On June 7th, Defenders of The Faith, the side project of Christofer Johnsson, (a creator, composer, vocalist, rythmn guitarist, and producer of Therion band), has released the long awaited “Ode To The Gods” album. It is a kind of reverence to the heavy metal music of 70th’s and 80th’s. It has strong musical impact from Judas Priest, Accept, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Queen, Mötley Crüe, KK’s Priest and other bands.
Christofer Johnsson wrote on social media reviews for some of the songs. As he says, the album is important to him by personal reasons, and he composed it in honor of the music that made him to grab the guitar and to develop his career. The first one, “Heavy Metal Shakedown” is a wild intro in the world of the old school heavy metal. The original Therion’s guitarist Peter Hansson is playing a guest solo. There are influences from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Queen. The lead vocal is performed by Chris Davidsson, and the wild hysterical screams, mixed with the speed metal tempo, and the chorus create unforgetable atmosphere.

“I’m In Love With My Tank” was released as a single, and it is definitely a great hit, with a melodic, instantly memorable refrain. The vocals are nailed by Diego Valdez and Thomas Vikström, and the guitars, played by Nalle Påhlsson, Christofer Johnsson, and Christian Vidal, lead us to the atmosphere of the 80’s heavy metal songs. 

On June 25th, the band released the new single “Time Machine”. Тhe song has a strong Iron Maiden influence, especially from “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner” and “Revelations”. It starts with a Judas Priest sound and majestic chorus. It continues with a middle, slow mystic part. After it, the speed guitar instrumentals and the choruses are very reminiscent of Iron Maiden.

“Northern Stones” was released as a single the previous month. It is inspired by Iron Maiden, Saxon, Accept, and Scorpions. Although it has a heavy metal atmosphere, its chorus and the oriental melody sounds close to Therion’s compositions.

“Darkside Brigade” was the first single from “Ode to the Gods”. The lead singers are Diego Valdez and Chris Davidsson, and backing vocals are by Thomas Vikström. The verse is inspired by Judas Priest, and the bridge and the refrain are inspired by Mötley Crüe.

“Funeral Pyre” is inspired by Accept. It is written by Christofer Johnsson and Thomas Vikström.

“Intruder” is a very wild song that has an influence from Judas Priest and KK’s Priest. The legend Ripper Owens sings in the song.

“Our Saviour” is a very melodic song that is inspired by Iron Maiden.

The last song, “The End of the World” is “а mixture between Accept “Princess of the Dawn” and Warrior ”Fighting for the Earth”, as says Christofer Johnsson. It has apocalyptic lyrics about the AI that goes outside of control and destroys the planet. The song is written by Thomas Vikström and Christofer Johnsson,

The album “Ode To The Gods” can be ordered here: https://www.therion.se/shop

”Odes to the Gods” tracklist:

1. Heavy Metal Shakedown
2. I’m In Love With My Tank
3. The Time Machine
4. Northern Stones
5. Darkside Brigade
6. Funeral Pyre
7. Intruder
8. Our Saviour
9. The End of the World