Description

Dancing on the Head of the Serpent is the fifth studio album by the Swedish hard rock band Jerusalem, independently released on their own label JM Records in 1987. A new version of the album was released on Refuge Records in the US the following year, distributed by Spectra Distribution. (The band actually recorded new versions of four of the songs while the remaining tracks from the 1987-release were remixed. The US version as well features slightly modified cover artwork.) Dancing On the Head of the Serpent was recorded by Göran Buller at Jerusalem Studio in Uppsala, Sweden; with the band’s lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter Ulf Christiansson producing. Arranged by the band. It was the first album by Jerusalem to be simultaneously released on both vinyl and CD.

Jerusalem has finally hit its stride with their long-awaited latest release, ‘Dancing on the Head of the Serpent’. This album has a passion and hunger to it that pales anything they’ve previously recorded.

«Plunder Hell and Populate Heaven» is a prime example, sounding like something Kiss or Poison would do – except for the lyrics: “Come on, come on, let’s plunder hell and populate Heaven.”

Ulf Christiansson, vocalist and songwriter, drives home a militant message of spiritual warfare and the miraculous power of God: “I’m strong, bold as a lion/ Stronger than a bull… So why should I fear people/ When God is on my side?” («Come Higher»).

The album cover, which has stirred up quite a controversy (and was even banned from Christian bookstores in Sweden), reinforces the “war against Satan” theme with an impact.

Along with this aggressive attitude is the message of forgiveness and restoration for the fallen in the song «Still», where Ulf gently sings that “Grace is still free for the taking.”

Overall, this album earns a spot in the cream of the heavenly metal crop. There’s a fine mix of flashy guitar leads and gutsy and energetic keyboards, making this album accessible to a wide audience… and worth every penny of its $9.98 price. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, November 1988]

Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent (Legends Remastered), 2018

This remastered reissue from Swedish legends Jerusalem has taken both versions (American and European) of their classic 1987 album. Sitting firmly in a ’70s rock setting, the 11 tracks on this recording have come to be known as a classic release and this package marks the 30th anniversary of the original recording. Although this was Jerusalem’s fifth album, it was notable as the first written totally in English. In this new package, the American version makes up the first disc and is full of keyboard-driven soft rock numbers. Guitars that remind me of Foreigner and a style not unlike Petra fill this recording as Ulf Christiansson’s distinctive vocals exude power and warmth that are full of class. The title track is immediately recognisable as it is introduced with a keyboard fanfare and driving rhythms. My personal favourite, however, is «Plunder Hell And Populate Heaven» with its harder edge and memorable chorus. Elements that range from the rhythm and blues stylings of «Rebels Of Jesus Christ» to the quieter «Still» are all delivered with a polish and warmth that was lacking on the original recording. The second disc features the European release which is significantly different from the first disc in style. These tracks are grimier in sound and sit closer to a traditional rock sound. At times Deep Purple can be heard as an influence as fewer keys are evident and a gutsy bass-heavy sound starts to dominate. It is clear that Jerusalem wrote some classy tracks and could deliver them with authentic energy. As a package I enjoyed listening to the original tracks and comparing the versions on the two albums. This is a collection that is aimed at original fans and collectors with all that it offers. You are also presented with a great deal of music for the cost of a single release. [Ian Webber, Cross Rhythms, June 2018]

> Apple Music (Jerusalem Classics 3: https://music.apple.com/us/album/jerusalem-classics-3/458416232)

LP tracklist (original Swedish release):

Side One
A1. “Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent” – 3:58
A2. “Plunder Hell And Populate Heaven” – 3:56
A3. “Rebels Of Jesus Christ” – 3:49
A4. “Listen To Me” – 4:30
A5. “Woe, Woe…The Great Fall” – 3:19

Side Two
B1. “We’re Gonna Take Europe” – 3:33
B2. “Come Higher” – 3:56
B3. “Catch The Devil, Catch The Thief” – 4:30
B4. “The Night When Revelation Came Into My Life” – 4:45
B5. “Still” – 3:50

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by JM Records. A remixed version of the album was released in the US by Refuge Records in 1988, on both cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued on CD by Retroactive Records in June 2018, entitled Dancing On the Head of the Serpent (Legends Remastered) 30th Anniversary Edition. The 2-CD Set (USA Version + European Version) comes in a jewel case featuring a 12-page booklet with lyrics and band pics.

A full-page advertisement for Jerusalem’s Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent was featured in the September 1988 issue of CCM Magazine.

JERUSALEM – Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent (Legends Remastered)

Dancing With Heavy Melodic Boots (30th Anniversary Edition)

Everyone who has ever listened to or heard of Jerusalem knows about this album. Praised by many fans as their best collection of studio songs, Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent was, without a doubt, their “breakthrough” release in the United States. To many fans this material is also the most “familiar” set of songs Jerusalem produced because this album was released in Europe/Scandinavia (in English) in 1987 – a time when Christian rock and metal was exploding on the scene – and then again in 1988 in the U.S. (Refuge Records). For those who claim that this album was their first exposure to the band, I also am in that camp. Jerusalem’s sound had been evolving throughout the past decade prior to this release – classic rock, progressive rock, arena rock… and now the perfect blend of all of them. The formula for success with this album was rooted in over a decade of touring experience combined with the passion to have a greater impact in the scene for the sake of Christ. Anthemic rock – with a metal edge – was the ticket. The emphasis was on a larger than life sound, featuring these big, catchy choruses and chunky riffs laced with Reidar Paulson’s (replaced Tibell on keys) 80’s synths. It was both commercial and yet more aggressive at the same time. The music was totally in sync with the times (circa late 80’s) and yet the lyrics marked a dramatic return to the more evangelical/in-you-face kind of approach that characterized the band’s early years.

The music speaks for itself, so there is not much I can say here to add to what this album has accomplished. And while the keyboards do date the songs to the era in which they were born, the music still moves powerfully and remains relevant in the current era. Did we need a new version? I think for those who want to hear a clear and amped up version of these songs – yes. And to complete the Jerusalem Legends Remastered series – yes. But for those who have never heard the European version, this set is well worth the cost.

Why Two Versions?

Retroactive Records, as part of the Legends Remastered series, has reissued this iconic album as a double CD set containing both versions (U.S. and European) with 12 page booklet with lyrics in a clear jewel case (in line with the other Jerusalem reissues in this set). I don’t know the exact reasons why this album was re-recorded for a 1988 release in North America, but this re-issue represents a “throw-down” of sorts between the two versions which is quite unusual. While everyone will have to make the comparison for themselves, I will try to make a few, hopefully useful, distinctions and then conclude with my preference.

First off, while I don’t think there is a huge difference between the versions, the subtle differences are recognizable. One of my criticisms of the original version I heard (that would be the U.S. version) was that the vocals have always had this “reverb” processed quality – probably to impart a more “live” sound to the music. I will say that the European version definitely sounds less “processed” with a more raw quality to the vocals and the instruments as well. With the exception of Can’t Stop Us Now, the albums which preceded this one enjoyed an organic/analog quality that is unsurpassed. It was sincere and spontaneous. The European version has, to some degree, preserved that more “rock’n’roll” tradition. Both albums are equally loud and sound vibrant. (see track listing below for comparison)

There are also more subtle differences present in the way Ulf sings some of the words in between the actual song lyrics. Some songs are similar, like the opening title, but others like «Rebels For Jesus Christ» are quite different. The U.S. version cuts out the opening instrumental completely in favor of a vocal chorus to open up the song. There are differences in the guitars in this song as well. You can also see this as reflected in the song length discrepancy between the two versions. The other songs that differ significantly in song length are «Catch The Devil, Catch The Thief», and «Still». Of course, the European version had the wonderful «Covered By Blood» included whereas that track has been added here to the U.S. version as a bonus track and was not part of the original Refuge Records version. Closing out with this track really made a strong statement and I always felt that «Still» was a bit too mellow as a closer.

So in the end, if you want the less “Elefante brothers-produced” version of this classic album, get this set – you won’t regret it just for the Euro version alone. I would have to say that after many listens, I prefer the European version – probably because I am such a fan of the first 3 albums and that earthy and less processed sound. I will conclude by saying that this complete set of Jerusalem remasters are well worth the investment and fans will find something to enjoy about each one. Thanks to Matt Hunt and Rob Colwell for their work in making this happen and in making the music Jerusalem (all of their albums) sound so good in 2018!

[Jonathan "Doc" Swank, HM Magazine, June 2018]