Lovely review from Spain!

1. May 2026 by Marc in Reviews

Review by Locky Pérez, 29 April 2026

The German band Naria, hailing from Karlsruhe, released Lyra-La in early April — the second installment of a trilogy that began with the conceptual double album Naria And The Fly… Waiting For Lunch. With water as its central element, Lyra-La was composed under the direction of Marc Eisele, who not only serves as guitarist and vocalist, but also produced the record.

Naria’s artistic identity is defined by a distinctly progressive approach, shaped by textures drawn from indie and post-rock, ultimately giving rise to a unique and immersive alternative soundscape. What unfolds is a work of intricate compositions and ever-shifting sonic landscapes, where minimalist subtleties coexist with sudden surges of intensity — all carried by an exquisite vocal performance rich in emotional, melodic depth. The whole is wrapped in elegant harmonies and a luminous, captivating atmosphere.

These qualities are vividly embodied in tracks such as “They Can See Nothing But Sea”, “Dreams, Candles And Batteries For Breakfast”, “Wax Phobia I” and “Wax Phobia II”.

Among the more energetic pieces, “Adrenaline Drip And Outer Walls” stands out, driven by drumming that subtly incorporates jazz elements and guitars that explore a wide expressive range. Likewise, “Eucaryota” follows an equally intricate path — both compositions reaching toward the horizons of contemporary progressive metal.
In contrast, songs like “Lyra-La”, “Epiphany Of A Drowning Man”, the somewhat more dynamic “On Waves From Below”, and “Archaeon” reveal a calmer facet, defined by gentle lines and delicate textures.
Closing the album, “Three Kelvin” introduces a playful note through hints of fairground and circus-like musicality, bringing this multifaceted work to a fitting conclusion — an album rich in variation, marked by flawless musicianship, and striking for both its clarity and its high production quality. Mixing and mastering were handled by Andreas Heinen, with Marc Eisele also contributing to the mixes.

Rating: 8,25 / 10 points