STYLE: Hard Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 162259-24118 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Andy Shaw
For those unfamiliar with Narnia, they are a neoclassical power metal band who, as their name suggests, write songs heavily influenced by the themes in The Chronicles Of Narnia books by C S Lewis. Formed in Sweden in 1996 they went on to record six studio albums before disbanding in 2010. With the members having spent the interim years keeping busy working with other bands in the metal scene, this eponymous album represents their comeback since reforming in 2014. Musically all the key elements are present with complex technical guitar solos, stabbing guitar riffs and drum beats and layers of keyboards and synths bringing in the classical influences. There is good variety throughout the record from the fast and furious guitar riffs of "Set The World On Fire" to the slow burning keyboard and synth heavy "Thank You". Whilst they largely stick to the power metal formula, other influences can be heard from the prog-tinged "Who Do You Follow" to the symphonic vocals and strings of "On The Highest Mountain". The vocals are strong and the songwriting is solid with lyrics reflecting what the band are about ("We want to celebrate the victory of the cross"). Overall this is a decent, well made record but lacks the standout moments to make you sit up and pay attention. I would recommend checking it out for fans of Narnia or the neoclassical power metal genre in general as it ticks all the boxes but I don't think it will be winning over many new fans.
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