I have to be honest and tell you that since their inception some twelve years ago I have come across Narnia’s music on numerous occasions, however I haven’t found that the Swedes brand of Christian heavy, almost power metal, proficient though it was, offered anything spectacularly different enough to merit actually investing in their music. Well I’m not sure if the band have been hugely inspired by the addition of new vocalist German Pascual (previous singer Christian Liljegren having departed after "Enter The Gate"), however I was genuinely shocked to hear the compact, heavy, melodic onslaught contained within the excellent "Course Of A Generation". Strange though it may sound, but the impression I couldn’t get out of my head was that much of the music here sounds like Kamelot fusing their dense atmospheric attack to Europe’s new found melodic heaviness. That’s not to suggest that Narnia have taken the easy option here, as at no time do they actually sound like they are trying to ape any other band, indeed it would be more accurate to propose that "Course Of A Generation" uses enough various reference points to create something slightly different within the power metal genre.

Pascual proves to be a huge asset, his delivery possessing poise and authority whether it’s an atmospheric passage requiring subtlety and precision, or a bombastic heavy attack, time and again the end results are faultless. Musically Narnia have also stepped up to the mark by turning out a set of songs that are focused and compelling and like albums of old, once the disc finishes, the urge to start them all again is irresistible. Andreas’ Johansson and Passmark on drums and bass respectively are a ferocious double act with pounding beats, intricate bass runs and double kick blasts driving the songs and punctuating the fantastic riffs, runs and solos from guitarist/keyboardist Carl Johan Grimmark.

There are highlights throughout the disc, however in need of special mention are the staccato riffing "Behind The Curtain", the infectious slow build of "When The Stars Are Falling" and the keyboard tinged industrial march of "Kings Will Come". That said any of the ten tracks on the album could be included as highlights, as impressively there is no let up in quality anywhere to be found. Grimmark really hits the nail on the head every time with some phenomenal guitar work and when he also infuses proceeding with some deft keyboard work the effect is really pretty special.

I know that in recent years there has been a huge influx of power metallers with dark symphonically gothic touches arriving on the scene, however this time around Narnia have added their own brand of sharp melody to the mix and come up with something slightly different to the norm and "Course Of A Generation" is all the better for it. Highly recommended.