The Lost Archives Surfacing the reviews of our forgotten youth
    Back to The Lost ArchivesHeaven's Metal #15
    Heaven's Metal #15/Bjorn Stigsson
    Bjorn Stigsson — Together With Friends cover

    Bjorn Stigsson

    Together With Friends

    Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

    Listen on Apple Music
    Label Solid Rock ImportsHeaven's Metal #15March 1988
    heavy metalmelodic metal

    As Setting Fire to the Earth gave us a new Leviticus sound, so does this solo album by Bjorn Stigsson. On it, we get a chance to hear Sonny Larsson sing with Bjorn on guitar, Kjell on drums and Hakan Anderson, ex-Leviticus bassist, on bass. This is a prelude to future recordings from Leviticus, because Sonny Larsson has officially joined the band. This record is a unique one in that it features three vocalists: Peo, who produced it; Sonny; and Tina Spangberg. Tina does a fantastic job on "It's Alright," which is a power ballad. Sonny and Peo each sing lead vocals on four songs, and share vocals on two songs. In "I'm Gonna Rock," they each trade off vocals and finish each other's sentences. They both join up with Tina in the album finale, "I'm Free." The album starts off with an instrumental called "Free." It is a concert-opener type song, lasting about a minute. "Come On" charges on after the intro with some very joyful chords. Peo sings on this one, which is a real fun song. When I listen to this song, a big smile just comes over my face. If there was ever a metal dance song, this is it. Peo belts it out in this song. This guy needs to make music. On this song we hear almost all of his range. He screams, yells, groans, whispers, talks and softly sings. Next up Sonny sings a righteous love song, called "Lovin' My Woman." You immediately notice that it's a different singer, because of Sonny's high end. The lyrics speak of the thankfulness Bjorn has to God for his wife. You better have good speakers if you're gonna crank this one up! The double bass drums and bass guitar are punchin' loud at high speed! "I'm Gonna Rock" features the vocal trade-offs with Sonny and Peo, as well as some heavy keyboards, kind of like Rainbow or Deep Purple used to do. The chorus is very basic and anthemic with everybody shoutin' along: "I'm gonna rock!/ I'm gonna roll." "It's Alright" starts off with a very clean keyboard program, while Tina hums. This song gets my vote for best female performance in Christian metal (The only thing close is Barnabas' "Breathless Wonderment"). "Way of Living" finishes off side one with another driving, commercial metal song. Sonny sings and screams in "Stand Up," where he sings about how God's kingdom is around the world. Sonny does the vocals on the next number, called "Come Together," a ripping song about Christian metal. Harry Kay, a special guest on this album with 15 guest musicians and singers, lets it fly on this one, with lots of flashy lead breaks. "Majestic in Power" is a Leviticus-type song, with lyrics straight out of the Bible and a real heavy rhythm. It's got a bluesy flavor, similar to a Whitesnake song. "King of Glory" is a real upbeat worship song. It's got a pop metal sound to it, which could give this song airplay. "Here It Comes" is another rousing rocker that should be played at high volume levels in the early morning. It features a blistering, mid-70's style tradeoff between keyboard and guitar. "I'm Free" ends the record with all three singers singing, "I am free, I'm free/ Christ set me free." If this album had the same promotion as To Hell With the Devil, I'm sure it would sell just as well. It's hot. If you love Stryper, this record is right up your alley. If you'd like this album (Yes, yes, yes!) send a $15 International money order or cash to Leviticus Forces Fan Club, c/o Magnus Holm, Blabarsstigen 37, 54133 SKOVDE, Sweden.

    Also in Heaven's Metal #15

    Various Artists — Righteous MetalDual Edge — Knock 'Em AliveMalachia — Red SunriseLeviticus — Setting Fire to the EarthSaint — Too Late for LivingLightforce — BattlezoneCreed — CreedArmada — FrontlineStryper — HonestlyBarren Cross — Atomic Arena