Musical Style: Metal/Hard Rock	Produced By: Christian Liljegren, Olov Andersson & Viktor Stenqvist
Record Label: Melodic Passion	Country Of Origin: Sweden
Year Released: 2021	Artist Website:
Tracks: 9	Rating: 85%
Running Time: 45:19

Veteran vocalist Christian Liljegren has been on a roll the past decade.  Beginning in 2010, he released the sophomore album of his Audiovision project, Focus, in addition to the debut full length of his new band Golden Resurrection, Glory To My King, only to follow up a year later with Golden Resurrection sophomore effort Man With A Mission.  Third and final Golden Resurrection album One Voice For The Kingdom ensued in 2013, while 2015 saw him record his second solo release Kraft and 2016 the self-titled seventh Narnia album.  Second Narnia live album We Still Believe - Made In Brazil and eighth Narnia full length From Darkness To Light came out in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and self-titled debut of his The Waymaker project in 2020.    

All the above and more are included as part of the discography page on the back of the mini booklet to artists March of 2021 third solo album Melodic Passion.  It proves a solo release in the truest sense, referencing how Liljegren contributes all lyrics, vocal melodies and arrangements in addition to composing it with guitarist Stephen Carlson and acting as co-producer with Viktor Stenqvist.  Musically, Melodic Passion draws heavily from Liljegren’s influences, including (as noted in his press material) Rainbow, The Sweet, Uriah Heep, Queen, Stryper and Europe.  Impression is of seventies classic hard rock, revealed in bluesy vestiges and occasional progressive sentiments, but not without an eighties melodic metal slant, denoting the catchy hook priority.

Said mini booklet ranks among the finest this reviewer has seen.  In addition to a slew of vintage photos of the artist - dating to his childhood but also including those recent (and all things in between) - is an in depth musical biography and detailed breakdown to each of the albums tracks. 

Albums title track gets things going as a melodic metal anthem.  With churning keyboards to start, “Melodic Passion” soars through its verse sections to an even joining of guitar and organ only to erupt for a flashy refrain with an operatic falsetto at the end.  Neo-classical guitars take over for the instrumental moments.  Lyrics deal with artist’s passion for music:

I still remember the day
When the music opened the door to my heart
A God given gift from heaven above
Falling in love right away.
This is real what I feel
The melodies healing my soul 

Melodic, melodic Passion for me
So wonderful

Bluesy metal of “Salute For The King” ensues.  Song begins acoustically prior to tenacious rhythm guitars taking over, bustling ahead in victorious fashion to speak of the exultant but also revealing a composed demeanor found in imposing vocal melodies.  Instrumentally, acoustic guitar gives way to Carlsson’s elevated lead guitar.

“The Rock” draws upon equal parts melodic metal and hard rock.  It begins to a drum solo ahead of tantalizing guitar harmonies over a foundation of keyboards (sort of like second Narnia album Long Live The King) in manifesting catchy hooks and upbeat tempo to speak of the mirthful.  Three songs in and the crystal clear production brings to mind one of Liljegren’s earlier projects, Wisdom Call.  Song details how faith is our solid rock:

Looking for answers in the final hour
Where is my heart?
Where is my soul?
I believe in the Son of God, the cross marks the way

My God, give me peace of mind
I pray in this time, Yes I do
Gimme strength to carry on
I´ll wait for the King of Kings

Albums lone ballad follows in “This Is My Love Song”.  As opposed to the hard rock kind, what we have is a delicate and graceful ballad, reinforced its span by acoustic guitar and cello.  Liljegren does a find job exhibiting his heartfelt mid-ranged vocal delivery joining equal parts purse and grainy.

“The Victory” begins to several seconds of haunting church organ that gives way to a trademark falsetto from the artist.  Galloping riffs proceed to set the furious tone advancing ahead, as churning low end and ample momentum driven angst combine to bolster albums heaviest cut.  Song title speaks of victory in faith:

There was a man who came
Forever history was changed forever
He set the mankind free
Eternal life for those who believe

I sing the glory to the Holy One
Forever the victory was won
I sing the glory to the Holy One
Forever the victory was won

“Dead Or Alive” comes across as seventies hard rock with a progressive edge.  Atmospheric keyboards carry its first minute until guitar feedback fades in, with bluesy guitars soon taking over and powering the way to the expansive refrain driven by choir-like vocal melodies.  Helping take the song to six and a half minutes is an extended soloing section ensued by a closing stretch of added keyboards.

Albums eight-minute magnum opus “I Breathe” follows.  Wistful and tranquil are the opening minutes as stilly done guitars and big bass compel until hard rocking guitars kick in, elevating the abundant melody to command the remaining moody distance as artist stretches and unveils the full breadth to his emotional vocal delivery.  A protracted instrumental run helps song fill out its length.  The introspective feel brings to mind classic Audiovision epic “The Gate” both musically and lyrically:

I do remember
The day when I was saved
Salvation for my soul
On the Cross, You took it all

I rest in You
The weight on my shoulders
Was forgiven on the Cross

“History” embodies an accessible melodic hard rock form.  It masterfully highlights its length catchy guitar harmonies mirroring a neo-classical flair as Per Schelander’s bass anchors the able-bodied low end.  No, not albums heaviest, but it is no less able all the same.

An exalted joining of atmospheric keyboards and ethereal guitar carries two minute closer “Third Day”.  Lyrics align with songs title:

On the third day
He rose for the dead
Ha gave us life, everlasting life
You gave the music
You gave me passion
Thank you Lord, Amen

Melodic Passion represents a successful union between Christian Liljegren and guitarist Stephen Carlson that I hope produces additional albums in years to come.  Musically, I appreciate the strong seventies classic hard rock influences in addition to the enticing eighties melodic metal elements.  Strong musicianship, accomplished production and excellent packaging further elevate quality at hand.  Lone complaint is that the album is a bit short in featuring just nine songs, particularly when one is just two minutes (add a couple more songs on same level as rest of albums material and I up score to 90%).  Still, if a fan of the musical styles presented or Liljegren’s work over the years, then make Melodic Passion an immediate purchase. 

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Melodic Passion” (4:40), “Salute For The King” (5:35), “The Rock” (4:17), “This Is My Love Song” (4:38), “The Victory” (4:49), “Dead Or Alive” (6:31), “I Breathe” (7:50), “History” (4:43), “Third Day” (2:16)

Musicians 
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals
Stephen Carlsson - Guitars & Additional Keyboards
Olov Andersson - Hammond Organ, Moog Taurus & Other Keyboards
Per Schelander - Bass, Additional Keyboards & String Arrangements
Viktor Stenqvist - Additional Organ & Keyboards
Andreas “Habo” Johansson - Drums & Percussion
Svante Henrysson - Cello