{"id":10640,"date":"2023-12-18T21:19:03","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T02:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=10640"},"modified":"2023-12-20T13:05:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T18:05:40","slug":"narnia-ghost-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/18\/narnia-ghost-town\/","title":{"rendered":"NARNIA: Ghost Town"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Narnia Band<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Narnia\u2019s new release snuck in under the 2023 radar. Coming in during the early part of the year, Ghost Town<\/em> represents the band\u2019s 9th<\/sup> studio release and 3rd<\/sup> release with Christian Liljegren back on vocals. Returning musicians are founders C.J. Grimmark and Liljegren along with the band\u2019s first (and only, I think) drummer Andreas Johansson. Jonatan Samuelsson (bass) and Martin Harenstam (keys) return from 2019\u2019s stellar melodic metal\/rock From Darkness to Light<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apologies aside for not covering Ghost Town<\/em> sooner \u2013 my vinyl copy got lost in the \u201cstack\u201d and I thought this was a late 2022 release \u2013 I will try to keep the comments brief as I\u2019m sure most fans of the band already know more about this release than do I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Consistent Narnia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Narnia has been crafting melodic metal for 25 years, and while they did have a neo-classical bent to their early releases, they\u2019ve maintained a consistent mix of power\/melodic metal with some prog tendencies. In more recent years they\u2019ve produced a few more rock anthems as well. Their message remains a constant variable as well, and an incredible reassurance in this current age of chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Judgment Here \u2026 Just Observations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, there are, however, two sides to this unwavering sword of musical consistency and lyrical truth. On the positive side, Narnia fans know exactly what to expect with the release of a new collection of songs. On the negative side, Narnia fans know exactly what to expect with the release of a new collection of songs. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with playing to your fan base \u2013 and playing to the heart of your calling for that matter \u2013 it becomes, over time, harder to reach a larger audience of listeners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For clarity, I love this band and what they represent and what they\u2019ve accomplished. My observations about Ghost Town<\/em> are just that, observations and not judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ghost Town<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Observations aside, how does this music sound? For point of reference, my favorite \u2013 what I feel are the most engaging and enduring \u2013 Narnia releases are Enter the Gate<\/em>, Course of a Generation<\/em> and From Darkness to Light<\/em>. From another perspective, I have nothing negative to say about any of the band\u2019s albums (okay, the drum programming on the debut?) as they have all been so consistently solid and inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Categorically, Ghost Town<\/em> fits right in there with The Great Fall<\/em> and the self-titled release in the \u201cmiddle\u201d tier of the musical canon, with the debut, Long Live the King<\/em> and Desert Land<\/em> bringing up the not very far behind third tier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Songs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with all the band\u2019s releases, there is plenty of great music to enjoy, and plenty of words to challenge our hearts. In fact, the first 3 songs will feel like home to Narnia fans, all worthy rockers with Grimmark\u2019s trademark riffs and solos and Liljegren\u2019s beautifully and powerfully articulated truths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The opener \u201cRebel<\/strong>\u201d is a true Narnia metal anthem \u2013 the grit in Liljegren\u2019s voice, the triumphant guitar lead, the fast-paced drums and bass harken to the band\u2019s core metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThief<\/strong>\u201d revisits Judas\u2019 betrayal, the frantic keys, drums and guitar capturing the essence of the event in full drama \u2013 the spoken\/sung words of Judas (Samuelsson?) juxtaposed with Liljegren\u2019s heartfelt plea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even the uplifting \u201cHold On<\/strong>,\u201d with its \u201880\u2019s synth opening salvo, has an undeniable appeal \u2013 probably the catchiest hook and melodic chorus on Ghost Town<\/em>. Grimmark\u2019s clean solo echoes back to the day of melodic metal bliss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then with \u201cGlory Daze<\/strong>\u201d the impact of the tired pursuit to maintain control and the status quo comes to a head. Solid rocker, but maybe just a bit too familiar \u2026 but then maybe that is the point?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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