Novi Ierusalim - Heart Lines Review

I would like to start this review by first reviewing the band, so please bear with me and thank you for your patience. 

About the band

     Novi Ierusalim is too easily overlooked in this country (US), and that's a shame.  The band is based out of Belarus (a country that borders Russia and Poland), and although much of their music is in Russian, they have several songs in English.  (They also have done some in Hebrew and one in Belarusian.)  They are a Christian band whose style is somewhat mixed.  In many of their earlier works, a Jewish flavor abounds.  Later, in albums such as "What Do You Think About It?" for example, they have included rock and rap.  Thus, I think that they have something for everyone.

     As far as talent goes, they have it.  Although Alexander Patlis (one of the original vocalists) is no longer with the band (and is no doubt missed by many of the band's fans throughout the world), the band has not suffered.  The current lead vocalist, Igor Kopylov, who also plays guitar, has a smooth, rich voice that is sure to captivate.  And I have read that Igor Sorokin, who plays bass guitar, is the best in Belarus.  (I don't doubt it.)  Furthermore, it would be a shame to miss Elshad Babakhanov and Alexander Manetski's drum solo that can be viewed on You Tube.  (Just look for "NoviJerusalem drum solo.")  Finally, let's not overlook keyboards.  That would be the handiwork of Vadim Kalatsey, who, with Igor Kopylov and Elshad Babakhanov, writes much of their music.

     As I mentioned, their music is primarily Christian.  You will not find any foul language or crude lyrics here.  Instead, you find a message, and the message is that God wants you as you are.  God is for everybody regardless if you like Jewish tunes, soft rock, classic rock, or rap.

Review for the album "Heart Lines" (recorded in Russian)

     I find the album to have a very pleasant sound in the classic rock / light rock range.  It's not too hard, and I find it to be the perfect music for sitting at home, driving, or doing just about anything.  And the rhythmic tunes get pleasantly stuck in my head.

     Now, for those who understand Russian*, the words to most of the songs on this album are not as obviously God-centered as those of some of their songs in the past.  Nonetheless, the songs are still Christian.  I think this property might appeal to those who are perhaps on the fence regarding Christianity or who would not necessarily consider themselves to be Christians.

     As far as cons, I can only see two down sides to this album.  One is that as for right now, the album is only performed in Russian.  (The group might be working on an English version, I don't know.)  The other is that the album can only be purchased via certain websites or at a concert.  It is not something that you can find on Amazon or go down to the local music store to purchase.

     Thus, I think "Heart Lines" is definitely worth a listen.  It was written and performed by a very talented group of people.  It has an appealing and rhythmic sound in the genre of classic and light rock.  And it is Christian, but not so much so that it would turn off non-Christian listeners.  (If you want something that has heavier Christian lyrics, you might try one of their other albums.  They have several.)  If you wish to buy this album though, your options are limited.

 A final thought on the band

     If you are interested in checking out this band, please visit novij.com.  This website can be viewed in either English or Russian.  (Both versions are the same except that the Russian version has slightly more content.)  You can also catch them on You Tube (please search for "NoviJerusalem") or My Space (please search using "NOVI Jerusalem" under the "Music" category).  Each site has both music and videos, although the band's website has more of their earlier stuff.

     If you have a chance to catch Novi in concert, I would highly recommend it.  The group usually tours the United States in the spring.  They have a "TOUR" tab on their website that lists info as it becomes available.  And anyone who is willing to host the band (provide the facilities for a concert)--especially in the Cincinnati, Ohio area--please click the "TOUR" tab and follow the link on the right-hand side.  (Yes, I am shameless, but I like them and really hope I will get the chance to see them again.)

My favorite songs (title / album / language / comments):

• Love You / What Do You Think about It? / Russian / This one always makes me smile.
• That Love / The Fragments of Heaven / English or Russian / You can watch the video (in Russian) from their website (or You Tube by searching for "NOVI IERUSALIM").
• Love in Our Hands / The Fragments of Heaven / Russian or English / You can see the video (in Russian) on You Tube by searching for "makritsa" and choosing the video with a sunset (or just search for the video in Russian).
• Love in Our Hands (remix) / Ya Podaryu Tebye (I Will Present to You) / Russian / You can watch the video from their website.
• Such a Mighty God / The Fragments of Heaven / Russian
• Jesus Has Risen from the Dead / Holy God / Belarusian / You can listen to this song from their website.
• I Know that Love / What Do You Think about It? / English or Russian / You can watch the video (in Russian) from their website.
• Too many to fully list

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.  I hope it has been helpful, and I hope it has inspired you to give Novi Ierusalim a try.

* Please note that Russian is not my native language, and my opinions about the lyrics are based solely on my understanding as a non-native speaker.