Description
Therion – Of Darkness – Cassette
Therion’s Of Darkness… is the debut studio album by the Swedish band, released on February 5, 1991, through Deaf Records. Known for their later transformation into a pioneering symphonic metal band, Of Darkness… represents Therion’s beginnings as a death metal outfit with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and social-political themes. This record is a significant piece in the evolution of extreme metal, hinting at the band’s future experimental tendencies while remaining firmly rooted in death metal.
Formed in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson, Therion initially drew influence from the early death metal scenes of Florida and Sweden, as well as from bands like Celtic Frost and Bathory. Of Darkness… is a culmination of the band’s early years, featuring tracks primarily written between 1987 and 1989. Although steeped in the raw aggression of death metal, the album stands out for its lyrical depth and atmospheric touches.
The album is heavily influenced by traditional death metal, featuring fast tempos, guttural vocals, and intricate guitar work. However, it also incorporates melodic elements and atmospheric passages that foreshadow the symphonic and experimental direction Therion would later take. The production is raw but effective, emphasizing the heaviness and brutality of the music while allowing glimpses of the band’s creative potential.
Lyrically, Of Darkness… sets itself apart from many contemporaries by focusing on political, philosophical, and social issues rather than the more typical themes of gore and horror associated with early death metal. Tracks address topics such as nuclear war, environmental destruction, and human suffering.
Track Listing:
‘The Return’ – A thunderous opening track with aggressive riffs and themes of cyclical destruction and renewal.
‘Asphyxiate with Fear’ – A crushing song that explores themes of oppression and psychological torment.
‘Morbid Reality’ – A standout track with a blend of melodic and brutal elements, delving into existential despair.
‘Megalomania’ – A high-energy piece critiquing the destructive nature of power and greed.
‘A Suburb to Hell’ – A slower, atmospheric song with heavy riffing and a haunting mood.
‘Genocidal Raids’ – A fast-paced track addressing themes of war and violence, laced with biting social commentary.
‘Time Shall Tell’ – Another highlight, featuring dynamic shifts between melody and aggression, with apocalyptic undertones.
‘Dark Eternity’ – The closing track, summarizing the album’s thematic focus with a blend of heaviness and foreboding atmosphere.
The album was recorded at Sunlight Studio in Sweden, with Tomas Skogsberg, a prominent figure in the Swedish death metal scene, handling production duties. His signature style—raw yet balanced—adds a distinctive edge to the record, aligning it with other foundational Swedish death metal works of the time.
Of Darkness… received positive attention within the underground metal community for its intelligent lyrics and unique approach to death metal. While not as widely recognized as their later symphonic works, the album remains a cult favorite and an important milestone in the band’s history.
Therion’s subsequent albums, particularly Theli (1996), marked a dramatic shift towards symphonic metal, but traces of their early sound can still be heard in their evolving experimentation. Of Darkness… is often revisited by fans as a testament to the band’s versatility and as a glimpse into their formative years.
Of Darkness… is a powerful debut that showcases Therion’s origins in death metal while hinting at the grandiosity they would later achieve. For fans of early death metal or those curious about Therion’s evolution, this album provides a raw yet sophisticated listening experience that stands as a testament to the genre’s creative potential.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Grindcore Records
Track Listing
1. Return, The
2. Asphyxiate With Fear
3. Morbid Reality
4. Megalomaniac
5. Suburb To Hell, A
6. Genocidal Raids
7. Time Shall Tell
8. Dark Eternity
