Erik Grönwall

Influences

• Skid Row — Grönwall literally auditioned for Swedish Idol with their track '18 and Life' and later fronted the band. You hear the direct influence of their late-'80s grit in his aggressive, high-register grit on 'The Gang's All Here.' He mimics Sebastian Bach's signature transition from a clean melodic low end to a full-metal shriek.
• Iron Maiden — Grönwall has frequently cited Bruce Dickinson as his ultimate vocal blueprint and regularly covers their material online. You hear this in his dramatic, operatic vocal delivery and his habit of holding sustained, vibrato-heavy high notes on tracks like H.E.A.T's 'A Shot At Redemption.' He takes Dickinson's theatrical gallop and applies it to melodic hard rock.
• Europe — As a Swedish rock singer, Grönwall grew up in the shadow of Joey Tempest, a connection solidified when H.E.A.T toured with Europe. The soaring, major-key vocal hooks on 'Somewhere Between a Rock and a Hard Place' draw directly from the polished, melodic Scandinavian metal template Europe perfected in the mid-'80s.
• Queen — Grönwall performed 'The Show Must Go On' during his 2009 Swedish Idol run and has pointed to Freddie Mercury as a major theatrical influence. This manifests in his massive, multi-tracked vocal harmonies and the sheer theatricality of his live performances. He treats every arena stage like a personal runway in the classic Mercury style.
• Guns N' Roses — Grönwall has recorded numerous covers of their catalog, including a notable version of 'Welcome to the Jungle' during his recovery period. You can hear Axl Rose's influence in Grönwall's aggressive, nasal rasp and his ability to scream at the very top of his throat without blowing out his vocal cords. He brings that late-'80s Sunset Strip sleaze to his modern solo projects.