by Franco Cerchiari
— Sr. Columnist —
While firmly set in their Christian beliefs, Sweden’s Narnia has made a career of blending Hard Rock, Neoclassical shredding, hints of Symphonic and sweeping melodies. Recorded during Narnia’s 2017’s “Still I Believe” tour of Brazil is the band’s second live release, following 2006’s At Short Notice: Live In Germany. Fans of fellow Christian metallers Barren Cross, Theocracy, Seventh Avenue, DivineFire or Golden Resurrection (both of which feature Narnia frontman Christian Liljegren) will certainly be fans of Narnia, and truth be told, We Still Believe: Made In Brazil, by all accounts is a fine live album, with pretty notable guitar mastery, soaring melodies and a great rapport between the band and a very enthusiastic, and engaged audience. It is evident as well that while hearing this live release, the band sounds like they are truly trying to put on a great show for their fans, and their love for playing live is tangible throughout this CD’s playing time. And for that, Narnia is to be commended.
Encompassing Narnia’s entire career, We Still Believe: Made In Brazil, makes no secret that this is a Christian band, and they are “messengers of Christ.” Heard before the start of the track ‘Messengers” vocalist Christian Liljegren tells the audience “we are here to sing of Jesus Christ, for we are the messengers.” But that aside, there are several strong tracks to take note of. “Into This Game” is a ripping, guitar, and keyboard heavy track, and hearing guitarist CJ Grimmark take over the stage and break loose into an amazing solo where his fingers virtually fly up and down the neck of his six-string was as good as any other Neoclassical guitarist that comes to mind.
Drummer Andreas Johansson was also given time in the spotlight with what really was an incredible drum solo. Fast, with unrelenting double bass drums, heavy use of rolls, cymbals and having a connection with the audience, his talent on the drums is remarkable. “No More Shadows From The Past” was excellent, and reminiscent of the music of the excellent At Vance, “I Still Believe” showed the audience singing along with the band, and “Shelter Through The Pain” was a showcase for keyboardist Martin Harenstam and obviously was an audience favorite. “Reaching For The Top” was another blistering metal track, and “The Message” was the CD highlight with the band in top form. The vocals of “The Message” was excellent, the melody-heavy with chugging guitars, fantastic keyboards, a hard rhythm section and a soaring chorus. Closing this live album was “Inner Sanctum” that opened with eerie keyboards, audience members shouting out their approval, and again showed Narnia in top form.
Live albums can be a tough sell. For those of us who aren’t in attendance we need to be able to feel the band’s true desire to play live, have an ability to connect with the audience, play their best known songs, all the while hearing a CD where the music is crisp, the instruments clear, and, most important of all, we at home hearing the live album need to feel as if we were there during the recording of that show. On this, Narnia seems to have done all of those things in fine form.
Casual fans of Narnia may bypass this one, but for true fans of Christian Metal and more specifically, Narnia, will want to add this one to their collections. We Still Believe: Made In Brazil is a solid showing of all the band’s individual talents and their ability to bring the message of faith to their fans.
Genre: Christian Metal, Neoclassical
Band Members:
Christian Liljegren – vocals
CJ Grimmark – guitars, vocals
Marin Harenstram – keyboards
Andreas Johansson – drums
Jonathan Samuelsson – bass guitar
Track Listing:
Living Water
Into This Game
Long Live The King
The Awakening
Guitar Solo
Drum Solo
Messengers
I Still Believe
No More Shadows From The Past
Shelter Through The Pain
Reaching For The Top
The Mission
Inner Sanctum
Website: www.narniatheband.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.5 / 10)
