Grand Design

GRAND DESIGN - V
Album Reviews

GRAND DESIGN – V

March 5, 2020 Stevie Shred

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!!!

GRAND DESIGN- Viva La Rock
Album Reviews

GRAND DESIGN – Viva La Paradise

April 17, 2018 Stevie Shred

Viva La Paradise is the third release from Swedish Melodic Rock band Grand Design. Formed in 2005 by singer/producer Pelle Saether, Grand Design was quickly embraced by the AOR and Melodic Rock communities. Lead guitarist Janne Stark, guitarist Dennis Vestman, bassist Stefan Westerlund, and drummer Joakim Jonsson round out the current lineup, and with a sound reminiscent of Hysteria era Def Leppard, Grand Design carry on the proud tradition of many multi tracked layers for a very full, almost over produced sound. In fact, track 2, “Rawk “N” Roll Hysteria” might even be a tongue-in-cheek nod to that very influence. Track 7, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” also has a very lush, Def Leppard-esque quality. Grand Design has a reputation for being at the forefront of the Swedish/European Melodic Rock community, and this record teeters on the brink of being Pop Rock. Very slick production, catchy hooks, and right in the pocket performances. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing jaw dropping, just very solid, radio friendly AOR/Melodic Rock. Fans of Def Leppard, Grand Design, AOR music, Melodic Rock, Pop Rock, and Hair Metal/*0’s Rock should check out this latest effort from Grand Design. Well worth a listen. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!