Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Perfect Plan is a Swedish melodic rock band formed in 2014, hailing from the coastal town of Örnsköldsvik, which also happens to be the home town of Meshuggah’s Tomas Haake and Mårten Hagström.
The group consists of lead vocalist Kent Hilli, guitarist Rolf Nordström, bassist Mats Byström, drummer Fredrik Forsberg, and keyboardist Leif Ehlin.
Since their inception, Perfect Plan has gained recognition for their captivating sound, characterized by powerful vocals and engaging melodies.
Their discography includes the debut album ‘All Rise’ in 2018, followed by ‘Time for a Miracle’ during 2020, and their third ‘Brace For Impact’ was released in 2022, all of which showcase their signature blend of classic rock influences and contemporary charm.
The band has participated in various music festivals and events, contributing to their growing popularity within the melodic rock scene, and they continue to captivate audiences with their energetic performances and heartfelt lyrics.
Perfect Plan announce the release of their new studio album, ‘Heart Of A Lion’, which is set for release on February 28th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. The album contains 11-tracks, with a running time of 48-minutes.
The album opens with the title track ‘Heart Of A Lion’, beginning with Ehlin’s keys and a chugging Nordström riff before Kent Hilli’s powerful vocal joins the mix. The controlled and even pace has the head nodding, the sound is rich and full with harmonized backing vocals, the guitar solo is crystal clear and joins the verses seamlessly. Perfect Plan have just laid all their cards on the table straight away, and it’s looking like a winning hand.
We ease into the classic AOR sound with ‘Too Tough’, the pace is quicker driven by Forsberg’s beat and Nordström punchy guitar. Hilli’s soaring vocal whisks the listener along, the effects pedals for the guitar solo give it a clever high and low layered sound.
‘We Are Heroes’ is the first single to be released from the album, the ‘Boys of Summer’-esque intro piques the interest. The pace is slower, Hilli narrates the lyrics, as the pace gathers momentum his vocal starts to soar as the rhythm section bring the power.
When played live, this will get the arms waving. A song about the good we everyday humans do for each other and ourselves, during the challenges of daily life.
The chugging clipped riffs return for ‘All Night’, Ehlin’s keyboards and Hilli’s vocal give the track a mid 80’s Whitesnake feel. The production is of the highest order. Mats Byström and Fredrik Forsberg’s beat plays a strong supportive part, but the focal point is Hilli’s faultless singing.
An intriguing ticking clock sound starts ‘Ready To Break’, the pace is back, as is the party bounce. The blend of harmonies and short guitar breaks combine well filling the room with sound. The beat has you mentally clapping along, it will be a favourite in a live set.
Ehlin’s piano and Hilli’s spoken lyrics start ‘My Unsung Hero’. It’s a classic heart-felt ballad, that oozes emotion. Hilli’s is controlling the pace, the band reflective and supportive, the track is all about the story Hilli is telling, close your eyes and soak up the atmosphere the band have created.
‘Turn Up Your Radio’ reminds us those summer sounds that we’re missing at this time of year. It gives us something to look forward to. A track full of bounce and fun, a time for cruising and enjoyment. The feel-good sound initiates a warm glow throughout.
Perfect Plan bring in some bluesy swagger with ‘Lady Mysterious’. It’s quick and hard, thumping beats and crunching riffs duelling with Hilli’s driven lyrics. Any track that includes the line “She’s a ball-breaker” has heaps of attitude, a switch to a dirty blues vibe demonstrating the talent within the band.
The AOR sound returns with ‘One Touch’, neat guitar riffs with a base layer of distinct keys and Hilli’s vocal riding on top. A power riff is emphasising the title vocal as the tempo rises and falls carrying the listener on their journey through, this is a strong radio track.
Forsberg’s drums introduce ‘Danger On The Loose’, a slower and hard-hitting track, a mix of tempo’s as Hilli’s vocal is quicker than the musical accompaniment, the difference works well. The strut is back, with this arena anthem.
The album closes with the albums shortest track ‘At Your Stone’, a racing rhythm and passionate lyrics with a sound that wouldn’t be out of place on ‘Saints and Sinners’ or ‘Slide It In’. It’s an over-indulgent and respectful nod to the era, and is a fine way to end the album.
The subtle textures and razor-sharp production that are such an important element in AOR are top drawer.
There is no denying that Perfect Plan are paying tribute to the obvious classics, with references to the sounds of Survivor, Foreigner, Whitesnake and compatriots Europe, however, this album incorporates a sound that is very much their own, and is a classic in the making.
If you’re a fan of the aforementioned bands or the melodic rock genre, then Perfect Plan’s ‘Heart Of A Lion’ will without a doubt embellish your collection.
PRE-ORDER HERE
“Heart Of A Lion” Tracklist:
1. Heart Of A Lion
2. Too Tough
3. We Are Heroes
4. All Night
5. Ready To Break
6. My Unsung Hero
7. Turn Up Your Radio
8. Lady Mysterious
9. One Touch
10. Danger On The Loose
11. At Your Stone
Line Up:
Kent Hilli – Lead Vocals
Leif Ehlin – Keyboards
Rolf Nordström – Guitar
Mats Byström – Bass
Fredrik Forsberg – Drums
