Get ready to witness history in the making – THERION, the trailblazing Swedish symphonic metal band, is set to unleash a groundbreaking live album, DVD, and Blu-ray titled Con Orquesta on January 30, 2026, via Napalm Records. But here’s where it gets monumental: This release captures their first arena show with a full orchestra in 17 years, a spectacle that left 11,000 fans in Mexico City Arena utterly spellbound. And this is the part most people miss – it’s not just a concert; it’s a fusion of metal and classical music that redefines what’s possible on stage.
The album’s first single, The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah, is a testament to THERION’s unparalleled artistry. With nearly eight million streams on Spotify, this iconic track from their 1998 album Vovin gets a breathtaking orchestral makeover, courtesy of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México. It’s a bold reinterpretation that showcases why THERION remains the undisputed pioneer of symphonic metal.
But here’s the controversial part: While THERION’s earlier orchestral projects balanced metal and classical elements equally, mastermind Christofer Johnsson took a daring new approach this time. He invited a renowned Mexican conductor and composer to reimagine their songs with fresh arrangements, intros, and interludes, creating an authentic Mexican interpretation of THERION’s sound. Is this a departure from their roots, or a brilliant evolution? We’ll let you decide.
Con Orquesta isn’t just a live album – it’s a 20-track journey through THERION’s illustrious career, blending fan favorites like To Mega Therion and Lemuria with rare gems and genre-defying covers like Marie Laforêt’s Mon Amour Mon Ami. The massive Draconian Trilogy and Via Nocturna are reimagined with orchestral grandeur, while exclusive rehearsal footage on the DVD/Blu-ray offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this epic production.
Johnsson admits he was unsure if he’d ever revive the orchestral concept after their European shows in 2006 and 2007. Yet, this Mexican adventure proved to be their most ambitious and rewarding endeavor yet. And this is the part that sparks debate: Is Con Orquesta the pinnacle of THERION’s career, or just another chapter in their ever-evolving legacy? Let us know in the comments – we’re eager to hear your take!
Con Orquesta Track Listing:
CD 1
1. The Blood Of Kingu
2. The Ruler Of Tamag
3. The Birth Of Venus Illegitima
4. Tuonela
5. Twilight Of The Gods
6. Mon Amour Mon Ami
7. La Maritza
8. Via Nocturna
9. Asgård
10. Draconian Trilogy
CD 2
1. Ginnungagap
2. Ten Courts Of Diyu
3. Litany Of The Fallen
4. Siren Of The Woods
5. Son Of The Staves Of Time
6. Lemuria
7. Sitra Ahra
8. Quetzalcoatl
9. The Rise Of Sodom And Gomorrah
10. To Mega Therion
Blu-ray/DVD
1. The Blood Of Kingu
2. The Ruler Of Tamag
3. The Birth Of Venus Illegitima
4. Tuonela
5. Twilight Of The Gods
6. Mon Amour Mon Ami
7. La Maritza
8. Via Nocturna
9. Asgård
10. Draconian Trilogy
11. Ginnungagap
12. Ten Courts Of Diyu
13. Litany Of The Fallen
14. Siren Of The Woods
15. Son Of The Staves Of Time
16. Lemuria
17. Sitra Ahra
18. Quetzalcoatl
19. The Rise Of Sodom And Gomorrah
20. To Mega Therion
21. Bonus Material: Rehearsal
THERION Lineup:
Christofer Johnsson – Guitar
Christian Vidal – Guitar
Christopher Davidsson – Bass
Sami Karppinen – Drums
Thomas Vikström – Vocals
Rosalia Sairem – Vocals
Lori Lewis – Vocals
Con Orquesta isn’t just a release – it’s a celebration of THERION’s fearless innovation and a must-have for fans and collectors alike. So, what do you think? Is this their boldest move yet, or just another step in their symphonic journey? Let the debate begin!