Second To None

Grand, hailing from Sweden, carries on the tradition of exceptional AOR bands. Their debut self-titled album, released in the fall of 2022, made an explosive entrance into the genre's fan base. Comprising three talented members, Grand boasts the exceptional vocal prowess of Mattias Olofsson, whose high-pitched vocals align perfectly with the genre's requirements. The trio also includes guitarist Jakob Svensson, formerly of Wigelius, who also handles bass and keyboards, and the versatile Anton Martinez Matz, who takes on both drums and bass duties. "Second To None" picks up where the debut left off, enriching their sound with added substance, sophistication, and intriguing elements. Notable highlights include the duet between Olofsson and Nina Söderquist on "Kryptonite" and the enchanting saxophone interludes by special guest Kristian Brink.