Journey - Faithfully

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI

#Journey #Faithfully #Music

This is from a journey taken across the Country from the Isle of Skye to Aberdeen. The roads were clear. It’s the county of my birth. I visit rarely. I live on the Island now.

“If once you have slept on an island

You’ll never be quite the same;

You may look as you looked the day before

And go by the same old name…

Oh, you won’t know why, and you can’t say how

Such change upon you came,

But – once you have slept on an island

You’ll never be quite the same!”

#journey #snowscape

Sneaking in at the end of a crowded 2025, Memories of Old released their sophomore record, Never Stop Believing, hoping to fill a Fellowship-sized hole in your heart. Last we saw them in 2020, Emya gave their debut a glowing review, praising vocalist Tommy Johansson and saying the band sounded as if they’d “been playing together for decades.” As you might say in the sports world, Emya may have jinxed them. Since releasing The Zeramin Game, three of the five band members have departed, including Johansson, and it’s taken five years to put together a follow-up. Such high turnover usually spells disaster, and it might also explain the quiet release and lack of a promo. However, both new and remaining members took Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” to heart and want to remind their fans to Never Stop Believing.

It’s clear this new iteration of Memories of Old takes their inspiration from the cheerful style of Fellowship. The record just oozes positivity, from the album title to the lyrical content to the uplifting guitars and synths. Further, new vocalist Noah Simmons sounds a lot like Matthew Corry, with a higher register than your typical power metal vocalist. He just sounds so cheerful every time he sings, and these good vibes are infectious. Songs thrum with energy thanks to the galloping blast beats and the frequent, and often dynamic, solos that invigorate each tune. It’s pure bliss from start to the final track, “Journey to the Stars,” where the band takes us to a place where “angels fly through the sky.” If you’re allergic to this level of optimism, steer clear of Never Stop Believing. For the rest of you, adventure on!

Never Stop Believing by Memories Of Old

Memories of Old excel at not just the good cheer, but also the songwriting and storytelling. Anchored by its catchy chorus “Guardians of the Kingdom” displays these strengths as it methodically builds up from a slower pace to something that has you primed and pumped for battle. There’s a variety on Never Stop Believing that keeps it fresh without sacrificing the character of the band. The muscular, heavy “Memories of Old” takes a page out of the Manowar playbook with an adrenaline-fueled bass drum beat and the second catchiest chorus on the record. Meanwhile, “After the Storm” has a synth that could fit right in with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday hit, followed by a chorus that mixes disco with ABBA pop beats. “Life Begins Again,” the lone ballad, begins with an intro reminiscent of a Mötley Crüe ballad before diving into the tears-of-joy weepies. Memories of Old delivers 55 minutes of symphonic power metal that’s sure to bring out the innocent, joyful child in you.1

In a year that had mid to really good cheesy power metal, with few outstanding acts, Memories of Old stands apart. The vision of the remaining founding members, Billy Jeffs and Anthony Thompson, held together during a period of immense change for the band. I imagine that these guys can put out another set of bangers with some extra time together. Maybe next time they’ll send us the promo so I don’t have to wait to stumble upon this by mistake again.2

Tracks to Check Out: “Never Stop Believing,” “Guardians of the Kingdom,” “Fly Away Together,” “After the Storm”

🧭 A 7-Day Self-Awareness Journey
Over the next 7 days, we’ll explore clarity, resistance, emotions, decisions, and growth —
as lived experience, not theory.
Each day builds gently toward deeper self-understanding.
✨ Inspired by TETRAOM and the practice of daily awareness.
🔗 Links in profile

#TETRAOM #selfawareness #daily #journey #clarity #selfimprovement #growth

Tom is now listening to Open Arms (2022 Remaster)
https://open.spotify.com/track/29vqBtjJTBLS1f8dKJS4Ht

#Journey

Lima Airport to Nazca - Journey to the Mysterious Lines

Travel south from Lima Airport to Nazca, home to the world's most enigmatic archaeological mystery. A 450 km journey through coastal desert to ancient geoglyphs visible only from the sky.

https://limatransfer.com/airport-to-nazca

#lima #peru #travel #airport #taxi #uber #nomad #expat #latinamerica #nazca #journey

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#BraveWords
JOURNEY Guitarist NEAL SCHON Reflects On His Formative Years – “‘Purple Haze’ Comes Out And I’m Like ‘What The F**k Is That?'” (Video)

https://bravewords.com/news/journey-guitarist-neal-schon-reflects-on-his-formative-years-purple-haze-comes-out-and-im-like-what-the-fk-is-that-video/

#JOURNEY #NEALSCHON #Guitarist #ReflectsOnHisFormativeYears #video #interview #vocalist #BraveWords #metal #music