Therion - Secret of the Runes

Title: Secret of the Runes Artist: Therion Release Date: 11/13/2001 Re-Released On: 8/15/2006 Label: Nuclear Blast Records Album Type(s): live, lyrics/libretto UPCs: 727361662523, 829410374859 Genre: Rock Styles: Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Scandinavian Metal, Symphonic Black Metal Moods: Eerie, Volatile, Dramatic, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Lush, Nocturnal, Ominous, Theatrical, Visceral, Elegant, Epic Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Ginnungagap
2. Midgard
3. Asgård
4. Jotunheim
5. Schwarzalbenheim
6. Ljusalfheim
7. Muspelheim
8. Nifelheim
9. Vanaheim
10. Helheim
11. Secret of the Runes

Year Type Label Catalog # 2006 CD Nuclear Blast Records 2001 CD Nuclear Blast Records 6625

Secret of the Runes [Japan Bonus Tracks]

Secret of the Runes is a concept album whose concept is centuries old. Norse mythology is said to have nine different worlds or planes, and each world gets a track devoted to it. With the lyrics that are sung in several different languages, it's hard to keep up unless you're a UN translator in your spare time. However, the operatic overtures transcend verbal communication, as every song swells and recedes with majestic aplomb, taking the listener on a ride that sounds more like a very loud opera instead of anything with a metallic base. Christofer Johnsson's gothic flair for the dramatic has never been more pronounced than on this, the band's tenth album, and the life he breathes into underground metal will make up for the breath it takes away from its listeners. Metallica's forays with a symphonic orchestra sound like being stuck between two radio stations compared to the seamless integration of metallic trappings and Wagnerian soundscapes. Therion continues to be one of the most painstakingly original acts, and even those who think the band strays too far from their roots with each subsequent album have to marvel at the musicianship and imagination Therion displays on Secret of the Runes. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide

Name Credits Anna Artursson Alto Anna Maria Krawe Soprano Anna Rodell Violin Asa Akerberg Cello Christofer Johnsson Guitar (Rhythm), Percussion, Keyboards, Arranger, Assistant Engineer, Producer Erika Anderson Alto Ingela Bolin Alto Joakim Berg Bass Baritone Johan Morén Violin Johan Niemann Guitar (Bass) Josef Cabrales-Alin Violin Kristian Niemann Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar, Assistant Engineer Kristina Borg French Horn Kristina Hansson Soprano Mika Jussila Mastering Mikko Karmila Mixing, Mastering Monica Jönsson Cello Petter Axelsson Viola Piotr Wawrzeniuk Vocals Rune Bodin Trombone S. Karppninen Engineer Sami Karppinen Drums, Engineer, Percussion Therion Producer