BJÖRN STIGSSON – Together With Friends [Limited Edition Gold CD Remastered] (2021) *0dayrox EXCLUSIVE*

The cult classic album “Together With Friends” from guitarist BJÖRN STIGSSON (Leviticus / XT) is getting the full remaster treatment for the first time on this just released Roxx Records reissue, a limited edition pressed on gold CD. A much needed remaster that makes this 1987 melodic hard rock / AOR album sound better, featuring upgraded artwork as well.
Making justice to its title, Stigsson called some talented Swedish musicians / friends for the recording, including 2 male and 1 female vocalists, including AOR expert Peo Pettersson.
“Together With Friends” stands the test of time as nothing less than a first-rate hard rock album. When taking into consideration the quality of its songwriting in addition to the top-notch talent performing on it, I cannot help but think the album would have sold a million copies if given the same promotion as Stryper’s ‘To Hell With The Devil’. Yes, this is a Christian-lyric oriented album, but rocks.

Is the transition from instrumental keyboard opener “Free” to melodic hard rock masterpiece “Come On” one of the finest one to punch album intro of the Eighties Christian metal scene?
Only potential rival might be Stryper’s “Abyss” followed by “To Hell With The Devil”. Regardless, “Come On” is a first class anthem defined by catchy guitar rhythms, commercial hooks and exultant tempo. All the while Pettersson shines with his grainy, mid-ranged vocals.

Follow up cut “Lovin’ My Woman”, three minutes of up-tempo zeal, allows Sonny Larsson (Motherlode) to stand out with his high-pitched vocal flavorings. There’s non-stop double bass drumming, while every bit befitting Hammond B3 allows a cool bluesy flair. Stigsson proves no slouch on lead guitar all the same.
Duet between Pettersson and Larsson on “I’m Gonna Rock”, a gang shouted hard rocker resonating of added keys and all the gleeful energy you could ask (imagine Stryper but with some laid back bluesy swagger).

“It’s Alight” is first of two tracks to see Stigsson step outside the hard rock framework. Of note is how it takes a keyboard-heavy direction in featuring soulful female vocalist Tina Spängberg, whom stands alongside lighter guitar tinctures and Häkan Norling’s well placed saxophone solo. Moving and effusive is the feel at hand.
Pettersson returns on “Way Of Living”, another classy hard rocker to roar out of the gate dripping of gritty guitars and rugged low end. Hooks reign supreme and Stigsson’s guitar harmonies carried over a fat bass guitar.

“Stand Up” rates among the favorites. The uptempo melodic metal flair to resonate aligns with Larsson’s scintillating classic tenor – does the guy have a limit to his range? – as unremitting verve and a notable melody play lead roles alongside artist’s expert soloing (Stigsson is one of the underrated performers of his era). I appreciate the accenting keyboard lines too.
“Come Together” separates as another first rate Larsson cut. This one takes the all out metal energy to the next level, exuding a Van Halen meets Guardian boogie rock ardor as deep-seated backing vocals uphold the high-strung refrain. Guest Harry Kay shreds on lead guitar.
“Majestic In Power” further builds on the bluesy hard rock sentiments, revealed in Pettersson’s heartfelt vocal delivery (he particularly stretches on this one) and T’bell’s ever presents Hammond B3 (lending some earthy qualities).

An AOR-ish melodic hard rock aspect imbues “King Of Glory”. One of albums most uptempo tunes, it gently settles down for its keyboard driven verse sections as Larsson exhibits his crystalline resonance but picks up exponentially as guitars brace the lucid refrain. Re-mastering allows the bass driven groove to separate that much further.
Hard charger “Here It Comes” jumps out of the gate to driving guitar riffs, flowing sleekly in expeditious form as Pettersson once more reaches down with his expansive resonance and hooks of a commercial quality.
Album reaches its zenith on “I’m Free”, as all three vocalists converge within a keyboard based environs to speak of the sublime. Each of the three vocally carries a verse only to sing in harmony on the wondrous chorus. Majestic instrumental run sees more progressive keyboards give way to moving lead guitar.

Credit Roxx Records for a high quality and long overdue reissue to Bjorn Stigsson’s classy solo album ”Together With Friends” (it took the artist 25 years to release sophomore solo album A New Beginning in 2016).
When placed alongside the original, this Roxx Records version gives prominence to a much-needed dose of polish to enhance fine details such as heightened low end, crisper guitars and better-defined vocals & keyboards.
HIGHLY Recommended

You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox

01 – Free
02 – Come On (feat. Peo Pettersson)
03 – Lovin’ My Woman (feat. Sonny Larsson)
04 – I’m Gonna Rock (feat. Peo Pettersson & Sonny Larsson)
05 – It’s Alright (feat. Tina Spångberg)
06 – My Way of Living (feat. Peo Pettersson)
07 – Stand Up (feat. Sonny Larsson)
08 – Come Together (feat. Sonny Larsson)
09 – Majestic in Power (feat. Peo Pettersson)
10 – King of Glory (feat. Sonny Larsson)
11 – Here It Comes (feat. Peo Pettersson)
12 – I’m Free (feat. P. Pettersson, S. Larsson, T. Spångberg)

Björn Stigsson – Guitars
Sonny Larsson – Lead Vocals
Peo Pettersson – Lead Vocals
Tina Spängberg – Lead Vocals
Danne Tibell – Keyboards
Dan Fernstrőm – Keyboards
Håkan Andersson – Bass
Kjell Andersson – Drums
Guest Musicians:
Harry Kay – Guitar solo
Hakan Horling – Saxophone

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