like RPG music at all. Great high-speed driving music, though. It’s quite a bit more epic, also, which gives it a big, full sound. The replay value just isn’t as high. Definitely not a bad thing, though, as this is, as mentioned, a great disc. Both “Kali Yuga” parts are amazing, one (well, two) of the highlights of the album. Overall it is a great, great album, it’s just missing something that Lemuria has.

For both albums, the production on here is fantastic. Crisp and clear, couldn’t ask for better. The composition is practically perfect. From the male and female symphonic choirs to the actual symphony to the interaction of the instruments to the intricately placed death growls (yes, they are rare, but there), the overall effect is amazing.

In the end, this is a great set, worth every penny you pay for it. And you should definitely buy this, as the digi-pac packaging is fantastic. That’s a lot coming from me, as I HATE digi-pacs with a passion. So if you haven’t heard Therion before, this is actually a good place to start. Everybody should give this set a shot. Trust me, it’s worth it.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]