PERFECT PLAN

PERFECT PLAN
The New Ruler of Swedish Melodic Rock

1. The AOR Sun Rising from the Frozen Lands of the North

In the 21st-century Melodic Rock and AOR (Album Oriented Rock) scene, Sweden has firmly established itself as an unshakeable "holy land." Within this movement, which inherits the spirit of 1980s American rock while reconstructing it with modern production techniques, PERFECT PLAN radiates a truly exceptional presence. PERFECT PLAN is not merely a revival band; they emerged with a "perfect plan" to propel the genre itself forward.

2. Band Formation and Historical Background

2.1 Geographical and Cultural Background: Örnsköldsvik

The story of PERFECT PLAN begins in Örnsköldsvik, a city located in Västernorrland County in northern Sweden. While this region is known for its scenic beauty as the "High Coast," it is also famous as the home of the powerhouse ice hockey team "Modo Hockey." However, it is also a fertile musical ground that has produced numerous musicians.

It is believed that this environment of a "northern provincial city" brought a unique tenacity and a longing for refined melodies to PERFECT PLAN's musical style. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of big cities, they had ample time to deeply absorb the sounds of 1980s American rock—such as Survivor, Foreigner, TOTO, and Journey—and add their own unique interpretations.

2.2 Eve of Formation: The Story of Kent Hilli's "Late Bloom"

The most remarkable point in discussing the history of PERFECT PLAN is the unique career of their frontman, Kent Hilli. While many typical rock stars begin their band activities in their teens, the first half of Hilli's life was completely unrelated to the world of music.

He used to pursue a career as a professional football player. After competing as an athlete in Sweden's demanding sports world, he decided to bring his athletic career to an end in the early 2000s. The turning point toward musical activities did not come until he entered his 30s.

The catalyst for Hilli's musical awakening is said to have occurred at a party with friends. When he picked up an acoustic guitar and sang a song by Europe (presumably "Open Your Heart"), the surrounding people who heard his voice were stunned and strongly urged him that he "should make use of that voice." This anecdote illustrates how naturally gifted his talent was. Although he began performing in cover bands around 2001, it was in 2014, when he was around 33 to 34 years old, that he began writing his own original songs and embarked on a truly professional path.

2.3 Formation and Demo Production Period (2014–2017)

In late 2014, PERFECT PLAN was formed in Örnsköldsvik. The initial lineup consisted of the following five members:

• Kent Hilli - Lead Vocals
• Rolf Nordström - Guitar
• Leif Ehlin - Keyboards
• Fredrik Forsberg - Drums
• P-O Sedin - Bass

Immediately following their formation, PERFECT PLAN immersed themselves in original songwriting and honing their performance skills. The sound PERFECT PLAN aimed for was "modern classic AOR," combining contemporary sonic power with crystal-clear production. The demo recordings produced during this period were said to already boast an exceptionally high level of completion.

Interestingly, drummer Fredrik Forsberg had a history of playing with Robin Ericsson in a different cover band. Robin Ericsson is the vocalist of Degreed, a prominent Swedish melodic rock band. Ericsson was so impressed by the quality of PERFECT PLAN's demo tracks upon hearing them that he passed the demo along to his own Italian record label, Frontiers Music Srl.

This very "connection" became the decisive catalyst that propelled an unknown newcomer band from Northern Europe into the global market. Frontiers Music immediately recognized PERFECT PLAN's talent and signed a contract with them.

2.4 A Sensational Debut: "All Rise" (2018)

In April 2018, PERFECT PLAN released their debut album, "All Rise." This album sent shockwaves through the melodic rock world.

The advance single, "In And Out Of Love," featured a perfect composition that evoked the golden age of 1980s AOR, running from its opening keyboard riff to the explosive power of its chorus. Critics universally praised PERFECT PLAN, describing it as "a track that belonged in the 1987 Billboard Top 40" and "possessing the quality for heavy rotation on MTV."

The response in the Japanese market was particularly enthusiastic. In Japan, it was released ahead of the rest of the world on April 11, 2018, via Avalon / Marquee Inc., instantly receiving high acclaim in specialized magazines like BURRN!.

With this debut effort, Kent Hilli's vocal style drew immediate comparisons to the late Jimi Jamison of Survivor and Dann Huff of Giant. His voice—husky yet lush, extending powerfully into the high register—was welcomed as the return of a "pure AOR singer" whose presence had long been missing from the scene.

2.5 Lineup Change and Evolution: "Time For A Miracle" (2019–2020)

Following the success of their debut album, the band continued their activities without rest. In 2019, they released a cover EP, "Jukebox Heroes," clearly demonstrating their respect for PERFECT PLAN's roots, including Foreigner and Survivor.

In 2020, they released their second album, "Time For A Miracle." During the production of this album, original bassist P-O Sedin departed, and Mats Byström joined as the new bassist. Byström was an old acquaintance who had previously played with keyboardist Leif Ehlin in a band called Desert Rain, making the band's bond even tighter.

It is worth noting that while P-O Sedin departed, it was apparently not an amicable split—rather, they parted on good terms. He was credited as a co-writer on many of the tracks on "Time For A Miracle," remaining an important partner in the band's creative endeavors.

Musically, PERFECT PLAN began integrating heavier and bluesier elements with this album. Rolf Nordström's guitar riffs grew sharper, and the mixing by Mårten Eriksson, who also showcased his talents as a producer, added extra depth to the overall sound.

2.6 Live Activities Under the Pandemic and "Live At Sharpener's House" (2021)

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many bands were forced to halt their touring activities. PERFECT PLAN was no exception, but responding to requests from fans, they performed a studio live session. This resulted in the live album "Live At Sharpener's House," released in 2021.

This release served as definitive proof of PERFECT PLAN's outstanding musicianship, particularly showcasing that Kent Hilli's live vocals were easily on par with, if not more powerful than, his studio recordings. It firmly established their reputation as a genuinely talented band that does not rely on overdubs.

2.7 Further Deepening: "Brace For Impact" (2022)

With their third album, "Brace For Impact," released in October 2022, the band steered toward an even harder direction. As Kent Hilli himself noted that they aimed for a "heavier, in-your-face sound," they took a step beyond the polished 80s AOR sound and ventured into the territory of gritty hard rock.

This album demonstrated that PERFECT PLAN is not merely reproducing the 80s but continues to evolve as a vital, contemporary rock band.

2.8 Return to Roots and Culmination: "Heart Of A Lion" (2025)

Then in 2025, the band announced the release of their fourth studio album, "Heart Of A Lion" (released on February 28 in Europe and on March 19 in Japan).

In this latest work, PERFECT PLAN declares a strategic "return to their roots." Hilli stated, "On 'Brace For Impact,' we explored a new, heavier sound, but this time we are returning to the sound of our first two albums. It brings you back to the 80s with more keyboards and a big sound, but with a modern touch and feel." Welcoming Mårten Eriksson back to the production team, it is widely hailed as potentially the finest masterpiece in the band's history.

3. Detailed Member Profiles

An analysis of the detailed profiles and roles of each member who shapes the PERFECT PLAN sound.

3.1 Kent Hilli - Lead Vocals

• Role: Lead Vocals
• Origin: Sweden
• Background: Possesses a unique background as a former professional football player. After retiring in the early 2000s, he began his musical activities. He formed PERFECT PLAN in 2014.
• Musical Style:
  • Vocal Quality: Combines a smoky, powerful mid-low range with a piercing high register. He possesses a classic "royal road" voice that aligns with the lineage of legendary singers like Joe Lynn Turner, Lou Gramm, and Jimi Jamison.
  • Diversification of Activities: His abilities are highly acclaimed, leading him to participate in numerous projects outside of his own band (see Chapter 5 below). In particular, being selected as the new vocalist for the legendary American band Giant solidified his fame.
• Influences: He cites Jimi Jamison, Lou Gramm, Joey Tempest, Dann Huff, and Joe Lynn Turner as vocalists who influenced him.

3.2 Rolf Nordström - Guitar

• Role: Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Style: Characterized by playing that maximizes the song's melody without ever overplaying. However, from "Time For A Miracle" onward, he has also showcased bluesy and technical riffs, serving as a pillar that supports the band's sonic dynamics.
• Songwriting: Credited as a co-writer on many of the songs.

3.3 Leif Ehlin - Keyboards

• Role: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
• Style: The most crucial figure in crafting the 1980s-style "splendor" within PERFECT PLAN's sound. His synth pads, piano, and the song-coloring keyboard "stabs" strongly reflect the influence of TOTO and Survivor.
• Background: Previously active with Mats Byström in a band called Desert Rain.

3.4 Fredrik Forsberg - Drums

• Role: Drums, Backing Vocals
• Function: Anchors the band's rhythm section. His drumming is powerful yet tight, generating the distinctive groove unique to melodic rock.
• Achievement: He was also the key figure who brought the band to Frontiers Music through his connection with Robin Ericsson of Degreed.

3.5 Mats Byström - Bass

• Role: Bass, Backing Vocals
• Joined: Around 2019–2020 (participating since the 2nd album)
• Style: In addition to solid bass playing, he also plays the lap steel guitar and contributes to the backing vocal arrangements.

3.6 Former Members

• P-O Sedin - Bass (circa 2014–2018)
• Participated in the debut album "All Rise." He maintains an amicable relationship with the band, remaining involved in songwriting even after his departure.

4. Discography

The complete works of PERFECT PLAN are detailed below. Information regarding the Japanese Edition, including its exclusive bonus tracks and release dates, is also included.

4.1 Studio Albums

1st Album: All Rise

• Worldwide Release Date: April 20, 2018
• Japan Release Date: April 11, 2018 (Advance Release)
• Label: Frontiers Music Srl (World) / Avalon (Japan)
• Catalog Number (Japan): MICP-11414
• Overview: A sensational debut album. 100% pure melodic rock.

Track	English Title	Remarks
1	Bad City Woman	An up-tempo opening track
2	In and Out of Love	Signature song. A quintessential AOR anthem.
3	Stone Cold Lover	Evocative of Journey
4	Gone Too Far
5	What Goes Around
6	Too Late
7	Can't Turn Back
8	Never Surrender	A powerful anthem with a strong message
9	1985	Depicts nostalgia for the golden era
10	What Can I Do
11	Heaven in Your Eyes
Bonus	(Specific track unconfirmed from snippets but standard for Avalon)	*An additional track is normally included on the Avalon edition

2nd Album: Time For A Miracle

• Worldwide Release Date: September 4, 2020
• Japan Release Date: September 16, 2020
• Label: Frontiers Music Srl (World) / Avalon (Japan)
• Catalog Number (Japan): MICP-11556
• Overview: The second album, showcasing heavier and more dramatic arrangements.

Track	English Title	Remarks
1	Time For A Miracle	A grand title track
2	Better Walk Alone	A rock number singing of parting and determination
3	Heart To Stone
4	Fighting To Win
5	Every Time We Cry
6	What About Love
7	Nobody's Fool
8	Living On The Run
9	Just One Wish
10	Don't Blame It On Love Again
11	Give A Little Lovin'
12	Don't Leave Me Here Alone
13 (Japan)	Fighting To Win (Acoustic)	Japanese Edition exclusive bonus track

3rd Album: Brace For Impact

• Worldwide Release Date: October 14, 2022
• Japan Release Date: October 14, 2022 (Simultaneous worldwide release)
• Label: Frontiers Music Srl (World) / Avalon (Japan)
• Catalog Number (Japan): MICP-11738
• Overview: An ambitious work highlighting the hardest side of the band in their history.

Track	English Title	Remarks
1	Surrender	Lead single
2	If Love Walks In
3	Can't Let You Win
4	Gotta Slow Me Down
5	Stop The Bleed
6	My Angel
7	Devil's Got The Blues	A song with strong blues color
8	Bring Me A Doctor
9	Still Undefeated
10	Emelie
11	Walk Through Fire
Japan Bonus	My Angel (Acoustic)	Japanese Edition exclusive bonus track

4th Album: Heart Of A Lion

• Worldwide Release Date: February 28, 2025
• Japan Release Date: March 19, 2025
• Label: Frontiers Music Srl (World) / Avalon (Japan)
• Catalog Number (Japan): MICP-11938
• Overview: The latest album, returning to their early sound and aiming for an even higher level of completion.

Track	English Title	Remarks
1	Heart Of A Lion	Title track. Classic melodic rock.
2	We Are Heroes	Possesses an anthem-like power
3	All Night
4	Turn Up Your Radio	An original song, not a cover of Autograph
5	My Unsung Hero	A gem of a ballad
6	Ready To Break
7	Too Tough
8	Lady Mysterious
9	One Touch
10	Danger On The Loose
11	At Your Stone
12 (Japan)	My Unsung Hero (Acoustic)	Japanese Edition exclusive bonus track

4.2 EPs and Live Albums

EP: Jukebox Heroes

• Release: 2019
• Overview: A cover EP showcasing the band's roots. The song selection demonstrates superb taste.

Track	Title	Original Artist
1	Didn't Know It Was Love	Survivor
2	Show Me The Way	The Storm
3	Stay	Giant
4	That Was Yesterday	Foreigner

Live Album: Live At Sharpener's House

• Release: December 10, 2021
• Overview: A studio live recording captured during the pandemic period. It also features an acoustic set.

Track	Title	Format
1	Time For A Miracle	Live
2	Every Time We Cry	Live
3	Heart To Stone	Live
4	That Was Yesterday	Live (Foreigner Cover)
5	What About Love	Live
6	Fighting To Win	Live
7	Better Walk Alone	Live
8	Never Surrender	Live
9	In And Out Of Love	Live
10	Stay	Acoustic (Giant Cover)
11	Heaven In Your Eyes	Acoustic
12	Nobody's Fool	Acoustic
13	Don't Leave Me Here Alone	Acoustic

5. Kent Hilli's Multifaceted Activities and Influence

Following the success of PERFECT PLAN, Kent Hilli has become one of the most in-demand vocalists in the contemporary melodic rock scene. Frontiers Music treats him as one of the "faces" of the label, casting him in numerous projects.

5.1 Joining Giant

In 2022, when the legendary American band Giant reactivated and released the album Shifting Time, Kent Hilli was selected as the lead vocalist. Although it was a high-pressure position replacing the original vocalist and top Nashville producer Dann Huff, Hilli won over both fans and critics with his extraordinary singing ability. This marked a historical moment where a Swedish singer was recognized as a true legend of authentic American AOR.

5.2 Restless Spirits

A melodic rock project led by Tony Hernando, the guitarist of Lords of Black.

• 1st Album (2019): Participated on the track "I Remember Your Name."
• 2nd Album "Second To None" (2022): Handled lead vocals on "Need A Lil' White Lie" and "Dirty Money."

5.3 T3nors

A "Three Tenors" project in the AOR world organized by Frontiers Music.

• Members:
  • Kent Hilli
  • Toby Hitchcock - Pride of Lions
  • Robbie LaBlanc - Blanc Faces
• Album: "Naked Soul" (2023).
• Acclaim: It became a hot topic as a competition of beautiful voices representing the contemporary AOR scene.

5.4 Solo Career

• 1st Album: The Rumble (2021)
  • Producer: Michael Palace. A work pursuing the polished sound of the 1980s.
• 2nd Album: Nothing Left To Lose (2023)
  • Producer: Jimmy Westerlund (member of One Desire). A heavier and more emotional work.

6. Sound Analysis and Affinity with the Japanese Market

6.1 The True Nature of the "Perfect Plan Sound"

The core of PERFECT PLAN's musicality lies in the "supremacy of melody." No matter how heavy the guitar riffs become or how powerful the drums are, the center is always a catchy, sing-along melody. Furthermore, Leif Ehlin's keyboard work functions not merely as background noise but as a co-protagonist on equal footing with the guitar. This "equal relationship between guitar and keyboard" reproduces the golden ratio of 1980s AOR and stands as the primary reason PERFECT PLAN receives such high acclaim.

6.2 Importance in the Japanese Market

In Japan, melodic rock is a genre with deeply rooted popularity. Avalon, a label under Marquee Inc., has heavily pushed PERFECT PLAN from their very early days. Almost without exception, the Japanese editions include "acoustic versions" as bonus tracks. This strategy reflects the tendency of Japanese fans to appreciate the core song structure and the subtle nuances of vocals, proving the band's exceptional musical proficiency to meet those expectations. The fact that the Japanese release of their latest album, "Heart Of A Lion," is scheduled later than the European release (March 19) is presumed to be part of a "plan" to deliver the album in a flawless state, taking into account Japan's unique promotion, logistics, or the distinct value of Japanese pressings (including liner notes, Obi strips, and bonus tracks).

7. The Future of Melodic Rock

PERFECT PLAN emerged from the provincial countryside of Sweden and ascended to the pinnacle of the global melodic rock scene in just a few short years. The charisma of Kent Hilli, with his unique background as a former football player, combined with the ironclad performances of these craftsman-like members, embodies "rock in the present progressive tense."

The return to their roots in their latest 2025 album, "Heart Of A Lion," demonstrates that PERFECT PLAN fully understands and commands their own strengths. PERFECT PLAN's music continues to be a "miracle" that vividly revives the excitement of rock that once shook stadiums for contemporary listeners.