Break out the spandex and hairspray, 80s melodic rock is back baby!! The latest album from Perfect Plan, Heart of a Lion, is a triumphant fusion of soaring melodies, electrifying guitar work, and heartfelt lyrics that uplift the soul. From the very first note to the final fade-out, this album radiates positivity, passion, and the kind of anthemic energy that makes you want to roll down your windows and let the music take you away.

With the impressive lead vocals from lead singer, Kent Hilli, along with the accompaniment of tighter than tight musicianship and harmonies from Leif Ehlin on keyboards, Rolf Nordström on guitar, Mats Byström on bass, and Fredrik Forsberg on drums, Perfect Plan is set to release their fourth studio album on February 28, 2025.  This album follows their more heavy-inspired release Brace for Impact (2022) as the band returns to their more melodic roots and embraces a more keyboard-driven sound that characterized their first two albums - All That Rise (2018) and Time for a Miracle (2020).

The album opens with its electrifying title track “Heart of a Lion,” and the album wastes no time in setting the tone—an explosion of guitar harmonies, driving drums, and an instantly memorable chorus that feels like a sunrise in musical form. Hilli delivers an immediate vocal impact and sings every line with conviction.  His voice soars effortlessly over the bands lush instrumentation with vocals that are incredibly strong and powerful.  This one quickly lures you in. To say that Kent is a one-of-a-kind vocalist would be a true understatement. This is the kind of anthem that blends melodies with emotionally delivered lyrics and creates a powerful message of heart and dedication.

“We Are Heroes,” their video single, is a tribute to the everyday heroes among us—nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, and anyone overcoming personal struggles like addiction, mental health challenges, or adversity. As Kent Hilli explained, 'The song highlights the strength of those striving to become better versions of themselves. Listening to the lyrics, I was reminded of the countless heroes of 2020—the doctors and nurses who risked everything during the COVID-19 pandemic to save lives, putting others before themselves in a time of crisis'.

The standout, heart-touching anthem, “My Unsung Hero,” practically brought me to tears.  This four-and-a-half-minute song is a heart-touching anthem that blends melodies with deeply emotional lyrics and tugged on every heartstring available in my chest. The song begins with a gentle piano intro before building into a sweeping chorus, where the passionate vocals shine with raw sincerity. The instrumentation swells beautifully, with soaring guitar lines and a steady drumbeat that reinforces the song’s uplifting spirit. Every lyric feels personal yet universally relatable, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward. The dynamic production and heartfelt delivery make this track an instant classic, leaving a lasting impact long after the final note fades. "My Unsung Hero" is more than just a song—it’s an anthem for anyone in need of strength and encouragement.

The album picks back up with “Ready to Break” and “Lady Mysterious”, both with more of an up-tempo, radio-friendly sound with an impossible-not-to-sing along to choruses.  Not going to lie, I played both of these on repeat more times than I’d like to admit and sang along to the catchy lyrics by the third listen through.  The album closes out with “At Your Stone”, which comes at you from the gate with heavy-hitting guitars and drums.  By the second listen through of this track, I was singing along to this one too. 

From start to finish, Heart of a Lion is pure fun and energetic electric gold and I’m excited to see more from Perfect Plan, and hopefully a US tour sometime soon?  If you crave soaring vocal harmonies, sexy guitars, and thunderous arena drums, this album is definitely a must-listen!