NARNIA
X
2026 Narnia Songs/Sound Pollution

NARNIA is the long-running Swedish power metal band founded by lead vocalist Christian Liljegren and guitarist CJ Grimmark, back in 1996. The band’s lineup is rounded out by bassist Jonatan Samuelsson, keyboardist Martin Härenstamand and drummer Anders Köllerfors. In 2026, the band celebrates 30 years with the release of their tenth studio album, ‘X’.

NARNIA describe their sound as having “soaring melodies, virtuosic guitar work, powerful vocals, and lyrics rooted in conviction and hope”. I would say that is entirely accurate. At this point in their career, the band has produced numerous classic albums, including ‘Long Live The King’ (1998), ‘Desert Land’ (2000), ‘The Great Fall’ (2003) and ‘Enter The Gate’ (2006). They are among the greatest Christian heavy metal bands of all time. Their last album, ‘Ghost Town’ (2023) was very solid, and I find that ‘X’ is following in those same footsteps, but is ultimately I believe, a better album.

The album opens with the excellent uptempo “Like A Thief In The Night”, which features intertwining riffs from Grimmark and keyboardist Härenstamand. Liljegren’s vocals are compelling, and his lyrics are engaging. “Ocean Wide” features a memorable hook from Grimmark and a fantastic vocal from Liljegren. Both “Like A Thief In The Night” and “Heaven’s Calling” have a “Book of Matthew” theme. In fact, “Heaven’s Calling” begins with a quote from Matthew 24 about the second coming of Christ. Possibly “Ocean Wide” does also, with a reference to Noah and the great flood referenced in Matthew. “God Under Fire” is a mid-tempo track that opens with power chords and a nice solo from Grimmark. His soloing throughout this song is enjoyable. “Remedy (SOS)” is one of my favorite songs on the album; it’s faster-paced power metal with some tasty head-down riffage and solos, keyboard accents and basswork. “Jerusalem” (video HERE) is a solid track and was given an AI-style video treatment. I like the song, but it’s more AOR and commercial than most tracks on the album. “Every Breath” is an immediate winner in my opinion, and another one of the better songs on the album. Köllerfors lays down the drums here perfectly, and Liljegren’s testimony is powerful. NARNIA reprises “The War That Tore The Land”, (originally a track from their ‘From Darkness To Light’ album) with this brief instrumental of the same name, and then closes the album out with “The Man From Nazareth, Part 2”, a continuation of the story from the song of the same name from the ‘Enter The Gate’ album.

Bottom line: ‘X’ is a solid entry in the NARNIA catalog, and ultimately a very enjoyable listen. There is very little in the way of filler here, and longtime fans will surely be pleased. ‘X’ will be released on May 29th through Sound Pollution Distribution.

4.0 Out Of 5.0