Given the fact that the band contains both Dennis Stratton and Lee Small (amongst others) Lionheart’s latest release, it’s no surprise that “The Grace of a Dragonfly,” is an absolute triumph of AOR blending timeless musicianship with a powerful message.
This is not just a stellar record musically—it carries a weighty, resonant theme that feels more relevant than ever. Centering around themes of conflict and transformation, the album’s lyrical content offers poignant reflections on war, peace, and humanity’s enduring struggles.
At the heart of the album is Small’s soaring voice. As the current bassist and vocalist for The Sweet, Small brings a unique gravitas to the record. His ability to shift between hard rock power and tender, emotive delivery is outstanding, adding depth to both the harder-edged rock tracks and the more introspective moments.
Musically, Stratton, once a member of Iron Maiden—contributes masterful guitar work throughout. His experience and skill are evident in every riff and solo, with his contributions adding a sense of timelessness to the songs. Tracks like “The Eagles Nest” showcase Stratton’s ability to balance melodic sensitivity with rock’s more intense elements, offering a mid-paced rocker that feels both classic and fresh.
Songs like “Flight 19” and the keyboard-laden “V Is For Victory” demonstrate Lionheart’s ability to craft AOR tracks with an epic, cinematic quality. These songs shine with rich instrumentation and powerful choruses, blending hard rock with a message that reverberates beyond the music itself.
Delving into the human stories of war, “It’s A Woman’s War” takes on a historical lens, reflecting on the untold roles women played during times of conflict, while “The Longest Night” paints a vivid picture of The Blitz, showcasing the emotional devastation of war through soaring melodies. Both songs pass the ultimate test of any concept album: do they stand on their own as individual pieces without needing the backstory? The answer is a resounding yes.
Where many albums fall into clichés with ballads, Lionheart offers something deeply moving with “Just A Man.” Shot through with regret and an anti-war message, it avoids the trappings of sentimentality, instead driving home the futility and stupidity of war. The instrumentation is restrained yet powerful, allowing Small’s emotional delivery to take center stage.
The closing track, “Remembrance, Pray For World Peace,” acts as the album’s epilogue. Laced with hope but underscored by a deep sense of despair for the state of the world, the song speaks to the overwhelming desire for change in a world still marred by violence. “I pray that we can change,” Small sings, his voice heavy with the weight of generations yearning for peace—a sentiment that strikes harder in today’s world of endless conflict.
With “The Grace of a Dragonfly,” Lionheart has crafted more than just an AOR masterpiece; they’ve created a record with a purpose. From Stratton’s intricate guitar work to Small’s emotionally charged vocals, every song here is packed with meaning and precision. Tracks like “UXB” and the title track have a cinematic scope, tying up the album’s themes while remaining musically supreme.
This is an album that isn’t afraid to reflect on humanity’s darkest moments while offering a sliver of hope. It stands tall both as a concept album and as a collection of unforgettable songs. Lionheart has delivered a record that’s as thought-provoking as it is sonically brilliant.
Rating 9/10
ONES WE MISSED: LIONHEART – THE GRACE OF A DRAGONFLY (2024)
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