Three years ago, on the occasion of the release of "Idolizer", the second album of the Swedish Grand Designers, the staff member in charge of reviewing this opus proposed to make a copy-paste of the analysis made of "Time Elevation", the previous offering of the quintet. It is true that Pelle Saether's combo was renewing, certainly with talent, an exercise that couldn't avoid being accused of being a clone of Def Leppard.
As much to say that hopes of surprises are not the main source of motivation before listening to this "Thrill Of The Night" with its shimmering cover, and this despite the fact that the line-up has been renewed. Indeed, Pelle Saether (vocals) and Dennis Vestman (guitar) are now surrounded by Janne Stark (Overdrive, Constancia, Locomotive Breath) on guitar, Mats Vassfjord (Chris Laney, Scaar) on bass, and Magnus Ulfstedt (Eclipse, Talisman, Lion's Share) on drums, the latter bringing as a gift his friend Erik Martensson (Eclipse) who co-wrote 2 tracks.
At the first listening, the change doesn't particularly jump to the ears. The choirs and guitar harmonies are still as leppardian as ever and one quickly gets caught up in the game of recognising a track from the Sheffield gang discography. And to think of 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' here ('Rawk n'Roll Heart Attack'), 'Gods Of War' there ('The Rush Is Gone'), the mimicry going as far as the use of extended tracks for the mid tempo 'When The Greatest Love Of All Kicks In', worthy successor of 'Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad' and others 'When Love & Hate Collide'. The list could go on for almost all the 10 tracks of 'Thrill Of The Night', but the exercise would end up being boring as well as sterile.
Because staying stuck on this first (and unavoidable) sensation of having to deal with a clone without any particular interest would make you miss some nuggets which, for lack of originality, will however delight more than one Hard Melodic lover anchored in the 80's. Whether it's the fast and dynamic '10 Outta 10', the catchy chorus of 'Rip Iddup', the infectious freshness of 'Get Up 'n Love Someone' or the catchy 'Who's Gonna Rawk You Tonight', there are plenty of opportunities to get excited, as long as you don't mind the slightly nasal voice of Pelle Saether.
Once again, Grand Design will not escape the question of the interest of cloning a legendary band. However, the quality of this "Thrill Of The Night" succeeds in winning the support despite the reservations of rigor, especially since some attempts of customization are beginning to appear. By still developing their own identity, the Swedes might end up making us forget the imposing shadow of Joe Elliott's band.