Therion
Vovin

I have already written about Theli that was released two years before Vovin, also reissued now. I wasn’t very impressed by Theli as it sounds a bit dated, and the cover looks dreadful. The cover of Vovin isn’t that brilliant either, but the album is more interesting with a more dynamic and focused sound. Vovin is more of a solo album by Christofer Johnsson as it features no members of Therion, but studio musicians that have helped Johansson accomplish his vision for this album that was originally released over twenty years ago.

Vovin is also a symphonic metal album, less focused on being only symphonic as this time it seems like there was actually a desire to make captivating songs as well. The album is dynamic with good variation, a bit long with 55 minutes perhaps, but not that much. The vocals are mostly choirs, but with Ralf Scheepers doing some guest vocals but like on Theli it is more focused on the grander things than on single rock style vocals. It works really well on this album that I see as a huge step forwards compared with Theli that I reviewed earlier.

It may not be any hit songs here, but there are very strong ones and the dynamics between the songs makes this a very interesting album to listen to. It has depth, it has great compositions, exciting passages, creative vision. There are some weaknesses, some parts that I don’t really like, but as a whole this album is great. It has withstood the test of time very well, and I don’t really think about it being more than twenty years old as that isn’t really audible. Imagine what it would have been like when it came, I didn’t hear it then and that is a bit shameful, but I can imagine that it would have made me very interested in this album.

Vovin is much closer to a timeless classic than the preceding Theli was, it is an album I feel like listening to and it is not impossible that I will keep listening when I have finished the review. I will not throw it away like I will with Theli. I am not sure this album will ever make me a Therion fan, but it gives perspective on the influence and the quality this band possess. If you haven’t already, I think it is time for you to check out this great album.

HHHHHHH