Lemuria (album)

Lemuria is the eleventh studio album by Swedish symphonic metal band Therion. The album title refers to the name of a supposed sunken continent Lemuria, much like Atlantis. It was released simultaneously with Sirius B. Cover artwork was made by Thomas Ewerhard.

Concept of lyrics

 * 1) Typhon was a monster in Greek mythology. According to Aeschylus, he fought all the gods of Olympus: Zeus defeated him and chained him under Mount Etna, from where his rage creates eruptions.
 * 2) Futhark was a runic alphabet used by various Germanic peoples; Uthark is an occult interpretation of said alphabet.
 * 3) Berik is the mythological chief of all Gothic tribes: according to Jordanes, he departed from his Scandinavian motherland with three ships. The crews of the ships were the ancestors of the three Goth tribes.
 * 4) Lemuria was a hypothetical "lost land", like Atlantis.
 * 5) Quetzalcoatl is an Aztec deity.
 * 6) Abaris was a legendary sage and priest of Apollo.
 * 7) Emanuel Swedenborg was an 18th-century Christian mystic, whose work became the foundation of The New Church.
 * 8) Abraxas is a Gnostic word of great importance.

Credits

 * Christofer Johnsson - lead vocals ("Typhon", "Three Ships of Berik part 1: Calling to Arms and Fighting the Battle"), rhythm guitar, keyboards ("An Arrow from the Sun", "Feuer Overtüre / Prometheus Entfesselt"), classical and choir arrangements
 * Kristian Niemann - lead guitar, acoustic guitar
 * Johan Niemann - bass guitar

Guest musicians

 * Steen Rasmussen - mellotron ("Lemuria"), Hammond organ
 * Jens Nyborg - balalaika, domra
 * Sven Lindblad - balalaika
 * Kavi Björkqvist - balalaika
 * Richard Evensand - drums
 * Mats Levén - lead vocals ("Uthark Runa"), rock and roll vocals ("Abraxas")
 * Piotr Wawrzeniuk - lead vocals ("Lemuria", "The Dreams of Swedenborg", "Feuer Overtüre / Prometheus Entfesselt")
 * Peter Mossman - narration ("Lemuria")
 * Orchestra: The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Adam Klemens and Mario Klemens)
 * Choir: Kūhn Mixed Choir (conducted by Mario Klemens)