LEVITICUS: Jag Skall Segra

Album Cover Leviticus Jag Skall Segra

Anyone connected with the early Christian rock/metal scene knows the importance of Leviticus. When they first started creating music I was a mere babe in transition from those delicate years between junior high and high school. In fact, I was in 9th grade when Jag Skall Segra was originally released! At that time, I wasn’t even aware that a Christian rock scene existed – Petra being the extent of my exposure. Yeah, I was listening to Kansas, Rush, Styx, Led Zep and the like … but Leviticus? As far as I knew Leviticus evoked thoughts of complicated Jewish tradition and law.

My first listening to I Shall Conquer wasn’t until I was in medical school in the early ‘90’s. Like many, I was mostly mesmerized by the English version and the song “All is Calm.” But the power in songs like the title track and “Let’s Fight” (with that amazingly cool drum outro) is undeniable. Stigsson’s guitar work equally demanded attention – smooth, slightly bluesy and yet with that shred element that just seemed so important back in the day. In those days if your metal band didn’t have a guitar hero you weren’t legit.

The original English version was restored and reissued by the now defunct Magdalene Records in 2000. That version included a few Swedish demo tracks as bonus material, but never paid proper respect to the original incarnation of this album.

Fast forward more than 38 years from the original release (wow, I’m old) and here, once again, is the infamous I Shall Conquer, only this manifestation is a restored version of the original Swedish Jag Skall Segra! … courtesy of Roxx Records. This monumental album has been restored and released in both CD and LP format. Jag Skall Segra proved that Christian artists and musicians could craft credible melodic metal and rock. Leviticus showed the world that Christians could be heavy yet deliver a message to the heart that was convicting, convincing and passionately driven by a love of the music … and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The original recording has been remastered by Rob Colwell and I will say that both the CD and vinyl versions are spectacular. The original album artwork has been restored – with slight alteration – by Scott Waters (removed the underline from the title). The heavy-weight black vinyl includes a two-sided single sheet insert with lyrics (in Swedish) and pictures along with a poly-lined black paper inner sleeve. The CD has the 8-page booklet with the same.

When you compare this to the English version … there is no comparison. Not only does the music sound rich and balanced on this release, but Andersson’s vocals just flow so smoothly and naturally in his native tongue. Any fan of these guys, or anyone who wants to gain a wider appreciation for the contributions of the early white metal warriors, will want to obtain this on either CD or vinyl. Thanks to Roxx Records for making this available once again (as part of the Roxx 100 Series), and for retaining and enhancing the “analog” warmth with this remaster.

Roxx Records

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