Musical Style: Melodic Power Metal	Produced By: Jani Stefanovic & Flames Of Fire
Record Label: Melodic Passion	Country Of Origin: Sweden, Norway & Finland
Year Released: 2023	Artist Website:
Tracks: 10	Rating: 85%
Running Time: 43:14

Vocalist Christian Liljegren has been one of the more prolific performers over the years, a particular realized in the plethora of bands and side projects bettering from his heartfelt and soulful mid-ranged vocal qualities.  Many identify with him for his work in the melodic power metal of his main band Narnia from fronting eight of the group’s nine studio albums and each of its live albums.  His work outside Narnia is no less acclaimed, having participated in projects with styles ranging from seventies hard rock (Modest Attraction) to symphonic power metal (Divinefire) to neo-classical metal (Golden Resurrection) to melodic metal (Audiovision) to progressive rock (Flagship). 

His most recent project Flames Of Fire emphasizes metal on the melodic, power, traditional and neo-classical side on its Melodic Passion Records 2022 self-titled debut and December of 2023 sophomore effort Our Blessed Hope (also Melodic Passion).  The group traces to a change meeting between Liljegren and guitarist Mats-Åke Andersson (Zaragon) in which the two connected over a mutual passion for metal and hard rock.  A lasting friendship resulted, which led the two to reach out to multi-instrumentalist and producer Jani Stefanovic (Solution .45, The Waymaker) and second guitarist Per Schelander (House Of Shakira & Pain Of Salvation) to round out the Flames Of fire lineup.

Liljegren came up with the Flames Of Fire moniker in light of not only the shared passion the group possesses for hard music but also the spiritual dimension, referencing how ‘flames of fire’ is the chosen symbol of the holiness of God (Exodus 3:2 and Revelation 2:18). 

Instrumental opener “Second Advent Of Jesus Christ”, a portent two minutes of ringing church bells, eerie keyboards and ominous doom-like overtures, gives way to first vocal piece “This Is The One’.  Song gives prominence to the two changes in the Flames Of Fire sound over the debut.  First, a stronger progressive basis found in lengthier songwriting (noting the six minute span to “This Is The One”), added technical acumen and subtle time signatures.  Second, a heavier direction found in more forwardly entrenched rhythm guitar and battering drums presence.  Lyric snippet:

For as the lightning comes from the east
And shines as far as the west
So will be the coming of the son
Coming of the son of man (Matthew 24:27)
Gods will be done

This is the one (1 John 5:6)
Who came by water and blood
King Jesus Christ
This is the one
We are waiting for
Oh my Lord, King Jesus Christ

“Battlefield Of Souls” ensues as one of my album favorites.  As its title implies, it proves a militant anthem from power its five and half minutes with a Narnia like melodic metal feel, as burnished guitars trade off with Liljegren passionate vocals in making an imposing statement.  Refrain is affecting as it gets, as is the instrumental run to feature the three-prong guitar attack of Stefanovic, Andersson and Carlson.

“Prayer Warriors” maintains the spiritual warfare themes.  It proves a shorter (three and half minute) Maiden influenced galloper (somewhat akin to Flames Of Fire cut “Gloria”) home to invigorating momentum to spare alongside a jubilant refrain speaking of the victorious and neo-classical soloing of equal affinity.  Lyric snippet:

Hallowed be Your holy name
You are the one I will proclaim
Eternal love for the world to see
Give us our daily bread
Living God, I know You are not dead
In Mind of Christ all the time

We are soldiers of the cross
We are servants for the King

A semi ballad direction reveals on “In Darker Times (Shelter Me)”.  Song starts calmly to regally played guitar, with impetus upping as bluesy signatures take over and reinforce the stark, mid-tempo setting in which Liljegren reaches down and reveals a somber side to his vocal delivery.  Yes, this one is on the unsettled side but also proves inspirational in terms of mood and lyrics:

“Alpha And Omega” stands apart as straight on power metal, underlined by double kick drum, abundant rhythm guitar and flowing vocal melodies to align with the stately scene.  In other words, the song proves succinct and too the point but catchy all the same.  Duel lead guitar rounds things out instrumentally.  Lyric snippet:

Here I am ready for Your command
Here I am on You the rock I stand
Here I am and Jesus is my King
Here I am forever will I sing

I read Your word
Your promises will last forever
I’ll keep the faith
You are Alpha and Omega
For the world to see

“Rest In Me” is a classy ballad flowing to acoustic guitar, keyboards and orchestration to highlight a softer side to the group’s songwriting abilities.  A Swedish version to the song entitled “Vila I Mig” closes the album out.

With sitar to start, “The King Will Return” shines as scintillating, European tinctured melodic power metal with inspiring disposition and lively rhythm section to match.  Echoing vocal melodies akin to Stryper further reinforce the elevated melody and classical soloing not unlike Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia) the grand bearing to command.  Lyric snippet:

We all have been given a will
It’s up to you and me how we use it
Jesus show me the way
Follow the mission You put in my heart

I’m a messenger in this time
Gove me the courage
Transform me today
Willing to go, I follow You Christ

Albums seven minute title track represents one of its finest.  Galloping rhythms and double bass hold sway over “Our Blessed Hope” from the start, emboldening the hard charging verse sections (accented by lower register vocal vestiges) but enlivening the classically tinged refrain of a worshipful form (aligning with the baritone vocal aspects).  Again, the band puts it together musicianship wise for the heightened instrumental moment, including the harmony driven final minute and half.  Lyric snippet:

A new declaration
The agenda is here
My heart and my mind is
Protected with God’s peace

Unite with believers
Unite in God’s word
I can stand firm
In the day of evil

Our Blessed Hope is blessed (no pun intended) with some exceptional material in that I count no less than seven great songs: “This Is The One”, “Battlefield Of Souls”, “Prayer Warriors”, “In Dark Times (Shelter Me)”, “Alpha And Omega”, “The King Will Return” and “Our Blessed Hope”.  Which also brings about my lone point of contention in that the album could have been rounded out with a couple more tracks- add three more of similar quality and you are talking about a potential album of the year contender.  Outside of that, however, I appreciate the anointed, faith based lyrics, supreme musicianship and one of the most inspired vocal performances I have heard from Liljegren.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Second Advent Of Jesus Christ” (1:52), “This Is The One” (5:46), “Battlefield Of Souls” (5:35), “Prayer Warriors” (3:30), “In Dark Times (Shelter Me)” (4:21), “Alpha And Omega” (4:09), “Rest In Me” (2:45), “The King Will Return” (5:37), “Our Blessed Hope” (6:49), “Vila J Mig” (2:48)

Musicians
Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
Mats-Åke Andersson - Guitars
Stephen Carlson - Guitars
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars & Keyboards
Per Schelander - Bass
Alfred Fridhagen - Drums