Setting Fire to the Earth

Description

Setting Fire to the Earth is the third album by the Swedish metal band Leviticus, released on the Swedish gospel label Royal Music in 1987. The album was recorded by Peo Pettersson and Benny Lundin at Royal Music Studio in Gothenburg, Sweden; with Pettersson producing.

In 1986 bass player Håkan Andersson left the band and was replaced by Ez Gomér. Terry Haw joined as well to become the band’s new lead singer. After the recording of Setting Fire to the Earth, Gomér and Haw both left Leviticus to form their own band Jet Circus in 1988, together with drummer Little George.

The same year as Setting Fire To The Earth was released, guitarist Björn Stigsson also released a solo album on Royal Music entitled Together with Friends.

Swedish musicians must have a higher standard of quality than most countries, because the music released from there is outstanding.

Leviticus, a band which has been growing with each record, has delivered a world-class helping of heavy metal vinyl on this, their third released.

The two opening tracks, «Flames of Fire» and «Saved», come roaring out of the grooves like a lion, shouting out scripture and verse with precision and power.

The lyrics reveal a band that’s full of joy and praise for the Lord. You’ll probably need a lyric sheet to keep up, though. The combination of a Swedish accent and the speed at which they’re sung make it difficult to decipher the words.

Most of the other songs, save one, lack the sparkle and punch of the aforementioned highlights. The remaining standout cut is a gripping ballad, called «The Suffering Servant». “Of all the songs I’ve written,” states guitarist Bjorn Stigsson, “it’s my favorite.” It’s an emotional look at the prophetic life and passionate death of our Savior, taken straight out of Isaiah 41 and 53.

This fine album, which is over a year old, is finally being made available in America through Spring Arbor Distributors. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, January 1989]

Girder Music Promo, 2021

Leviticus released their third album Setting Fire To the Earth (1987), which became a best-seller around the world, and included many great reviews in multiple different music magazines. The album finally got the group noticed in North America during their 1988 US Tour opening for Larry Norman and serving as his backing band. «Flames of Fire» and «Saved» are standout metal songs on that release, with «The Suffering Servant» being a particularly strong ballad (based on Isaiah 41 and 53).

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/setting-fire-to-the-earth/1102518362)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Flames On Fire” – 3:11
A2. “Saved” – 4:07
A3. “The First And The Last” – 3:39
A4. “I’m A Believer” – 4:00
A5. “Don’t Go Out” – 3:23

Side Two
B1. “Elijah On Carmel” – 4:51
B2. “The Suffering Servant” – 4:51
B3. “Get Up” – 3:38
B4. “Love Is Love” – 4:03

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Royal Music. Singles Flames of fire – Love is love. Maxi-single Solidrock U.S.A., 1987. Released as CD in the US on Solid Rock Import in 1987 and Pure Metal ‎in 1989. Remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and re-issued on both 12-inch vinyl LP (pressed on Random Heavy Weight vinyl in 200 copies remastered for vinyl) and CD (limited to 500 copies) in 2021 by Girder Music (through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music).