Tuesday, January 2, 2024

REVIEW : GRAND, Second To None (Frontiers Music s.r.l. Release: 19 January 2024)

GRAND is a Swedish melodic rock act and "Second To None" is entitled its second album that is going to be released through Frontiers Music this January.

The band consists of high-pitched vocalist Mattias Olofsson, the versatile Jakob Svensson (formerly of Wigelius) on guitar and keyboards, and the dynamic Anton Martinez Matz on drums.

“After the enthusiastic reception of our debut album “Grand” we found the assurance to embark on a transformative journey with ‘Second to None”. This creative leap led us to traverse uncharted musical landscapes, embracing a myriad of influences that have woven together to craft a more diverse and dynamic album. We hope will find as much joy in experiencing this album as we have in creating it!" remarked Mattias Olofsson.

The opener tune of "Crash And Burn" is simply stunning edgy and up-beat melodic rock stuff at its best! Take a strong dose of Wigelius along with a Work Of Art pinch and there you have the first big highlight out of the new record!  "When We Were Young" is a beautiful AOR track while in "Rock Bottom" we have a strong and powerful rock track with a nice groove in it! In "Sweet Talker" we have a more U.S. flavoured tune with, again, a nice groove and some crunchy guitars by Jakob Svensson. One of my personal favourites here! 

Another highlight out of "Second To None" is without any doubt "Kryptonite"! This time Mattias Olofsson shares some vocals with Swedish well-known artist Nina Söderquist and the result is this so amazing melodic rock gem!!! Next, in "Out Of Blue" the band isdelivering yet another killer track with a huge chorus line while in "Achilles Heel" we are dealing with the album's heaviest song and again one of my personal favourites!! 

GRAND'S newest opus "Second To None" is a true melodic rock gem that can't be missed by any fan of the new wave melodic rock/AOR scene! Tons of melodies, strong arrangements, catchy songs and a solid production makes this record a must have! Well done!!

RATING : 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (8 / 10) 






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