Celtic Frost, To Mega Therion

Celtic Frost, To Mega Therion - Back in 1985, the Swiss lords of the extreme metal genre released their second full-length album. The release followed the 1984 album "Morbid Tales" and the "Emperor's Return" E.P. of the following year. The three-piece thrash band with deep black metal roots created a uniquely original album, which brought the addition of female vocals being used briefly within tracks (a first for the musical genre), along with the darkly atmospheric pounding of kettle drums for the album's intro track "Innocence And Wrath".

The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Innocence And Wrath

2. The Usurper

3. Jewel Throne

4. Dawn Of Meggido

5. Eternal Summer

6. Circle Of The Tyrants

7. (Beyond The) North Winds

8. Fainted Eyes

9. Tears In A Prophet's Dream

10. Necromantical Screams

11. Return To The Eve [1985 Studio Jam]

The album was re-mastered and re-released in 1999 with the tracks 2,3 and 11 having a remix and partial re-recording in 1986. The remix of "Jewel Throne" was not previously available on CD.

Celtic Frost have delivered an album that stands as a classic metal offering to reflect the final apocalypse. Throughout the album, the group unleash a morbid and dark atmosphere to the aggressive yet reasonably slow-paced, doom-sounding music. "Eternal Summer" picks up a more classic thrash pace, with solid, chunky guitars that thrash out a barrage of down beat riffs to the powerful vocals of Thomas Gabriel warrior.

Often thought of as Celtic Frost greatest offering, "To Mega Therion" is a superb example of the creative ability and morbid depths that the band were capable of. Artist and friend H.R. Giger produced the cover artwork for the album with his 1977 piece "Satan I" and the inside booklet artwork with the painting "Victory III" from 1981-83.