In a world where music can often feel repetitive, Memories of Old is back with a bang! Their latest album, Never Stop Believing, which debuted at the tail end of 2025, aims to fill that Fellowship-sized void in your heart. The last time we encountered this band was in 2020, when Emya offered an enthusiastic review of their debut album, The Zeramin Game (https://www.angrymetalguy.com/memories-of-old-the-zeramin-game-review/), highlighting the impressive vocal talents of Tommy Johansson and noting how harmoniously the band appeared to play together, almost as if they were seasoned veterans. But in the unpredictable realm of music, sometimes even the most promising beginnings can lead to unforeseen challenges, and it seems Emya may have inadvertently jinxed them. Since the release of The Zeramin Game, there has been significant upheaval within the group, with three out of five members, including Johansson, parting ways. This shift has contributed to a lengthy five-year gap before the arrival of their follow-up album. Typically, such a high turnover rate might suggest impending doom for a band, which could explain the quiet launch of this new record without much promotional fanfare. Nevertheless, both the new and remaining members are determined to embrace the spirit of Journey’s anthem "Don’t Stop Believin'" and remind fans everywhere to keep the faith alive.
This fresh incarnation of Memories of Old draws heavily from the uplifting sound associated with Fellowship. The album radiates positivity not just in its title but also in its lyrics, as well as through its vibrant guitars and synthesizers. New vocalist Noah Simmons brings a sound reminiscent of Matthew Corry, offering a higher vocal range than many traditional power metal singers. Every note he sings exudes joy, and his infectious energy is sure to lift spirits. Each track pulses with vitality, driven by galloping blast beats and dynamic solos that invigorate the entire listening experience. It’s an exhilarating ride from start to finish, culminating in the final track, "Journey to the Stars," which invites listeners to envision a place where "angels soar through the sky." If you find yourself averse to such relentless optimism, you might want to steer clear of Never Stop Believing. However, for those who embrace it, prepare yourselves for an adventure!
Memories of Old not only excel in delivering good vibes but also shine in their songwriting and storytelling abilities. The song "Guardians of the Kingdom" serves as a prime example of these strengths, beginning with a slower tempo and gradually building to a triumphant battle-ready anthem, complete with a catchy chorus that will resonate in your mind long after the song ends. Throughout Never Stop Believing, there’s a refreshing diversity that keeps the album engaging while staying true to the band’s essence. The powerful title track "Memories of Old" channels the energy found in Manowar’s music, featuring an adrenaline-pumping bass drum beat accompanied by one of the catchiest choruses on the album. In contrast, "After the Storm" showcases a synth line that could easily fit into a Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday classic, leading into a chorus that cleverly blends disco flair with ABBA-esque pop beats. The album also features "Life Begins Again," the sole ballad, which opens with an intro that pays homage to classic Mötley Crüe ballads before diving deep into an emotional expression of tears of joy. With a total runtime of 55 minutes, Memories of Old delivers a symphonic power metal experience designed to rekindle the innocent and joyful spirit that resides within us all.
In a year that presented us with a spectrum of mid to decent cheesy power metal but few standout performances, Memories of Old truly distinguishes themselves. The perseverance of founding members Billy Jeffs and Anthony Thompson during this tumultuous period for the band is commendable. I can envision them producing another collection of hits given a bit more time together. Perhaps next time, they’ll share the promotional material in advance, so I won't have to accidentally discover their music again!
Recommended Tracks: "Never Stop Believing," "Guardians of the Kingdom," "Fly Away Together," "After the Storm".
![Memories of Old – Never Stop Believing: Album Review & Deep Dive [2025 Release] (2026)](https://i0.wp.com/www.angrymetalguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Memories-of-Old-Never-Stop-Believing-01.jpg)
