Narnia (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 2010 (disbanded) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2014 |
| Headquarters | Jönköping , Sweden |
Key people | Carl Johan Grimmark, Christian Liljegren |
| Products | Power metal music albums |
Narnia is a Swedish Christian power metal ensemble established by guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark alongside vocalist Christian Liljegren. The group originated in 1996, disbanded in 2010, and reunited in 2014. Their sound is heavily influenced by The Chronicles of Narnia authored by C.S. Lewis.
History
Liljegren and Grimmark's paths first crossed in 1993 in Jönköping, Sweden. At that moment, Liljegren was preparing to release The Truth in Your Face with his band Modest Attraction, while Grimmark was active with Sentinel. After enduring several difficulties with their respective bands, Grimmark exited Sentinel in 1996. Subsequently, Liljegren invited him to collaborate on a melodic hard rock venture. Grimmark soon accompanied Modest Attraction on a German tour and became a permanent member, enabling them to focus on their own musical project.
In September 1996, they laid down tracks for their debut album Awakening at Top Recording Studio, with Grimmark handling all instrumental parts and Liljegren providing vocals. The record also included contributions from Jakob Persson (who later became Narnia's bassist), Janne Stark (guitar solos), and Mart Hallek (violin).
By January 1997, the album Awakening was finalized and garnered interest from ten Japanese record labels. Eventually, Narnia secured a deal with Pony Canyon. Following a tour with Modest Attraction, they connected with Matthias Mittelstädt of MCM Music, who took on the role of their manager. With new management and a demo in hand, Narnia was officially formed.
The band inked a contract with Nuclear Blast Records, releasing albums such as Long Live the King (1999), Desert Land (2001), and The Great Fall (2003). They also had the opportunity to open for Stratovarius. Their live performance in Germany was issued as both a DVD and an album titled At Short Notice... Live in Germany (2006). Later releases including Enter the Gate (2006) and the compilation Decade of Confession (2007) were distributed through MCM Music.
In April 2008, during sessions for a new album, Liljegren left the band. By August of that year, Germán Pascual—a vocalist born in Brazil but based in Sweden—joined Narnia. The album Course of a Generation was released across Europe via Massacre Records in July 2009.
On 15 April 2010, Narnia announced their dissolution but planned two final concerts scheduled for Germany and Mexico later that year. Original keyboardist Martin Härenstam returned to participate in these farewell shows.
Post-breakup and reunion
After their farewell performances in Mexico City and Germany, information regarding Narnia’s members was limited until 22 January 2012. On that date, former frontman Carl Johan Grimmark revealed on the band’s official MySpace profile his involvement with the band Jerusalem during 2011 as guitarist and keyboardist. He also became part of Full Force, which includes Mike Andersson (vocals), Anders Johansson, Stefan Elmgren, and Tommy Larsson. Grimmark hinted at forthcoming major developments but has remained discreet since then.
On 31 January 2014, Narnia formally declared their comeback, commemorating the 15th anniversary of their album Long Live the King through live shows and a deluxe reissue.
Band Members
Current lineup
- Christian Liljegren – lead vocalist
- CJ Grimmark – guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals
- Martin Härenstam – keyboardist
- Jonatan Samuelsson – bass guitar, bass pedals, backing vocals
- Anders Köllerfors – drummer
Previous members
- Fredrik Junhammar – drums
- Sonny Larsson – backing vocals
- Jakob Persson – bass guitar
- Linus Kåse – keyboards
- Germán Pascual – lead vocalist
- Andreas Olsson/Passmark – bass guitar
- Andreas Johansson – drums
Discography
Studio albums
- Awakening (1998)
- Long Live the King (1999)
- Desert Land (2001)
- The Great Fall (2003)
- Enter the Gate (2006)
- Course of a Generation (2009)
- Narnia (2016)
- From Darkness to Light (2019)
- Ghost Town (2023)
Live releases
- We Still Believe – Made in Brazil (2018)
Compilation albums
- Decade of Confession (2007)
- Soli Deo Gloria (2021)
Video releases
- At Short Notice... Live in Germany (2004)