Swedish melodic metal pioneers NARNIA release their new single “Oceanwide” offering the first glimpse of their upcoming tenth studio album, 'X,' set for release on May 29, 2026 via Sound Pollution.
“Oceanwide” is a classic NARNIA song in every sense — melodic, uplifting, and instantly memorable. With its strong chorus and unmistakable melodic metal identity, the track has already made its mark live, having been performed since last summer’s Brazil tour with Stryper.
Produced and mixed by CJ Grimmark and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at Studio Bohus, “Oceanwide” is available now on all major digital platforms.
Vocalist Christian Liljegren comments:
“’Oceanwide’ is one of those songs that really represents the heart of this album. It has the melodies, the energy, and the sense of scale that felt right as the first single to introduce ‘X.’”
NARNIA's upcoming album, 'X,' marks the bands 30th anniversary and nearly three decades of unwavernig presence on the international metal scene.
While their previous release ‘Ghost Town’ (2023) reaffirmed the band’s melodic metal foundation, ‘X’ expands NARNIA’s sonic landscape. The album moves confidently between soaring, arena-ready choruses and more adventurous, progressive passages, without ever losing the band’s unmistakable identity.
Songs like “Oceanwide,” “Every Breath,” and “Heaven’s Calling” showcase NARNIA’s gift for strong hooks and uplifting melodies. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-energy “Remedy (SOS)” pushes the tempo to new heights, while tracks such as “God Under Fire”and “Jerusalem” explore more intricate arrangements and progressive textures.
Multiple lead vocalists share the spotlight throughout the album. Guitarist CJ Grimmark and bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson step forward on selected tracks, adding new tonal colors, while Christian Liljegren’s unmistakable voice continues to anchor the sound.
The album also reconnects with the band’s legacy. “The Man from Nazareth Pt. II” serves as a continuation of a fan-favorite from the 2006 album ‘Enter the Gate,’ while “The War that Tore the Land (Reprise)” offers a reflective callback to 2019’s ‘From Darkness to Light.’
Guitarist CJ Grimmark comments:
“This album represents both where we come from and where we’re heading. It’s heavier, broader, and more dynamic, but still unmistakably NARNIA.”
NARNIA are:
Christian Liljegren: Vocals
CJ Grimmark: Guitars, backing vocals
Jonatan Samuelsson: Bass, backing vocals
Martin Härenstam: Keyboards
Anders Köllerfors: Drums