THERION, Leprous, Loch Vostok

18.11.2010, VTU Sofia - Bulgaria
words by Georgi Gerogiev, photo: Georgi Georgiev

November 18 – the day in which the great awaiting came to an end. The day in which the father of symphonic metal, Maestro Christofer Johnsson made us part of the magic called THERION...

But let’s take things one at a time – around 7:30 p.m. hall opens its doors and I feel as if it is more spacious than it appeared in the picture. And cleaner, and with better lighting than the usual places used for metal concerts.

Next to the main entrance is the booth with the merchandise, which surprises with the decent prices.

Around 7:30 p.m, dressed in a long sleeve, I proudly step in, LOCH VOSTOK have already started while people are still filling up the hall.В  Their music is pleasant but not memorable, at least for me.

The Norwegians LEPROUS are next. They definitely show a lot of passion and energy. There’re a group I would listen to with pleasure and in depth.

The moment of truth comes after 9 o’clock. The atmosphere in the hall is good for tempering steel – the place is crowded, air is in short supply, some are perspiring and some are downright sweating…

But all these misfortunes are forgotten with the first accords of Sitra Ahra. THERION are before us, led by Chris Johnsson and with a brand new cast, which I was lucky to see during their first appearance, two years ago, in Poland.

Comparing this with my impressions from back then, I can say that the band is in full accord and rules!! We are witnessing a machine, a living organism with one beating heart – that of music…

Christian Vidal is a guitar virtuoso and a worthy replacement of hisВ  predecessor (Kristian Niemann), the emblematic Waldemar Sorychta is on the bass, supported by Johan Koleberg on the drums.

The vocal quartet consists of the angelic voices of Lori Lewis and Katarina Lilja, the prodigal son Snowy  Shaw and the incredible voice of Thomas Vikström. And off course the Maestro, the man that managed to fuse together metal and classic music and lay the foundations of a new genre - symphony metal, Christofer Johnsson.

Although the concert is part of the world tour for their new album, the set list provides for a balanced selection from all albums from the 20-year history of the group.

The sound is surprisingly good, the concurrence between the group of 8 is impressive and masterpieces follow one after the other! We get a Dobur vecher (good evening) from Thomas and a kak ste? (How are you?) from Lori, both in rather descent Bulgarian.

This group makes a spectacle in addition to the music. I will not list the songs, this can be seen in the set list, but I can tell you that they leave you with a feeling of unity between music, appearance and stage performance and all this mixed with affection.В 

Affection, which the group gave and received from the audience.

Time passed without noticing it, Thomas played the flute, Lori was on the piano, the scenes followed one after the other and we were promised that They will return.

The finale was described by the Maestro with 3 words To-Mega-Therion…The bliss is complete, the vocals have almost no work to do, being overpowered by the audience!