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.
The Opening
Therion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reflect the dawn of gods
Of ancient pantheons
Who rest no more in peace.
Faith of the old, the strong one from above:
The invincible.
Proclaim this day, this day.
See the signs in the day and the night,
Foretell the one, the one.
Open up the runa of belief of the strong and the brave
Open up! let the gods of your heart and your soul show the way.
The eye of the high one
Have seen the dawn of gods
In the well of mimera
(and) through the flight of ravens
The lyrics of Therion's song "The Opening" describe the dawn of ancient gods who have been awakened from their slumber. The northern lights are used to symbolize this awakening, as they light up the sky with their brilliant blaze. The pantheons of these gods are described as being ancient and restless, no longer at peace. The faith of these old gods is described as being invincible, strong, and from above.
The song speaks of signs both in the day and night, which foretell the coming of the gods. The belief of the strong and the brave is called upon, to open up the runa of their hearts and souls, and let the gods show the way. The eye of the high one, which refers to the Norse god Odin, has seen the dawn of these gods. Odin is said to have sacrificed his eye to gain wisdom, and is associated with knowledge and magic. The well of mimera is also mentioned, which is believed to be located beneath the roots of Yggdrasil, the world tree in Norse mythology. This well is said to contain knowledge and wisdom. Finally, the flight of ravens is mentioned, which refers to Huginn and Muninn, Odin's two ravens who fly throughout the Nine Worlds and bring back information to him.
Line by Line Meaning
The blaze of northern light
The bright light that is emanating from the north is shedding light onto the events happening here.
Reflect the dawn of gods
The manifestations of the light alludes to the arrival of gods, which also suggests potential chaos and danger.
Of ancient pantheons
These are the old gods, the ones that have not been worshipped in centuries and are mostly forgotten now.
Who rest no more in peace.
These old gods are restless, indicating that a major power shift is occurring in the world of the story.
Faith of the old, the strong one from above:
Having faith in the old and powerful gods can bring great strength and protection from danger.
The invincible.
This faith can grant invincibility to those who embrace it and live by it.
All the gods of the sky and the earth
All gods, including those of the sky and the earth, are proclaiming the events of this day.
Proclaim this day, this day.
This day is special and being marked by the gods themselves as significant.
See the signs in the day and the night,
The arrival of the dawn and the approach of night both have symbolic signs of major change that are occurring.
Foretell the one, the one.
These signs are pointing to the arrival of someone very important in the story. This arrival will possibly bring great power or destruction.
Open up the runa of belief of the strong and the brave
The ones who are strong and brave should open their heart and mind to the possibility of embracing the old gods. This might require sincere belief and acceptance of the aforementioned faith.
Open up! let the gods of your heart and your soul show the way.
If you open your heart and soul to the old gods, they will guide you to the path to power, safety, and enlightenment.
The eye of the high one
The high one might be the supreme god or someone who holds a high position in the hierarchy of the gods.
Have seen the dawn of gods
This being has borne witness to the arrival of new gods and the possible rise of great new powers.
In the well of mimera
The well of Mimera could be a mythical place where one can gain clairvoyance or understand secrets of the universe. It is seen as a conduit to many divine revelations and insights.
(and) through the flight of ravens
Ravens are associated with many dark myths, here these birds are used to indicate an ominous portent, possibly a depiction of the divine message that these birds herald and the role they play in different mythologies.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHRISTOFER JAN JOHNSSON, THOMAS NIKLAS KRISTER KARLSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind