Veni Domine is a Power Metal band from Sollentuna, Sweden that formed back in 1987 by guitarist-Torbjörn Weinesjö, drummer-Thomas Weinesjö and bassist-Anders Olofsson(1987-1991). At the time, they went by the moniker 'Glorify'. It wasn't long before vocalist-Fredrik Ohlsson was added to the band bringing a strong soaring vocal dynamic. Anders Olofsson was soon replaced by bassist-Magnus Thorman. Soon thereafter, 'Glorify' changed their band name to 'Seventh Seal' and in 1988 they recorded two different demos with both having 3-tracks. In 1990 Seventh Seal also released an additional 3rd demo featuring 3-tracks. During this time, the band received an invite to play at the British Greenbelt Festival where Kingsway Music was attending. After hearing the group, Kingsway signed a contract with the band. However, Seventh Seal received a lawsuit threat from another band going by the same moniker. That's when the band regrouped and chose their current name - Veni Domine. The band takes their name from a Latin phrase that simply means "Come, Lord". It's worth noting that the thought of the Lord's coming or returning is reflected throughout much of the band's lyrics as many deal with eschatology-or the study of the end times.

       In 1991, after changing their band's name, Veni Domine got to work with Kingsway and entered Thunderload Studios and ICC Studios to begin recording arrangements for a full-length album.

       In 1992 Veni Domine released their debut full-length studio album titled 'Fall Babylon Fall' on Thunderload Records. The album was produced by both Matthias Kaufmann & Veni Domine. The recording was mixed at Thunderload Studios.

       When it comes to speed, we are often reminded of old stories like the tortoise & the hare as we consider the concept of slow vs fast. Well, what if these two elements were applied to Metal music. This is exactly what we find with Sweden's very own Veni Domine. The band combines slow Doomy guitars with faster Power Metal while topping it all off with a progressive attitude. By combining such different genres, the band is able to create a sound that gives the listener quite an experience while spinning this record!​

       On this project, Fredrik Ohlsson's vocals quickly draw the listener in with his powerful vocal delivery and range. Ohlsson's style draws comparison to vocalist like Geoff Tate(Queensrÿche) and Vett Roberts(Recon). It's worth noting that today, Ohlsson has changed his name and is now going by ​Fredrik Sjöholm.

       Torbjörn Weinesjö manages lead & rhythm guitars on this debut album. Weinesjö shows his prowess while delivering up everything from Power Metal riffs to Doom and a number of sick 80's style solos.

        In 2024 Melodic Passion Records was able to obtain the rights from Veni Domine to rerelease their classic album 'Fall Babylon Fall'. VD's debut was Remastered at Lighthouse Mastering-Music and Media Production and reissued by Melodic Passion Records. The album was then released on CD, LP, and digital platforms. The co-operation and license were managed in conjunction with Thunderload Records with Ragne & Styrbjörn Wahlqvist(HEAVY LOAD). CJ Grimmark(NARNIA), ROB ROCK, and JERUSALEM have all played a part in remastering this debut album. The album's is now much more crisper and clear sounding.
       Records include 2-LP's in White Vinyl Gatefold edition featuring full lyrics, exclusive band photos, an extensive band history, along with 3-bonus tracks including “Visions”(1997, originally recorded for the Japanese reissue), 2024 versions of "Wisdom Calls" & "Day of the Sentinel" which are both only available on vinyl. The cover art is done by Rodney Matthews known for his legendary album covers for URIAH HEEP, MAGNUM, ASIA, THIN LIZZY and more. 

Lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:

"In the Day of the Sentinel"
 He came as a child, Into a tired world
After all the years of despair
Just a child, but there was something in His eyes
He was the Son He was the Lamb, ready to be sacrificed

I saw a man, blood ran from His face
A simple man, as they led Him up to calvary
But did they know the reason why
To save the poor who seek their solace in the dark


"Wisdom Calls"
Wisdom calls aloud in the streets
Hear her raising her voice in the squares
How long will you simple ones
Love your evil ways

Turn around and listen to My rebuke
And I will pour out My Spirit on you
Turn around and listen to My rebuke
And I will let you hear My words

As the moon turns to blood
So many will understand
As the seals are breaking one by one
Hear My words - hear the wisdom call


"Armageddon"
And I saw an angel coming down from heaven
With the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand
He seized the dragon and bound him for a thousand years
Upon the thrones sat those to whom judgement was assigned

I could see the souls of those who had been killed
Those who had not worshipped the image of the beast
The day has come for the dragon to return
He must fight the final battle
​
I know the end for I have read the word
There is no way back Armageddon
The chosen came to life again and reigned
With Christ for a thousand years


"O Great City"
Fallen fallen is Babylon the great
She has become a home for demons
For all the nations drank of her poisonous wine
The wine of her adulteries

Come away from her so that you will not share in her sin
So that you will not be the carrier of her plagues
Given payment for what she has given - for what she has done
As much torture and grief as the glory and pleasure she gave herself
​
Babylon has fallen - the abyss is calling her name
Babylon has fallen - in only one hour her doom will come


"The Chronicle of the Seven Seals"
Then I saw in the right hand of Him
Who sat on the throne
A scroll with writing on both sides
And sealed with seven seals

I heard a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice
"Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"
But no one in heaven or under the earth
Could open the scroll or look inside

I wept and I wept because no one was found
Who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside
Then I heard one of the elders say to me
"Don't weep"
See the Lion of the tribe of Judah
The root of David has won
He is able to open the scroll
And its seven seals

       Veni Domine is for fans of Queensrÿche, Recon, Dream Theater, and Black Sabbath. 'Fall Babylon Fall' is a solid classic album that will make a fine addition to any Metal fans collection. If I was going to buy just one album this year, then I would make Veni Domine's debut 'Fall Babylon Fall' that album!

Musicians:
Fredrik Ohlsson - Lead Vocals
Torbjörn Weinesjö - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Magnus Thorman - Bass
​PA Danielsson - Keyboards
Thomas Weinesjö - Drums, Bells