Album Review: Narnia--Enter the Gate (2006)

Swedish Band Combines European Power Metal, Classical Influences and a Message About Jesus Christ

Released in the spring of 2006, Enter the Gate is the fifth studio album from the Christian metal band Narnia. Although this quartet based out of Jonkoping, Sweden has been around for over twelve years, I had only heard of them recently. Enter the Gate is my introduction to Narnia's music, and I will say I am quite pleased with what I have heard, as the band's sound is a blend of several styles including power metal, melodic metal with some neo-classical influences thrown in for good measure. The lyrics are rooted in God's Word, expressing the band members' faith in Him and calling the listener into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Lead singer Christian Rivel's voice is well-suited to Narnia's style of metal. His vocals are largely clean and smooth, yet occasionally becoming a little more gritty and aggressive. Carl Johan Grimmark shows his versatility as a guitarist, churning out drving metal power chords one moment, then offering beautiful melodic leads then next, and even adding some blues licks to a couple of songs.

Enter the Gate kicks off with "Into This Game," an up-tempo tune with driving guitars. This song also demonstrates how a metal band should use keyboards: enhancing the music without overpowering the guitars and drums. "People of the Bloodred Cross" starts off slow, but quickly picks up tempo. This song is about the persecution of Christians worldwide, with a message for both the persecuted and the persecutors:

There is danger in the air
Afraid to face reality
Where can we run and where can we hide?
Listen to the Master's voice inside
We are protected in His name
You can take our lives, but
You cannot take our faith

The album's title track points to Christ as the "open gate" by which man comes to God and is saved:

Yeah, I hope to see You there
Don't' You see I care for you
All to win for You and me
Eternal love and peace for free
The eternity to win
Jesus is the open gate
Enter in and You will see
The sins are gone, You are free