JERUSALEM - SHE

The latest offering from Swedish rockers Jerusalem is entitled simply, SHE. A reference to the Whore of Babylon as mentioned in the Revelation to St. John. This album is their first studio record since their 1998 release R.A.D. (rock against the devil).

Ever since the Prophet LP in the mid 1990’s Jerusalem sort of shed their 70’s rock roots and went for a more ‘modern’ rock sound ala U2. Some fans have liked it and some wished they’d head back to their earlier sound. Well it seems with SHE there is a mishmash of both.

There are many musical elements that shine of that U2 styled sound. Whether it’s “Save My Life” or “I was to Leave her,” the influence of Bono and company is there. However, those songs are on one side of the pendulum. You see this pendulum also swings back toward a more traditional rock sound with such tracks as “The Greatest Party” or the anthemic “Come On.”

The guitar is the primary instrument on this release. You won’t find much in way of keyboards. The six string axe leads this musical attack, with some strong influence from The Edge. Ulf has the guitar mixed right at the edge of the musical envelope.

Ulf shows he can still belt it out; his vocal performance is solid and commanding. Lyrically the message of redemption and hope shines brightly and boldly for all to hear. Which these days are rather refreshing, as most artists with a Christian point of view are too busy covering their tracks.

She is a solid rock album which should please the fan base and garner new listeners. Whether fans view it as a return to musical form is yet to be seen. That is something that can only happen with time.

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