Therion was initially a death metal band, however starting with 1995’s Lepaca Kliffoth, Therion began to gradually incorporate symphonic elements into their metal music. The band has seen many changes in line-up and style throughout its history with Christofer Johnsson being the only constant member.
Beginning as a death metal band, they later turned to combining orchestral elements with their metal music, employing heavy use of choirs and classical musicians, not only as additions to but also as integral parts of the composition. The band is one of the first both commercial and audience successful heavy metal with fully live orchestra featured. It is also one of the bands which originated, popularized and highly influenced the symphonic metal genre.
Therion takes its lyrical themes from various mythologies, occult and magical teachings, and ancient traditions and writings. The majority of the lyrics are written by Thomas Karlsson, head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, of which Johnsson is a member. The band’s name originates from the Greek word therion (θηρίον), which means beast, in reference to the “beast” of the Christian Book of Revelation, as well as to the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion.
In the Desert of Set
Therion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lepaca set
In the desert of set the seeds of pandemonium lie
The darkened paradise under the sand await to rise
The domains of the
Black diamond eye
Opens up as the
Is revived through the
Completion of the
Circle of chepera
In the desert of set
The ancient passed
(the) seeds in our minds
That constantly has grown
Now blossom up
Begin to flower
And soon we'll reap the fruits
Through aiwass shaitan
Through shaitan set
The message spoken long ago
As set feed teth
(the) future's the past
And set is rising in our souls
Like kheperas circle
We'll be fulfilled
As we awake the dream of bast
Mental perfection
(through) draconian cults
Millennium will change aeon
(the) world-kundalini
Is in the rise
The new empire soon to come
To mega therion
Behold the beast
Teth, lion-serpent awaken
The lyrics of Therion's song "In The Desert of Set" are highly symbolic and metaphorical, making it a challenging task to interpret their meaning. The opening lines, "Lepaca Set, Lepaca Set," serve as a mantra-like chant, calling forth the presence of Set, the ancient Egyptian god of chaos and the desert. The following line, "In the desert of Set, the seeds of pandemonium lie," describes the concept of chaos and disorder that are often associated with Set.
The next lines of the song describe the idea of Set's dark paradise that lies dormant beneath the sand and is waiting to rise. It signifies the idea that darkness lies hidden beneath the visible world, and we need to dig deeper to understand and explore the complexity of the universe. The reference to the "domains of the black diamond eye" also highlights the idea of the all-seeing eye of Set, symbolizing the ultimate knowledge and wisdom.
The song explores the idea that the future is rooted in the past, and the seeds set by our ancient ancestors are still present in our minds, constantly evolving and growing. The lyrics emphasize that with the awakening of the dream of Bast, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, and the mental perfection attained through the draconian cults, the world-kundalini is rising, and a new era is soon to come.
Line by Line Meaning
Lepaca set
A repetition of the title or name of the song, which could be interpreted as a chant or invocation.
Lepaca set
A repetition of the title or name of the song, which could be interpreted as a chant or invocation.
In the desert of set the seeds of pandemonium lie
In the barren and harsh environment of Set's domain, the potential for chaos and disorder is present and waiting to be unleashed.
The darkened paradise under the sand await to rise
Hidden beneath the desert sand is a paradise that has been obscured and will soon be revealed.
The domains of the
Referring to Set's realm and influence.
Black diamond eye
A metaphor for Set's all-seeing and powerful presence.
Opens up as the
Set's power and domain are expanding and becoming more prominent.
The dawn of time
A reference to the beginning of creation and history.
Is revived through the
Set's power is responsible for the renewal of creation and history.
Completion of the
Set's domain will be fully realized once the following takes place.
Circle of chepera
A reference to the Egyptian god of creation, Khepri, and the cyclical nature of creation and rebirth.
In the desert of set
Reasserting the setting of the song and the context of the events described.
The ancient passed
Referring to the knowledge and teachings of the past.
(the) seeds in our minds
The ideas and beliefs that have been planted and cultivated in our consciousness.
That constantly has grown
These ideas and beliefs have developed and evolved over time.
Now blossom up
These concepts have come to fruition and are reaching maturity.
Begin to flower
A continuation of the metaphor for growth, suggesting that these concepts are blooming and bearing fruit.
And soon we'll reap the fruits
We will soon experience the results and consequences of these beliefs and ideas.
Through aiwass shaitan
These entities represent two important figures in Aleister Crowley's philosophy and occultism.
Through shaitan set
Continuing to reference these figures and their involvement in the events described in the song.
The message spoken long ago
Referring to the teachings and knowledge that have been passed down over generations.
As set feed teth
Set's power and influence is spreading and taking hold.
(the) future's the past
The events unfolding are a reflection of events that have already taken place in history.
And set is rising in our souls
Set's power and influence are becoming more prominent in our consciousness and being.
Like kheperas circle
The cyclical nature of creation and rebirth is once again invoked.
We'll be fulfilled
Achieving spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment is the destination of this journey.
As we awake the dream of bast
The ancient goddess Bast, associated with fertility and protection, will be pleased and awaken from her slumber.
Mental perfection
Achieving a state of spiritual and mental perfection is the ultimate goal of this journey.
(through) draconian cults
The draconian cults are a reference to Crowley's philosophy and practices, which involve self-discipline and asceticism.
Millennium will change aeon
The new millennium will bring about significant changes in human history and spiritual evolution.
(the) world-kundalini
World-kundalini is a spiritual energy force that is believed to exist within humanity and the universe.
Is in the rise
This energy force is increasing and becoming more prominent, representing a spiritual awakening on a global scale.
The new empire soon to come
A new and enlightened era, or empire, is about to begin.
To mega therion
A reference to the title (Greek for 'The Great Beast') that Crowley gave himself, representing his spiritual power and authority.
Behold the beast
An invitation to witness Crowley's spiritual power and accomplishments.
Teth, lion-serpent awaken
A symbol of the transformative power of Set and his ability to awaken spiritual energy within humanity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHRISTOFER JAN JOHNSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pablo juan ramon vela gutierrez
yo creo que THERION es el verdadero gigante de genero yo que soy fiel seguidor de NIGTHWISH pero THERION sin duda es el verdadero gigante larga vida a THERION la gran bestia
Marina M.
Giganteeeeeeeee!!! Larga vida al maestro Christopher Jhonsson
021Sweden
Therion were one of the first bands to play this kind of epic music, Presumably the first in Scandinavia to use male and female choirs, strings, pianos, keyboards and so forth Theli are from 96, many bands like nightwish and epica were not even around at that time
N Aydee HB
Este grupo te hace sentir pleno y en paz contigo... ¿Como es posible que haya personas que no les guste estar asi?
Therion es amor <3
Lorena Lopez
Aydee H B ...pienso lo mismo...
marmirc22
Yo siento oscuridad, pero es genial.
TheatreofSymphony
😬 Therion es pura energia demoniaca. Nada de paz o luz aqui.
Ulises Guzman
No sé malviajen es simple música, pero de le más perrona Therion forever
La Muluk
@TheatreofSymphony 😂😂
hctiB elttiL
Actually Therion started off as a pure death metal band and progressively moved towards symphonic metal. Nevertheless, the thing that I find most interesting about them is their lyrics which are inspired from the mythologies of old beliefs. That is because their lyricist is Thomas Karlsson who happens to be the head and founder of Dragon Rouge (magical order oriented towards the left path occultism).