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.
Wine of Aluqah
Therion Lyrics
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Intoxicated by the green shadows of the Paradise.
Know that nothing's true and that everything is Permitted.
So read the Old Man of the Mountain in his Book of Lies.
El-A'awer. Talbis Iblis.
Gulshan-i Raz. Zat-i Shaitan
Ya Zat-i Shaitan.
Drink the Wine of Aluqah and breathe the secret smoke of God.
Intoxicated by the green shadows of the Paradise.
Know that nothing's true and that everything is Permitted.
So read the Old Man of the Mountain in his Book of Lies.
The Nectar Of Aluqah will run down my dreams.
The spring of this paradise hide deep inside unknown unconscious streams
The lyrics of Therion's song "Wine Of Aluqah" are filled with mysticism and references to the occult. The lyrics talk about drinking the Wine of Aluqah, which is a reference to the ancient Sumerian goddess of beer, Aluqah. The wine is supposed to intoxicate the listener with the green shadows of paradise, which is a metaphor for the state of being enlightened. The lyrics also talk about breathing the secret smoke of God, which is a reference to the practice of smoking marijuana or other herbal substances during religious rituals.
The lyrics then urge the listener to understand that nothing is true and that everything is permitted, a reference to the philosophy of the Assassins, a secret society of Islamic militants who were active during the Middle Ages. The Old Man of the Mountain mentioned in the lyrics is Hassan-i Sabbāh, the leader of the Assassins. The line "Gulshan-i Raz. Zat-i Shaitan. Ya Zat-i Shaitan" is a Persian phrase that means "The Garden of Secrets. The Essence of Satan. O Essence of Satan."
The chorus repeats the previous verses, emphasizing the importance of drinking the Wine of Aluqah and breathing the secret smoke of God. The final lines suggest that the Nectar of Aluqah will run down the listener's dreams, indicating that the effects of the wine and smoke will continue even after the ritual is over.
Line by Line Meaning
Drink the Wine of Aluqah and breathe the secret smoke of God.
Consume the sacred elixir of Aluqah and inhale the divine fumes of God.
Intoxicated by the green shadows of the Paradise.
Enchanted and under the influence of the lush and verdant atmosphere of paradise.
Know that nothing's true and that everything is Permitted.
Realize that objective reality is nonexistent and that all actions are permissible.
So read the Old Man of the Mountain in his Book of Lies.
Thus, comprehend the teachings of the Old Man of the Mountain as stated in his texts, which are deceptive in nature.
El-A'awer. Talbis Iblis.
El-A'awer. The veil of the devil.
Gulshan-i Raz. Zat-i Shaitan.
Gulshan-i Raz. The essence of Satan.
Ya Zat-i Shaitan.
Oh essence of Satan.
The Nectar Of Aluqah will run down my dreams.
The mystical properties of Aluqah's elixir will imprint upon my subconscious during slumber.
The spring of this paradise hide deep inside unknown unconscious streams
The source of this heavenly oasis resides obscurely within the currents of the unconscious mind.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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