Description

Prophet is a studio album by the Swedish hard rock band Jerusalem, released on the Swedish label Viva Records in 1994, and as well on R.E.X. Records in the US the same year. The album was recorded by Magne Svensen at Studio Kuling in Örebro, Sweden; with the band producing. Mixed by Bernt K. G. Austad at Musikkloftet in Oslo, Norway. Of all the records Jerusalem has done through the years Prophet was the one that took the shortest time, 6-7 weeks all together. Lead singer Ulf Christiansson wrote all the lyrics in just a couple of weeks while staying on the small island Flatön outside of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Two videos were made in Holland, “City on Fire” and “Berlin ’38”. Both videos were produced by Dutch television and Viva Records. “City on Fire” was shot live with Jerusalem before an audience of 10,000 people at Flevo-festival in Holland. “Berlin ’38” was produced and shot with professional dancers picturing the drama that slowly grew in Germany before the Holocast (in black & white). Two singles where produced for radio. “Tomorrow” with B-side “Coming Down” (a non-album track, later included on Tretti, a compilation CD released in 2006), performed on the Swedish television show ZAPP, as well as “The Waiting Zone” (edited for radio), with B-side “Berlin ’38”.

This is the first U.S. album in six years for the pioneering Swedish band, and it’s a doozy. The group has refined its sound, retaining the intensity of its hard rock roots, while integrating alternative influences sometimes reminiscent of mid-period U2. In an unusual recording feat, the group entered the studio and improvised 11 of the album’s 12 songs in a 12-hour session; the result is a fresh and intense experience for the listener. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, May 1995]

One of the most unexpected comebacks in Christian music – after all it has been seven years since Ulf Christiansson and his fellow Swedish rockers pioneered Christian metal in Europe with a series of hugely influential albums. Now they return supporting Petra no less, and release this to my ears exceedingly interesting album. The team have decided to leave the musically cramped waters of metal/heavy rock and have instead taken in a new set of influences, a touch of U2, a pinch of indie and produced an album of dense, turbulent, billowing rock – stunning when one considers there were no overdubs -just music full of passion, guts and heartfelt conviction. Ulf was always an excellent singer and here he surpasses himself. Rock buffs young and geriatric should check this one out. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, August 1994]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/prophet/449351261)

CD tracklist:

01. City On Fire – 5:43
02. Risen – 5:07
03. The Waiting Zone – 4:40
04. Umbrella – 5:36
05. Be There With You – 6:43
06. On The Road – 3:20
07. Likes Them – 4:11
08. Truth – 4:52
09. Face In The Crowd – 5:50
10. Tomorrow – 4:19
11. Berlin 38 (Next Year In Jerusalem) – 9:07
12. Soldier – 5:39

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD.

CREDITS. Produced and arranged by Jerusalem. Recorded at Studio Kuling, Örebro, Sweden. Engineered by Magne Svensen. Mixed at Musikloftet A/S, Oslo, Norway, by Bernt K. G. Austad. Music by Ulf Christiansson, Peter Carlsohn, Michael Ulvsgärd and Reidar I Paulsen. Lyrics by Ulf Christiansson.

Musicians: Ulf Christiansson (vocals, guitar), Reidar I Paulsen (keyboards, back vocals), Peter Carlsohn (bass, back vocals), Michael Ulvsgärd (drums, back vocals).