Leviticus
Levicitus formed back in 1981 when teen-age cousins Hakan and Kjell Andersson both came to know guitarist Bjorn Stigsson and started rocking out and practicing together. Later the world would realize the importance of this band and their early efforts. Leviticus was one of the first christian Metal bands that played a big part in pioneering the way for other christian Metal bands to enter the Hard Rock and Metal scene back in the early 80's.
'Stå och titta på' was released back in 1982 and was an EP release having only 4 tunes that were all sung in the bands native language Swedish. 'Stå och titta på' simply means Stand And Watch. Håkan does a good job as Vocalist on this EP release. The guitar riffs by Björn are nothing less than amazing along with the production for this era, which is well done allowing you to easily hear each instrument.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
In 1983 Leviticus released 'Jag skall segra!' which means I Shall Conquer! This was their first full length album that was sung in the bands native language. However, this would prove to be their last release that would be sung in their Swedish language but it came with some cool album artwork.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
In 1984 Leviticus re-released their 1983 album 'Jag Skall Segra!' in an English version called "I Shall Conquer". Håkan has a slight goth sound in his voice on this release. The music has that late 70's early 80's sound to it with some blues guitar thrown in. Björn really shows a lot of diverse shredding throughout the tracks. Recommended for Metal heads who like retro 70's meets 80's type Hard Rock or even early Journey.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
"I Shall Conquer"
The Lord gives me strength along my way
He gives me the victor's sword in my hand
As a soldier He has armed me
And now I go fighting for His name
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
God's adventurer is my name
And inside of me the hope has been growing
Now the Word of God is a lamp to my feet
And I keep looking to the day of the Lord
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
He has come, He lives inside of me
He has conquered and His strength is given to me
I walk along, Yes, I walk on the road
Together with Jesus, together with Jesus
He has lifted me, He has called my name
And every step I take is a step in faith
The kingdom of God grows in my heart
And I shall follow Him to the end
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
Solo
He has come, He lives inside of me
( More Leviticus Lyrics on http://Lyrics333.com/leviticus_lyrics.html )
He has conquered and His strength is given to me
I walk along, Yes, I walk on the road
Together with Jesus, together with Jesus
The Lord gives me strength along my way
He gives me the victor's sword in my hand
As a soldier He has armed me
And now I go fighting for His name
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
God's adventurer is my name
And inside of me the hope has been growing
Now the Word of God is a lamp to my feet
And I keep looking to the day of the Lord
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
He has come, He lives inside of me
He has conquered and His strength is given to me
I walk along, Yes, I walk on the road
Together with Jesus, together with Jesus
He has lifted me, He has called my name
And every step I take is a step in faith
The kingdom of God grows in my heart
And I shall follow Him to the end
A future in His hands and the promise is His Word
And I shall conquer, yes, I shall conquer
Solo
He has come, He lives inside of me
( More Leviticus Lyrics on http://Lyrics333.com/leviticus_lyrics.html )
He has conquered and His strength is given to me
I walk along, Yes, I walk on the road
Together with Jesus, together with Jesus
In 1985, Leviticus decided to repackage the 1984 album 'I Shall Conquer' complete with new art work, with the intent of sending it be put in circulation in the US market.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
'The Strongest Power' was a new release for Leviticus back in 1985 that came with some cool retro album artwork. To the joy of Leviticus fans, it was re-mastered in 2013 and re-issued so that it could be better appreciated today.'The Strongest Power' was called (One of the best records of the year) by: Mark Putterford Kerrang Magazine !! With this release we find similarities to 'I Shall Conquer' however, the band has improved their sound and are slightly heavier than previous releases. Bjorn Stigsson lays down some memorial shredding that is more of a mix of the late 70's and early 80's shredding styles.
"Light For The World"
Up in the sky, up in the heavens
I see the light from You,
You are the Master of life,
You are the King of kings,
Your name is righteous,
and Your gifts are love and freedom.
You're the man from Nazareth,
You're the King from Galilee,
the word is power and truth,
and the light for the world.
I'm walking along the road,
and the truth will be my way
I wanna follow You my Lord,
it's my greatest wish,
I got Your holy spirit,
I fight against the devil,
You are the power,
King of kings, Lord of lords.
Stand up and let it go,
and be a winner in Jesus' name,
you got the power,
King of kings, Lord of the lords.
Stand up and let it go,
and be a winner in Jesus' name,
you got the power,
King of kings, Lord of the lords.
The time is coming,
when the people will follow Him
The darkness is crushed, cause Jesus is:
LIGHT FOR THE WORLD.
Up in the sky, up in the heavens
I see the light from You,
You are the Master of life,
You are the King of kings,
Your name is righteous,
and Your gifts are love and freedom.
You're the man from Nazareth,
You're the King from Galilee,
the word is power and truth,
and the light for the world.
I'm walking along the road,
and the truth will be my way
I wanna follow You my Lord,
it's my greatest wish,
I got Your holy spirit,
I fight against the devil,
You are the power,
King of kings, Lord of lords.
Stand up and let it go,
and be a winner in Jesus' name,
you got the power,
King of kings, Lord of the lords.
Stand up and let it go,
and be a winner in Jesus' name,
you got the power,
King of kings, Lord of the lords.
The time is coming,
when the people will follow Him
The darkness is crushed, cause Jesus is:
LIGHT FOR THE WORLD.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
'The Strongest Power' was re-issued in 2000 as a (M8) with some new artwork with Saturn in the background.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson-Lead Vocals,Bass, Moog
Björn Stigsson-Guitars,Synthesizers,Organ
Kjell Andersson-Drums
With 'Setting Fire To The Earth' we find a lineup change that has a new vocalist Terry H. along with a new bassist Ez Gomer.The Guitars are still handled by Björn Stigsson, and Drums are still pounded by Kjell Anderson. This album was a huge success for the band as it was a best-seller around the world in 1987. Terry H. is one of the best vocalist that ever lifted the mic for Leviticus able to deliver the high pitched screams and incredible mid-range deliveries that make 80's Metal so great. In all honesty, Terry sounds like a mix between Rob Rock and Chaz Bond(Jacobs Dream). We find that our axe bearer has changed styles and sounds incredible with more of a Power Metal shredding style. One of the cool aspects to this album is the hooks and the over the top Arena Rock/Metal sound.
Lyrics are Christ centered as you can see here:
Lyrics are Christ centered as you can see here:
"Saved"
And this will happen in the last days
I will pour out my Spirit on all people
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy
Old men dream dreams and young me see visions
This is before the coming of the great and dreadful day
Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord
Will be saved
Hallelujah, hallelujah, Glory to God
I will show wonders in the heaven
I will show it on the earth
The sun will be turned to darkness
And the moon will be turned to blood
And this will happen in the last days
I will pour out my Spirit on all people
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy
Old men dream dreams and young me see visions
This is before the coming of the great and dreadful day
Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord
Will be saved
Hallelujah, hallelujah, Glory to God
I will show wonders in the heaven
I will show it on the earth
The sun will be turned to darkness
And the moon will be turned to blood
Musicians:
Terry H–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars,Bass Pedals
Ez Gomer–Bass
Kjell Andersson–Drums
Terry H–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars,Bass Pedals
Ez Gomer–Bass
Kjell Andersson–Drums
In 1987, 'Together With Friends was released as a solo project by Guitarist Björn Stigsson which would also include members of Leviticus(Friends) as well.
With 'Knights Of Heaven' we find more lineup changes with new Vocalist Peo Pettersson and new Bassist Niklas Franklin. On this release we find more of a Hard Rock sound with the Guitars and Keyboards very similar to Idle Cure. New Vocalist Peo Pettersson also sounds a lot like Vocalist Steve Shannon(Idle Cure). With this release we find plenty of Melodic radio friendly tracks.
Musicians:
Peo Pettersson-Lead Vocals,keyboards
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Niklas Franklin–Bass
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Peo Pettersson-Lead Vocals,keyboards
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Niklas Franklin–Bass
Kjell Andersson-Drums
In 1994 Leviticus released a live compilation of their hits called 'The best Of Leviticus'.
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson, Terry H, Peo Pettersson–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Peo Pettersson-keyboards
Niklas Franklin, Ez Gomer, Håkan Andersson–Bass
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Håkan Andersson, Terry H, Peo Pettersson–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Peo Pettersson-keyboards
Niklas Franklin, Ez Gomer, Håkan Andersson–Bass
Kjell Andersson-Drums
In 2003, after 13 years of hiatus, Leviticus released a live album that was recorded at Bobfest.
Musicians:
Peo Pettersson–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Niklas Franklin-Bass
Niklas Edberger–Keyboards,Hammond
Kjell Andersson-Drums
Musicians:
Peo Pettersson–Lead Vocals
Björn Stigsson–Guitars
Niklas Franklin-Bass
Niklas Edberger–Keyboards,Hammond
Kjell Andersson-Drums
If you like 80's Hard Rock/Metal in the veins of Idle Cure, Zion, Halo or White Heart then your in for a treat with Leviticus. Also, If your trying to complete your collection with some of the bands that helped pioneer the way for the Metal we listen to today, then this band is a must.
Discography:
1982: Stå och titta på (EP)
1983: I Shall Conquer/Jag ska segra (Shadow/Talking Music, Re-Released by M8 in 2000)
1984: Let Me Fight - Day By Day (12" single, Talking Music TALKS 1014)
1985: The Strongest Power (Twilight) Re-Released by M8 in 2000 (One of the best records of the year ) Mark Putterford Kerrang Magazine !!
1987: Setting Fire to the Earth
1987: Together With Friends – Björn Stigsson (solo album with Leviticus members)
1989: Knights of Heaven (Invasion)
1993: Best of Leviticus (Viva)
2003: Live at Bobfest 2003 (BTS Records)
1982: Stå och titta på (EP)
1983: I Shall Conquer/Jag ska segra (Shadow/Talking Music, Re-Released by M8 in 2000)
1984: Let Me Fight - Day By Day (12" single, Talking Music TALKS 1014)
1985: The Strongest Power (Twilight) Re-Released by M8 in 2000 (One of the best records of the year ) Mark Putterford Kerrang Magazine !!
1987: Setting Fire to the Earth
1987: Together With Friends – Björn Stigsson (solo album with Leviticus members)
1989: Knights of Heaven (Invasion)
1993: Best of Leviticus (Viva)
2003: Live at Bobfest 2003 (BTS Records)