Classic Christian power-metal band Jerusalem gets a tribute in this new disc released by Sweden's Day-Glo Records. 14 other Swedish bands, including recent Tooth and Nail distributees Blindside and Royal, along with Momo and Dr. Lovetree, present generally respectable, if greatly changed, versions of such Jerusalem songs as "Read Between the Lines," "Dancing On the Head of the Serpent," "In His Majesty's Service," and "Sodom."
While the novelty (for American listeners at least) of hearing Blindside in their native tongue may wear off quickly, the Blindside track, "Blomma," remains one of my favorite cuts on the disc. Maybe I can't understand it, but it's still a great song.
Other highlight tracks include the dance vibe on Dr. Lovetree's "Dancing on the Head of the Serpent," the Dylanesque vocal and performance on Punches of Joy's "Wake Up," and Momo's take on "Read Between the Lines," which reminds one strongly of Rebecca St. James or perhaps Chasing Furies.
The bonus is interesting: someone reading quietly, while someone else (Jerusalem's Ulf Christiansson, perhaps?) shouts the same words: "Come on! Come on! Let's plunder hell and populate heaven!"
Overall, it's an interesting and captivating album; different from most people's normal fare, but still worthy of a few spins.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Sam HagedornThe offerings on a tribute album often give a unique look at the artist being honored and the artists doing the honoring. Volym X registers extremely high on the unique side for English fans of the metal group Jerusalem. Eight of the thirteen songs are sung in Swedish. Musically the album offers a nice mix of styles with Momo's rendition of "Read Between the Lines" a personal favorite. Other…HM Magazine #78Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAs you can guess by the title, this is not your average album. It is the Swedish release of a 13-band Jerusalem tribute album. Right off the bat I am blown away by Momo, a female-fronted band tackling "Read Between The Lines" from the Can't Stop Us Now album. These modern translations really point out the strong songwriting Jerusalem has exhibited over the years. Even a Celtic-inspired artist in…
