'Narnia' is a Swedish group that mixes different styles of metal ranging from progressive to power, passing through neo-classical and heavy, all this being supported by melodic lines that are always very catchy. Note that they are presented as a Swedish Christian metal band on 'Wikipedia' and somehow deliver the good word to the sound of metal anthems and this for more than 25 years because their first studio recording 'Awakening' is from 1997. To tell you the truth, I only discovered them with 'Ghost Town' which is their 9th studio recording, their latest album 'From Darkness to Light' dating of 2019. Better late than never because this last opus contains nuggets of metal which, throughout the 10 titles and the 47 minutes of listening which are offered to us, deliver us different styles which brings a beautiful diversity to this opus.
Initially, with 'Rebel' (see the video above), the tone is set with a muscular first hit which unrolls a first melody that hooks you from the first chords with two remarkable solos of keyboards then of guitar and an atmosphere reminiscent of the theatrical side of the project 'Avantasia' from 'Tobias Sammet', then, 'Thief' continues in this style with an admirable contrast in the singing of 'Christian Rivel-Liljegren' between almost whispered verses and a refrain in which he shows all his vocal power. Heavier, 'Hold On' delivers us a marked rhythm conducive to the headbang because it's the kind of title that gives you an irresistible desire to beat time, then, 'Glory Daze' adds a single to the first three in a faster tempo and has nothing to envy to its predecessors. We arrive at 'Descension' which brings a remarkable progressive side with magnificent alternations of intensity and which makes me think of certain atmospheres of the Finns of 'Stratovarius' showing that the Swedes know how to vary styles by incorporating sections quite far from metal (very nice piano section and remarkable long guitar solo in the second part of the title). Here we go again with 'Ghost Town' which is still a potential hit, and which continues in addictive melodic metal which can recall the hits of the last 'Kamelot', then, 'Alive' adds an addictive mid-tempo with a remarkable contrast between a powerful chorus and quieter verses. Another slight foray into progressive metal with the magnificent 'Modern Day Pharisees' with a varied rhythm section that alternates different tempos and on which light keyboards come to face the muscular guitar riffs, then, 'Out of the Silence' is a very beautiful epic power ballad with a catchy melody, , the second part incorporating a simple but emotionally powerful guitar solo followed by very beautiful choirs reminiscent of 'Therion'. And it is with a new melodic jewel, 'Wake up Call' (see video here) that the album ends with a chorus that remains etched in your head. Note that the Swedes released a compilation in 2021, 'Soli Deo Gloria' which allows, for all those like me who do not yet know their discography, to have a good overview of their career because this album contains re-masterings of compositions from their studio recordings but also lives.
In summary, the Swedes of 'Narnia' have released an album full of melodic hits that we appropriate from the first listen by adding, here and there, a few pinches of progressive and 'Ghost Town' is intended to an audience that loves a diversified metal because it makes us navigate between between power metal, heavy metal, neo-classical metal, progressive metal and melodic metal... | |
