GRAND DESIGN – V

V is the 5th full-length release from Swedish Melodic Rock/ AOR band Grand Design. Grand Design was formed by lead vocalist/producer Pelle Saether in 2006, and currently features Dan Svanbom on lead guitar and backing vocals, Dennis Vestman on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Stefan Westerlund (Rockett Love) on bass and backing vocals, and Joakim Jonsson (Axenstar, Pychopunch) on drums and backing vocals.

Fans of Grand Design, or really most any of the Swedish/Nordic Melodic Rock bands, have come to expect pristine production, lush vocals, and musical prowess on display in full force on these releases, and V does not disappoint. The lead guitar isn’t as flashy and over the top as some, but it is tastefully executed and well suited to the songs. Saether’s upper register vocals push well beyond the range of many, but never seem to lose power or integrity. They sit nicely atop the crisp mix, along with the rich backing vocals.

Tracks run the gamut, from driving rockers like “Shame On You’ and “Right Away” to radio anthems, like “Wut Are U Waiting For” and “I Dunno Wut To Say”. Also included is a cover, “The Warrior” by Scandal (Featuring Patty Smythe). It is well done, a solid cover performance that still manages to inject enough of Grand Design to make it their own while still doing justice to the original. Fans of Melodic Rock, AOR, Hair Metal and Grand Design should check out this release.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!