Narnia is a Swedish band that came forth out of the band Borderline. Axis of this band are vocalist Christian Liljegren and guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark who are both part of the non-functional Modest Attraction too. Musically Narnia makes melodic metal that can be compared to bands like Helloween and XT. Their debut-CD led to a deal with Pony Canyon and later on with Nuclear Blast. Last year the band toured with Ronnie James Dio and Black Symphony through Germany. The expectations for their second album were great. Long Live The King has become a great album. Basis for this is the solid songstructures and the good melodies. An important role in this is the talent of the guitarist which some critics recognize as the new Yngwie Malmsteen. Fact is that he can play really technical and still with a lot of feeling. With ease he runs over the guitarneck playing scale after scale succeeded by sweeping arpeggios and pivots. So, all kinds of techniques that fit the classically schooled metalguitarist. In the past I learned those licks and tricks too but the speed and accuracy with which he does it, is breathtaking. And his soloing just fit the songs without becoming like an ego-trip. On the contrary, they strengthen the songs. Some of the highpoints here are the up-tempo songs like Living Water and Dangerous Games as the more mid-tempo Lost Son too. Such albums you don't hear often but this is well done. Splendid!
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Josh SpencerThese Swedes sound like they've been holed up in their castle for decades, honing their particular craft to perfection. Said craft being slow to mid-tempo classic metal. Clean, smooth guitars; epic keyboards; repetitive hooks and echoing background vocals. The vocals aren't too high or too dramatic. They strip down to just drums and lead guitar at times, with the bass and keyboards faint in the…Similar sounding releases
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