In 2006 Pelle Saether wanted to start a project with songs that were inspired by the 80’s hard rock scene. Gathering up the musicians turned this project into a band. Pelle Saether is the former vocalist of the band Zeelion and he has also played the role of producer and engineer for bands like Steelattack and of course now with Grand Design. The musicians that form this hard rock group are Pelle Saether on vocals and choirs, Peter Ledin with guitars and Richard Holmgren on drums and choir (both Ledin and Holmgren are former members of the band Vanessa). Further, we have Dennis Vestman (ex Steelattack) who also contributed with guitars and Anders Mood on bass. Saether has made an official statement saying that his purpose for making this album was to bring that big 80’s sound rock sound and specifically Def Leppard.

A full study of sound and song writing was probably put into this album to get a result that is completely Def Leppard-ized. Ten songs filled with the glorious over produced sound of the 80’s with many channels for vocals/choir, big and sensational snare with lots of effects to give the toms a delicate throbbing sound, all to get that Leppard vibe. The songs “Love Sensation”, “Air It Out”, and “Time Revelation” stand out and easily reminisce “Animal” and “Hysteria”.  

Although the Def Leppard reference is obvious, there is no Grand Design element. Who are they? Are they a tribute band? Writing songs that resemble your favorite band is not bad as long as you show your own identity blended in there. I did not see that nor did I get hooked with any song…At best it was a pleasant wannabe album with a good sound.