In the closing moments of a bustling 2025, the band Memories of Old dropped their second album, titled Never Stop Believing, aiming to fill the void for fans who cherish uplifting music. The last time we encountered them was in 2020 when Emya offered a raving critique of their debut album, The Zeramin Game, noting that lead singer Tommy Johansson and the group had a sound suggesting they had been performing together for years. However, one might argue that Emya's praise may have inadvertently brought them misfortune. Since the release of their first album, the band has seen a significant turnover, with three out of five members—including Johansson—parting ways. This upheaval contributed to a lengthy gap of five years before they could present a follow-up album. Typically, such a high rate of change would be a red flag for a band, which could explain the low-key launch and minimal promotional efforts surrounding this release. Nevertheless, both the new and remaining members are channeling the spirit of Journey’s classic hit “Don’t Stop Believin'” and want to inspire their audience to embrace optimism with their new offering.
This refreshed version of Memories of Old draws heavily from the bright and cheerful essence reminiscent of Fellowship. The album radiates positivity, reflected not only in its title but also throughout the lyrics and the lively instrumentation featuring vibrant guitars and synths. New frontman Noah Simmons brings a vocal style similar to that of Matthew Corry, boasting a higher pitch typical of power metal singers but exuding an infectious cheerfulness with every note he delivers. Each track is charged with energy thanks to vigorous blast beats and dynamic solos that enliven the music. The experience is pure joy from the very first song to the final track, "Journey to the Stars," which transports listeners to a whimsical realm where “angels soar through the skies.” If you find excessive optimism off-putting, you might want to avoid Never Stop Believing. But for those who embrace it, prepare for an adventure!
Memories of Old are not just about delivering positive vibes; they excel in songwriting and narrative craft as well. The track “Guardians of the Kingdom,” anchored by its catchy chorus, showcases these talents effectively as it gradually escalates from a slower tempo to an exhilarating battle-ready climax. The diversity within Never Stop Believing ensures that each song remains fresh while staying true to the band’s identity. The robust self-titled track, “Memories of Old,” channels the fierce energy of Manowar with its heart-pounding bass drum rhythm and boasts the album's second most memorable chorus. In contrast, “After the Storm” features a synthesizer melody that could easily align with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday classic, culminating in a chorus that merges disco elements with ABBA-like pop rhythms. The solitary ballad, “Life Begins Again,” opens with an intro that echoes the heartfelt melodies of a Mötley Crüe love song, capturing emotional vulnerability beautifully. Overall, Memories of Old deliver an impressive 55 minutes of symphonic power metal designed to awaken your inner joyful child.
In a year filled with decent yet often cheesy power metal offerings, Memories of Old truly stands out. The vision held by the remaining founding members, Billy Jeffs and Anthony Thompson, has provided stability amid significant changes within the group. Imagine what they could achieve with even more time together! Perhaps next time they could share some promotional material so that I wouldn’t have to accidentally discover their music again.
Tracks Worth Exploring: "Never Stop Believing," "Guardians of the Kingdom," "Fly Away Together," "After the Storm".
