Interview With Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson Of Narnia | “X” Is Probably One Of The Broadest And Most Varied Albums We Have Made
Finally, after some time, Narnia’s tenth album, “X,” arrived at just the right moment—celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary and marking the Swedes’ tenth studio album. This is not an album that goes unnoticed, and as we’ve already mentioned in our review, “X” is not just another album.
So it was the perfect time to chat with the band not only about the new album, but also about what’s next, their relationship with Latin American and Argentine fans, what it means to be a self-managed and independent band, and more.
Narnia has already visited Argentina three times in their history, being one of the few White Metal bands that has had the guts to play here and also tour Latin America. Obviously, we’re hoping for a fourth visit, and naturally we tried to get some details out of “Jono,” but for now everything is a “we’ll see,” which doesn’t mean it won’t happen. In any case, Narnia’s relationship with Argentine and Latin American fans has always been special, and they demonstrate this whenever they can.
As always, Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson is kind enough to answer all our questions and never shies away from any of them, and this is what we talked about….
Narnia’s tenth studio album, “X,” is finally here. What can you tell us about it, and what was the process of creating and recording the album like?
“X” is probably one of the broadest and most varied albums we have made. It contains many of the elements people associate with Narnia: melodic metal, powerful guitars, strong melodies, and a clear Christian message. However, it also includes heavier, more progressive, and more straightforward hard rock elements.
The album developed quite naturally. CJ created all the musical foundations and initial ideas. After that, CJ, Christian, and I each worked individually on melodies and lyrics, before we eventually shaped the songs and arrangements together.”
One of the most notable features of “X” has to do with the vocals. Now CJ and Jono are also contributing vocals, in addition to Christian. How was this decision made, and what was the reason behind this change?
“It was not really a strategic decision to change the band’s vocal setup. Christian is still the lead vocalist. The idea actually began several years ago, when Christian suggested the possibility of using multiple vocalists. On “Ghost Town,” I sang lead vocals on a few sections and provided the spoken voice on “Thief.” On “X,” we wanted to explore this idea further.
CJ sings the verses on “God Under Fire” and “The Man From Nazareth, Pt. II,” while I sing the verses on “Jerusalem” and also contribute the spoken section in “Remedy.” These ideas arose naturally from the songs. We felt that the different voices added something to the album without diminishing Christian’s role. It also helped make “X” more dynamic and gave the album greater musical range.”
“X” is described as a more varied album, with more power and energy—at least compared to “Ghost Town,” which was perhaps more “progressive” in its conception. What are your thoughts on that?
“I have not really analyzed or compared the two albums in that way myself, but there may certainly be some truth to it. At the same time, I would not say that we have abandoned the progressive side of Narnia. There are still many details, unexpected turns, and different musical influences on “”X”. The difference may be that the energy and melodies hit the listener more directly this time.
There are songs that are very heavy, songs that are melodic and accessible, and songs that take the listener on more of a journey. That variety is one of the things I personally like most about the album.”
From what I can tell, you’re one of the few bands that doesn’t just stick to anniversary celebrations or looking back on old albums. Instead, even with a 30-year career, Narnia continues to focus on new material, as is the case with “X.” What are your thoughts on this?
“We are very grateful for our history, and we understand why people want to hear songs from the early albums. Those albums are also very important to us.
However, I do not think we would remain creatively alive if we only looked backwards. New music gives the band a reason to keep moving forward. It challenges us and allows us to express where we are today, both musically and personally.
For us, releasing our tenth studio album during Narnia’s 30th anniversary feels like a very meaningful way to celebrate. It shows that the story is not only about what happened in the past.”
Narnia never gained much traction in the United States—a country with a well-known Christian metal scene—despite your extensive career. Why do you think this is the case? Is it difficult for European bands to make a name for themselves in the U.S.?
“At least when we look at our digital audience, the United States is actually our second-largest market after Brazil. We also have many loyal fans in the US, as well as promoters who have wanted to book us.
Historically, the main obstacle has been the visa process, which is both lengthy and quite expensive for the promoter.
However, CJ now lives in the United States, so perhaps that could make things a little easier in the future…”
I remember that in Narnia’s early days, the band released its albums on the well-known Nuclear Blast label, and later went independent, as with “X.” What are the pros and cons of being signed to a record label versus being independent?
“A strong record label can provide a band with distribution, marketing, credibility, contacts, and financial support. During the early years, Narnia’s connections with different labels helped the band to reach listeners in many different countries.
The downside is that a band can easily become one artist among many. A label’s priorities can change, and the band does not always have full control over timing, marketing, or long-term strategy.
Being independent gives us much more creative control. We can make our own decisions regarding the music, artwork, videos, physical products, and release strategy. At the same time, all the responsibility falls on us.
However, both Christian and I already run our own labels, so we are in a good position. We also collaborate with professional partners for distribution and other aspects of the release. Sound Pollution, our distributor, almost functions as a record label for us, even though we release the music through our own label. That combination works well for us, but it requires a great deal of time and work behind the scenes.”
Speaking of that, is it difficult to manage the band on your own? Is it difficult to release physical formats—like vinyl and CD—as you continue to do, given this new wave of digital releases? How do you handle this, and what are your thoughts on the matter?
“Yes, it is definitely a lot of work. Releasing an album today involves much more than “just” recording the music. There is manufacturing, artwork, distribution, marketing, music videos, social media, interviews, accounting, inventory management, and shipping.
Digital platforms make it possible to reach listeners all over the world very quickly, which is fantastic. For example, this worked brilliantly last Christmas when we released a Portuguese version of “Living Water” with Germán Pascual, who sang on the Narnia album “Course of a Generation”. However, streaming does not replace physical products for everyone.
Many Narnia listeners still value CDs and vinyl. They want the artwork, the lyrics, and something tangible that connects them to the music. Physical sales are also an important way for listeners to support the band directly.
We are incredibly grateful that people are still buying physical products. The first CD pressing of “X” had already sold out before the album was released, so we quickly had to manufacture a second pressing, which also sold out. We then ordered a third pressing, and it now seems that a fourth may soon be needed. A huge thank you to everyone who still buys CDs!
We therefore want to continue releasing physical editions for as long as there is an audience for them, even though it requires more planning and involves greater financial risk.”
Narnia is one of the few bands that regularly tours Latin America, so I assume we’ll have you back here soon to present “X.” What can you tell us in advance? Are there plans for a new tour of Latin America and Argentina? When would that be?
“Latin America has always been very special to Narnia. The passion, hospitality, and dedication of the listeners there are incredible, and we would absolutely love to return with “X”.
There have been discussions and expressions of interest, but at the moment there is no complete Latin American or Argentinian tour that we can officially announce.
We have learned that it is better not to promise any dates until all the practical and financial details have been confirmed. However, Argentina is certainly a country we would love to visit again.”
Speaking a bit about those tours, what do you remember specifically from your time in Argentina? What specific anecdote can you share about the experience of playing in Argentina?
“We have played in Argentina three times, and each time we have been struck by the dedication and warmth of the audience. It did not feel as though we were playing for people who had simply come to watch a concert. It felt like we were playing for friends who were truly participating in the music with us.
The first time, we met a man who had been waiting for Narnia to come to Argentina for decades, but he had to work that evening and was going to miss the concert. So we invited him to our soundcheck instead.
Two years later, when we returned to Argentina, we contacted him and asked whether he would like to show us around Buenos Aires on our first day off. He did, and both on that visit and the third time we came to Argentina, he was finally able to attend the concerts. It feels as though we have a very special relationship with our listeners and friends there.
Beyond that, hearing people so far away from Sweden singing the songs with such passion and knowing all the words is incredible. The fact that music created in a small country in northern Europe has travelled around the world and become meaningful to people in Argentina is something we will never take for granted.”
Setting “X” aside for a moment, which album do you think best reflects Narnia’s sound and musical vision?
“That is a difficult question because the different albums represent different periods in the band’s history.
“Long Live the King” was obviously very important in defining the classic Narnia sound, and it remains a special album for many listeners.
However, looking at the band as it sounds today, I honestly believe that the albums we have made since the comeback each represent us very well in their own way. Together, they combine the melodic side, the heavier side, the progressive elements, and the message of Narnia.”
Throughout Narnia’s long history, what message has the band consistently upheld? What have you always sought to convey through your music?
“The central message has always been, and still is, salvation through Jesus Christ.
That does not mean every song has to sound like a sermon. We also write about life from different perspectives and address a variety of subjects, although the foundation is always rooted in our personal faith.
We want to be honest about the darkness that exists in the world and within ourselves, but we do not want to leave the listener there. There is hope, forgiveness, and a way forward.
Musically, we want to create something powerful and memorable. Spiritually, we want the songs to point beyond ourselves.”
Beyond the obvious release of “X,” what are Narnia’s upcoming projects as a band?
“Right now, our main focus is to give “X” the attention it deserves through interviews, videos, promotion, and selected live performances.
We are also discussing various possibilities for the future, including more concerts and potential international opportunities, but there is nothing further that we are ready to announce at this time.
However, we will be playing at the Loud And Proud Festival in Germany in September. Bands such as Stryper, Bride, Petra, Disciple, Kutless, and others will also be performing there, so it will be great fun to meet everyone and play live.”
We thank you for your time with this interview and leave this space open for anything else you’d like to share with our readers.
“Thank you, Gustavo, and thank you to everyone who follows Del Otro Lado Metal.
We are incredibly grateful for the support Narnia has received from Argentina and the rest of Latin America over the years. Your passion for music and your loyalty to the bands you love are truly inspiring.
We hope you will listen to “X”, watch our videos, read the lyrics, and experience the album as a complete journey with a message of hope and peace through Jesus Christ. We also hope that we will have the opportunity to meet you again in Argentina in the future.
God bless you all, and thank you for your support!”
We’d like to express our gratitude for the support of an underground outlet like ours, and for Narnia’s unwavering support as always!!!! The band is currently promoting “X,” and to that end, they’ve just released a music video for the song “Jerusalem,” one of the promotional singles from the new album. You can check it out below, along with the band’s social media links so you can follow them and stay up to date on their latest news. And as if that weren’t enough, we’ve also included our review of “X,” the new album….
https://www.facebook.com/narniatheband
https://www.instagram.com/narniatheband
