“Ocean Wide” Is The Lead Single From “X” | Narnia Finally Unveils Its New Album
Since last year, we’ve been reporting here that Narnia was recording a new album, and finally, 2026 will see the release of “X”—the title given to this project, with which Narnia is making a comeback three long years after their last album, “Ghost Town.”
With the release of the lead single, “Ocean Wide,” Narnia is gearing us up for the official release of “X,” which is set to drop on May 29, 2026, and is already available for pre-order. The band has been performing this song at their recent shows, notably premiering it during their 2025 tour of Brazil alongside Stryper and Bride.
This new album marks Narnia’s 30th anniversary as a band, and serves as both a reflection on their
musical legacy and a confident step forward, as it combines choruses perfect for large concerts with progressive depth and dynamic composition.
Indeed, “Ocean Wide” takes us back to Narnia’s classic sound, which has delighted us for 30 years. A catchy and powerful track that reminds us of their old, beloved anthems, always centered on the power of Neoclassical Metal, which in this case flows more freely than ever. For the band, “Ocean Wide” is one of those songs that really represents the heart of this album”, says Christian Liljegren, “it has the melodies, the energy, and the sense of scale that felt right as the first single to introduce “X”.
But we can tell you right now that “X” comes with a few changes. Nothing to worry about. The most notable change is that Christian Liljegren is no longer the sole vocalist, making way for Jonatan Samuelson and CJ Grimmark on some tracks—a departure from previous albums. There we’ll find songs like “Like A Thief In The Night” or “God Under Fire,” a track with a more introspective vibe, or “Jerusalem,” which has that signature Narnia sound that fans will recognize immediately. In any case, beyond this novel development, the truth is that the band has managed to approach the vocals differently, bringing a fresh perspective to the mix.
From the very first track, the aforementioned “Like A Thief In The Night,” through “Ocean Wide” and “Heaven’s Calling,” Narnia more than surpasses their previous work and returns to the path of those powerful neoclassical metal anthems that suit them so well. Add “Remedy (SOS)” to that list as well. There’s also room for that kind of hard rock—somewhere between progressive and melodic—that Narnia knows how to perform masterfully, as in “Walk On Water,” but there’s also time for another track with a classic vibe, like “Every Breath.”
And it doesn’t end there. We’re also going to run into two old favorites, but in a different way. Let me explain: “The War That Tore The Land – Reprise” isn’t exactly the track that appeared on “From Darkness To Light,” but rather an instrumental that captures the essence of that grand and powerful song. And finally, the second part of “The Man From Nazareth,” a track included on the album “Enter The Gate,” stands out as one of the best tracks on “X,” this new release from the Swedish band—which, by the way, was produced and mixed by CJ Grimmark (a true authority in the field by now) and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at Bohus Studios.
In a few words, we can say that the wait was worth it. “X” is poised to be one of the best things Narnia has done in recent years; it recaptures the band’s original essence and offers moments of musical brilliance the likes of which we haven’t seen in quite some time. The band comes across as much more focused and mature than ever, giving them the momentum they need to stay relevant.
While we await the official release of “X,” we have “Ocean Wide” as the official preview of the new album, which will be officially released on May 29 and is already available for pre-order to secure a physical copy—both on CD and vinyl—as well as a digital edition. “Ocean Wide” is already available. In it, we can find the foundation for understanding what “X” is all about—an album that not only celebrates Narnia’s 30th anniversary as a band but also marks a continuity, affirms its foundations, and looks firmly toward the horizon. And as is our healthy habit, we’re sharing not only the single “Ocean Wide” but also Narnia’s social media accounts and website so you can follow them, share their posts, and stay up to date on their news…
