Review | Sweet Freedom – Blind Leading The Blind

Frontiers Music srl

Sweet Freedom started out as a solo-project by Swedish keyboardist Jörgen Schelander. For his first record that came out in 2022 he recruited singer Stefan Nygqvist, drummer Hakan Rangemo, guitarist Hakan Nilsson and bass player Jan Lund. The album was a low-key release but managed to get the name Sweet Freedom on a lot of lips. Some three years later Sweet Freedom has turned into a real band and it is time for a second chapter.

NEW VOCALIST

Schelander decided to make a change in the line-up and replaced Nygqvist with a man that has made a name for himself in the last three decades. The new vocalist is Matti Alfonzetti and insiders know immediately who this man is. Alfonzeti has been the singer for Jagged Edge but he really made his name and reputation as the main man of the Swedish formation Skintrade. I am not sure if Skintrade still exists or not.

Their last album ‘The Show Must Go On’ was released in 2020, lasted only 29.30 minutes but from the first to the last second the record was as impressive as hell. For me the best they ever released. I believe it is only available as stream. If interested check out the website of the record company at that time Ninetone Records. It is a must hear experience. Alfonzetti sounded just as gigantic as Rob Lamothe did on the first Riverdogs album, catch my drift?! And that top singer now fronts Sweet Freedom.

STEP UP TO THE PLATE

With Alfonzetti on board Sweet Freedom is ready to step up to the plate. And they have got the songs and sound to do so, that becomes very clear after you check out ‘Blind Leading The Blind’. To put it bluntly: Sweet Freedom sounds like a modern cross between Rainbow and Deep Purple. It is pure classic rock, with a high-octane production and soaring duels between keys and guitar. At some moments it comes across as if Lord and Blackmore are going at it again. But, and that is a big and important but, Sweet Freedom also brings real songs to the table. For me the track ,,Solid Ground’’ is the absolute winner on this album. A pure and gorgeous rock song that from the first moment drags you along in a melodic and adventurous journey, with superb vocals by Alfonzetti. Goosebump stuff, you know?

SWEET FREEDOM – THE CONCLUSION

But there are more impressive moments present on ‘Blind Leading The Blind’. Without taking away too much from the pleasure you are going to get from this album, Sweet Freedom impresses and fires from all cylinders. There is plenty of up-tempo, mid-tempo and in between material to ensure a joyful trip through the classic rock environment that this band has built here. Take the time and make the effort to invest deeply and wholeheartedly into this record. Some people might need a few spins. I was sold from the very first moment. A must hear for classic rockers with a sense for adventure and a bit of longing for the past.

Release date: 29 August 2025