Here's a band with some pluses and minuses. On the positive side: they sport a world-class shredder in guitarist Carljohan Grimmark and they play classic power metal. On the negative side: they play classic power metal. To pull off the music from another era (in this case, mid-70's to 1990), you better flippin' rule, or you're a parody of yourself. With Awakening and Long Live The King, Narnia has lived just above that fuzzy and unforgiving line of credibility. Like its influential contemporary, Ronnie James Dio, the melodic hooks must take the song beyond power-fisted muscle flexing into the memorable arena of radio-ability. Like Mr. Dio, Narnia lacked a bit in that category . . . until now. Desert Land shows vocalist Christian Liljegren singing confidently above strong melodies. And (surprise, surprise), the guitar playing is flat-out amazing (oh my gosh! I'm not kidding!). Musicians who grew up on Iron Maiden and long for those big hits might just have a disc here that'll fulfill those dreams of yesteryear. While taking a strong biblical lyrical stance, Narnia has found a way to couch it in perfect metal fantasy terms that fit. In a game which was close, Narnia just hit a metal home run.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestThe Swedish rockers of Narnia are finally presenting their third album. Desert Land was delayed for some time. On the record are nine songs. It kicks off with the powerful metal track Inner Sanctum. This song features a well oiled metal engine. It has strength and even Christian Liljegren's singing sounds a little raw here and there. The guitar playing is superb again. Carl Johan shows he knows…Dead Zine 2001Reviewed by SORGThis is a great example of what Christian metal is and should be. Desert Land is sure to become one of my all-time favorite metal albums! It is that good! The boys in Narnia have never failed to deliver when it comes to classic/power metal with a message and Desert Land is no exception. This is by far their best release to date. The guitars are awesome as always, and the drums and production…Similar sounding releases
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