Therion. One of the most innovating bands around. Starting out as a death metal band in 1990, they`ve constantly changed its music styles. After `Theli` (1996), `Vovin` (1998) and especially `Deggial` (2000), Therion seems to have found the music style they want to keep playing (and improving). `Secret Of The Runes` is their latest effort and it follows the unique style that was made throughout all these years.

Looking back at Therion`s older work, you can already detect some sounds that later appear on the musicstyle mentioned above. The Death Metal albums `Ho Drakon Ho Megas` (1993) and `Lepaca Kliffoth` (1995) for example already featured the use of a keyboard, something that`s not very common in that genre, especially at that time. Although it wasn`t used much, it made the albums stand out between the rest and it was clear Therion wanted to make new music. With melodic songs, use of a female vocalists, the keyboard and even some minor classical arrangements it was clear Therion was growing and growing.

Their big breakthrough finally came with `Theli`. The keyboard became just as important as all the other instruments. The mix of the female vocals coming from a choir and the change in the male vocals of Christofer Johnsson, the symphonic and bombastic music and the refreshing song compositions all made sure that `Theli` became a metal classic.

It was to be expected that Therion was going to take an even bigger step after the success of Theli. And big steps were taken. Except for one song, all the vocals were coming from a 6-headed choir and from several female solo/duet performances. `Vovin` also made use of real classical instruments such as violins and a cello. While still relying on the keyboard as well for the classical sounds, it sounded a lot more mature than on its previous record.

The year 2000 saw the light of its follow-up `Deggial`. This time all the classical arrangements came from more than 25 musicians playing on authentic instruments and thus not relying on the keyboard anymore to play those arrangements. It also became even more mysterious and darker than `Vovin`. While the guitars and drums still played an important role, the music focussed more than ever on the choir and the beautiful classical arrangements. Now, Therion is back with the concept album `Secret Of The Runes`. Here`s what mainman Christofer Johnsson had to say about the story: "The concept of the new album is based on the ancient Nordic tradition. In this tradition exists a world tree called `Yggrasi`.

This tree consists of nine worlds on which the album is focused around. The songs describe each of the worlds. However, it is also a prologue and an epilogue. The prologue `Ginnungaqap` is the void of creation, where the world once was shaped. The giant `Ymer` was slayed and the land was created from his body and the seas of his blood. The epilogue is the title track, which is the quintessence of the whole concept: Odin`s journey when he was hanging himself from `Yggrasil` for nine days and nights. He then received the knowledge of the runes. The word "rune" (or "runa" as it is called in Swedish) means "secret," and therefore the meaning of the title is "The Secret of the Secrets." The secret hidden in the concept of runes is that they are more than just letters to write with; they are also magical signs that each has an esoteric meaning."

Sounds interesting? Well, just wait til you`ve heard the album! `Secret Of The Runes` is very dark and focusses mainly on the choir this time, although the heavy guitars and classical arrangments are still there of course. The opening track `Ginnungagap` sets the mood for the rest of the album. Just like the opening track on `Deggial` it kicks off right away.

The nine songs that follow it represent the nine worlds as mentioned in the story. `Vanaheim` is one of those songs. It begins erie and it makes you wait for something exciting to happen. And it does! After 50 seconds of only low male voices and a mysterious female voice, the song changes all of a sudden to a heavy song that will blow you away. The change between the choir after that is impressive and agressive. There are also some slower songs on the new record. Combining acoustic guitars, violins and beautiful vocals, `Asgard` is one of those songs.

I could go on and on about the songs, but they`re all good, good enough to get an impression that I like! The runningtime of the complete record should be around 50 minutes. Because of the fact that I haven`t heard the entire album, it gets a 9.5. But I`m sure that this diamond deserves a full 10 when it`s out in the stores.

Overall this is another masterpiece by Swedish gothic band Therion. Using the mature and intelligent music of `Deggial`, mixed with a sound that reminds me of the `Theli` album, this is a must have for all the Therion fans out there. If you`re not familiar with Therion, do yourself a huge favor and run to the cd-store to check them out!