Narnia – X

Narnia
X
Label: Narnia Songs
Out: 29^th May 2026
Playing time: 42:41

ø: 9/10

This year, Swedish band Narnia are celebrating their 30th anniversary. Formed in Jönköping in 1996, they took their name from the fantasy series *The Chronicles of Narnia* by the Irish author C.S. Lewis (Clive Staples Lewis). OK, there was a four-year hiatus between 2010 and 2014. It is worth noting that three members from the early years are still active, albeit with some interruptions. To date, they have released nine studio albums, several compilations and live albums. In this anniversary year, their tenth album, simply titled ‘X’, is set to follow.

The opening track, ‘Like A Thief In The Night’, is powerful and upbeat. Christian Liljegren’s vocals are very melodic. Towards the end, the first guitar solo can be heard. The anthem ‘Oceanwide’ is also very catchy. Christian Liljegren’s vocals are accompanied by a powerful bass line. Later, melodic guitars come in and underpin the backing vocals. ‘Heaven’s Calling’ is introduced by spoken words and brass instruments, before powerful guitar melodies and vocals take centre stage here too. ‘Walk On Water’ is the next strong mid-tempo Power Metal anthem. Later, keyboard sounds take centre stage. In contrast, ‘God Under Fire’ really gets the party started, driven by guitars and drums. Narnia also stay in high-speed mode on ‘Remedy (SOS)’. The vocals sound a bit harsher in places. However, the chorus then invites you to sing along. Time and again, the synth strings push their way to the fore, even during the incredibly fast guitar solo. ‘Jerusalem’ shifts back into anthemic territory, with crashing riffs and plenty of keyboard sounds. Anyone expecting a ballad behind the title ‘Every Breath’ will be disappointed. Here, too, the guitars bang and drive, together with the drums, into a fast-paced ride. As the title suggests, ‘The War That Tore The Land – Reprise’ is a reworking of a track from the 2019 album ‘From Darkness to Light’; it is instrumental, half as long, but features an epic vocalised chorus. There is also an earlier version of ‘The Man From Nazareth Pt 2’. This comes from ‘Enter the Gate’ (2006) and is a beautiful ballad lasting six and three-quarter minutes. Christian Liljegren is often accompanied discreetly by electric piano, strings and acoustic guitars. The highlight is a huge guitar solo. So close your eyes and dream.

‘X’ is characterised by beautiful melodies, set against a Power Metal backdrop. The vast majority of the tracks are performed with real punch. Even the ballad at the end isn’t soft throughout. An album that can be wholeheartedly recommended to any fan of Melodic Metal.

Narnia – Oceanwide: https://youtu.be/wkf2E5lR_30?si=ss1Dm5bcVeIF-tWg

Lineup:

Christian Liljegren – Lead vocals
CJ Grimmark – Guitars, Lead & Backing Vocals
Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson – Bass, Lead & Backing Vocals
Martin Härenstam – Keyboards
Anders Köllerfors – Drums

Track list:

• Like A Thief In The Night
• Oceanwide
• Heaven’s Calling
• Walk On Water
• God Under Fire
• Remedy (SOS)
• Jerusalem
• Every Breath
• The War That Tore The Land – Reprise
• The Man From Nazareth Pt 2