Digipack CD reissue by Metal Mind Productions limited to 2000 numbered copies.
Released February 16, 2009 in Europe and March 10, 2009 in the United States.
Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on a golden disc. Barcode: 5907785034242
Comes with booklet including notes & lyrics (the lyrics sadly contains many errors & mistakes).
Christer Mentzer appears in courtesy of Typhon Records.
Music and lyrics by Jonas Hansson except "Call of the Lords", by Magnus Nimby & "Why" by Beatrice Zsoka.
Other Issues1985:
Universe, LP [Roadrunner Records #RR-9800]1985: Universe, LP [Attic/Roadrunner Records Canada #RRR-213]
1985: Universe, LP [Roadrunner Records/Far East Metal Syndicate Japan #SP25-5190]
1985: Universe, MC [Attic/Roadrunner Records Canada #RRC-213]
1985: Universe, CD [Roadrunner Records Japan #RRCY-23050]
1990: Universe, CD [Apollon/Roadrunner Records/Far East Metal Syndicate Japan #APCY-8021]
1996: Universe, CD [Roadrunner Records #RRCY-2012]
Biography from bookletSilver Mountain is a legendary Scandinavian heavy metal group hailing from Malmo in Sweden. They appeared on the scene in late 70’s, only to dominate the 80’s with their original and inspirational music. Over the years they released four LPs and one live album, forever carving their name in heavy metal history. Metal Mind Productions presents the set of exclusive re-releases which brings back a true metal icon, delivering music that is timeless: The band was first assembled in 1978 by Jonas Hansson (guitar, vocals), Ingemar Stenquist (bass), Morgan Alm (guitar) and Marten Hedener (drums). Taking their name from a song by Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, the group begun crafting their own style, eventually releasing a single called “Man Of No Present Existence” in 1979. Unfortunately the single didn’t gain much popularity and the band begun to suffer from constant line-up changes. Over the next three years, a large number of local musicians fronted Silver Mountain (including none other than the Swedish guitar hero Yngwie Malmsteen!), until finally in late 1982 a solid line-up has emerged. The group, consisting of Hansson, guitarist Per Stadin, keyboardist Jens Johansson and his brother Anders on drums, played together for almost two years to eventually sign a record deal with the acclaimed label Roadrunner Records. Thus, in March 1983, Silver Mountain’s debut LP – “Shakin’ Brains” – was finally released. The album brought a huge dose of electrifying hard rock/heavy metal, clearly inspired by Rainbow, Deep Purple and Iron Maiden. Brilliant guitarwork was the key feature of this release, instantly putting Silver Mountain on the top of the list of Swedish metal artists. Such songs as the organ-fueled “Spring Maiden”, the powerful “Destruction Song” and the enchanting piano ballad “King of the Sea” are to this day considered as timeless classics. With “Shakin’ Brains” Silver Mountain proved that Scandinavia has much to offer when it comes to traditional heavy metal.
Unfortunately, soon after the release of the debut LP, Jens and Anders Johansson departed to join Yngwie Malmsteen for the recording of his LP “Rising Force” (later on Jens went on to Stratovarious, while Anders joined Hammerfall). Hansson and Stadin re-employed the band’s original drummer Marten Hedener and along with new vocalist Christer Mentzer and session keyboardist Erik Nielsen they recorded their second album – “Universe” – in 1984. The LP didn’t gain a huge success in Europe, but surprisingly it became a big hit in Japan. The amazing response enabled the band to play an excessive tour over the entire country, which ended in recording a live album called “Hibiya – Live in Japan’85”. The album brilliantly captured the outstanding energy that emerged on that historical night (October 10th, 1985) at the Hibiya Yagai Ongaku-Do. The concert was a major success and brought the band many hopes for the future. Unfortunately, their third LP – “Roses & Champagne”, released in 1988 – did not manage to become as successful as the band expected it to be. Recorded with two new members – Johan Dahlstrom (vocals) and Kjell Gustavsson (drums) – the album was a solid release with a bunch of memorable songs like “Forest of Cries”, “Paradise Smile” and “Not You Baby”. Nevertheless, the poor sales forced Silver Mountain to disband in 1989…
After splitting up, most of the musicians went on to different projects, while founder Jonas Hansson concentrated on composing soundtracks and his solo career, forming the Jonas Hansson Band. But the legend of Silver Mountain was not forgotten – in 2000, the original line-up which recorded “Shakin’ Brains” got back together for a couple of shows and eventually decided to make one last album, containing left-over songs from the debut LP’s recording sessions. All songs were rewritten and recorded from scratch, brilliantly joining the old-school feeling with modern technology. Finally, “Breakin’ Chains” was released in 2001, immediately becoming a long-awaited metal classic, especially with such amazing songs as “Maniac”, “Axeman and the Virgin” and “Dance Around the Fire”. The band called it quits after this release, officially closing the last chapter of Silver Mountain’s history. Or did they?…
Whatever the future may bring, it is still good to look back at the past from time to time. This collection of re-released Silver Mountain albums brings a truly epic dose of prime classical heavy metal and captures all the best moments of one of the few Swedish legends who managed to make a difference in the metal world. So sit tight and buckle your seatbelts, as Silver Mountain takes you for a ride of your life!