GRAND ILLUSION

GRAND ILLUSION – Prince Of Paupers

A year after the release of “Brand New World”, it's time for the 6th Grand Illusion studio album and which this time is titled, Prince of Paupers.
 On this release, the Grand Illusion core trio consists of Anders Rydholm, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson who are joined by Steve Lukather (Toto), Jay Graydon (Airplay), Tim Pierce (Rick Springfield), Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Paul Buckmaster (Elton John & David Bowie), Muris Varajic, Kjell Klaesson and Staffan Stavert.  The songs for the new album, were as usual, written and produced by Anders Rydholm and most of the lyrics were penned by Arlene Matza-Jackson.  Grand Illusion started 25 years ago in 1986 under the name Promotion and released 2 albums 1997 and 1998. In 2001, the band changed their name to Grand illusion and started a more active record carrier - and during a period of 3 years, they released 4 albums. In 2005 the band took a time out and reunited 5 years later with the release of the 2010 album, “Brand New World”. Now it's 2011 and 25 years since Anders, Peter and Per have started to play together - so what could be better than to celebrate that with the release of PRINCE OF PAUPERS?

Tracklist: Track list: 1. Gates Of Fire, 2. Better Believe It, 3. Prince Of Paupers, 4. So Faraway, 5. St. Theresa's Love, 6. Through This War, 7. Eyes Of Ice, 8. Gone, 9. Believe In Miracles, 10. On And On, 11. Under The Wire, 12. Winds Of Change
 

GRAND ILLUSION – Brand New World (2010)

After a four and a half year absence GRAND ILLUSION have decided to reunite and the boys also have a new album with the title, “Brand New World”, in the pipeline. The band core of Anders Rydholm, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson are intact and guests on their new album are Gregg Bissonette, Tim Pierce, Mike Slamer, Danny Jacob, Roger Ljunggren and Kjell Klaesson.

The core of GRAND ILLUSION started in 1986 (under the name Promotion) but in 2005 we needed a break and to work with other people to develop as musicians.  A lot of things has happened during the four years since the break up but now we all felt that it was time to get back together, have fun and make some great music. We have never before worked so hard on any album. Just having legends like Gregg on drums and Tim and Danny on guitar solos feels like magic. The band formula with strong melodies and over the top vocals are the same", says Rydholm.

In April 2009 Rydholm flew to Los Angeles to record drums with Gregg Bissonette in WoodCliff Studios, Sherman Oaks. During two intense days Rydholm, Bissonette and engineer Frank Rosato recorded the drums and the foundation for the new Grand Illusion record. In the lunch on the second day they were talking about favourite guitar players and one thing led to another and before the lunch had ended, Tim Pierce was booked for a guitar session two days later. Mike Slamer is another guitar legend that guests on this new album Roger Ljunggren played the majority of the solos on "View From The Top" and we are very pleased that he once again helps us out with a couple of solos.

The band are also very proud to be back on the label where everything started. Georg Siegl and AOR Heaven helped us release our first album (PROMOTION – “Not for sale”) back in 1997 and now look forward to join the Metal Heaven team.

Guests:
Gregg Bissonette – drums;
Tim Pierce – guitar;
Danny Jacob – guitar;
Mike Slamer – guitar,
Roger Ljunggren – guitar;
Kjell Klaesson - acoustic guitar;
Arlene Matza-Jackson - Lyrics

Tracklist: 1. Never find her alone (3.53), 2. All out of love (4.12), 3. 157th breakdown (4.31), 4. Emily (4.47), 5. I'm Alive (4.08), 6. Burning bed (4.42), 7. Brand new world (4.32), 8. Evil and pain (4.28), 9. Warning signs (3.43), 10. Playing with fire (4.00), 11. Sacrifice (4.10), 12. Forever with you (4.39)

Releases:

Prince Of Paupers (2011)

Brand New World (2010)

Line-Up:

Anders Rydholm - bass, keyboards, guitars;
Peter Sundell – vocals;
Per Svensson - vocals
 

Official website:

www.grand-illusion.se

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