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Biography

Short bio

Since its inception in 1996, Narnia has played its melodic metal in large parts of the world and over the years toured with bands such as Dio, Stratovarius and Stryper. Known for energetic concerts and an uncompromising faith, they have established themselves both in the hard rock world in general and in church contexts.

Long bio

Since forming in 1996, Swedish melodic metal pioneers Narnia have built a legacy few bands in the genre can match. With ten studio albums, international tours across Europe and Latin America, and a career spanning three decades, the band continues to evolve while staying true to its unmistakable identity.

Founded by vocalist Christian Liljegren and guitarist CJ Grimmark in Jönköping, Sweden, Narnia quickly became part of the late-’90s Scandinavian melodic metal movement. Their debut album Awakening (1997) gained immediate attention in Japan before securing a European release through Nuclear Blast, establishing the band on the international metal scene.

Throughout the years, albums such as Long Live the King, Enter the Gate, and From Darkness to Light have defined Narnia’s signature sound — soaring melodies, virtuosic guitar work, powerful vocals, and lyrics rooted in conviction and hope. The band has toured extensively and shared stages with artists including Dio, Stratovarius, Sabaton, Saxon, Stryper, and many more.

After a brief hiatus in the early 2010s, Narnia returned revitalized. The self-titled comeback album in 2016 marked a new era of renewed focus and global touring, including multiple headline runs in Latin America. In 2023, Ghost Town further expanded the band’s melodic foundation while reaching new audiences worldwide.

Now, with their tenth studio album “X,” Narnia celebrates 30 years as a band. The release represents both a reflection on their musical heritage and a confident step forward, combining arena-ready hooks with progressive depth and dynamic songwriting.

Current line-up:
Christian Liljegren – Vocals
CJ Grimmark – Guitars, vocals
Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson – Bass, vocals
Martin Härenstam – Keyboards
Anders Köllerfors – Drums

Driven by a shared faith and a passion for melodic metal, Narnia stands as a powerful and enduring force on the international scene.

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Photo: Alec Erlingmark

Photo: Alec Erlingmark

Photo: Marcus Bornold