Leah’s (Leah McHenry) newest album “The Glory and The Fallen” is a tour de force (https://theleahshop.com/collections/thegloryandthefallen). If you are into Celtic Fantasy Metal music (I personally am not except for her music), this is outstanding. I highly recommend the three-disc Digipak because it contains an instrumental version and an “ambient” version of some of the songs; it also features the beautiful artwork done for this album.

Funded through Kickstarter, this project, her sixth album, boasts “a monumental soundscape inspired by fantasy, history and personal journey.” It is. I am continually reminded of Joseph Campbell’s heroic journey throughout. Each piece is majestic a story in itself. Her inclusion of supporting artists is well-blended. In fact, the McHenry family’s performance in the chorus of “Unshakable” is just beautiful.

Throughout, there are phrases and lines that the informed will identify as Biblical or Christian. While Leah states that she is a Christian, she does not view her art as Christian Music. She does not accept a sacred/secular distinction (neither do I). She notes that her fans come from a variety of backgrounds and faiths. I am reminded of others who have delved into the fantasy genre while holding a position of Christian faith. J.R.R. Tolkien immediately comes to mind for his “Lord of The Rings” trilogy. Something he viewed as a Christian story but that is accessible to, and loved by, scores of non-Christians. Whether we call it the Christianization of Fantasy or the Fantasization of Christianity is an interesting question, but ultimately not important if you just want to love art. The majestic heroic cycle is universal to humanity, and is emotionally accessible through artistic works. That is what this is.

Disclaimer: While I was a nominal “Kickstarter” contributor to this project, I have no other connection to it.