Ahead of the release of Arch Enemy's Blood Dynasty, I had a chance to speak with Sharlee D'Angelo about several highlights from his career, including:
- the writing process for Blood Dynasty, the reaction to the new singles Arch Enemy have played live so far, and the addition of Joey Concepcion on guitar after the departure of Jeff Loomis (Nevermore).
- what fans can expect from the rest of the record outside of the singles, Alissa White-Gluz’s incredible vocal range and how it opens new avenues musically for the group, and the upcoming North American tour with Fit for an Autopsy.
- Sharlee’s influences on his bass playing, making up excuses to hang out with the boys, and honoring classic rock in The Night Flight Orchestra with Speed Strid (Soilwork).
- how he came to join Mercyful Fate in the early 1990s as his first pro gig, the transition to Arch Enemy and that fortuitous phone call with Amott, and memories of playing with Jesper Strömblad (In Flames) and Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) on the first Sinergy record, and memories of Alexi.
- reflections on Arch Enemy’s 30th anniversary as a band and the keys to their success and longevity.
Check it out below on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
It was wonderful having the opportunity to talk with Sharlee about all of these topics from his truly unique career playing with most of the legendary metal musicians throughout Scandinavia and beyond. In addition to the tremendous list above, he’s also played with a number of other bands which haven’t been mentioned, including Spiritual Beggars, Dismember, Witchery, IllWill, and Facelift. The pure volume of his work and his lengthy successful career speaks to his playing ability and makes it hard not to think he’s one of, if not the go-to bassist in the Swedish metal scene – which is probably what Michael Amott was thinking when he called him back in 1999.
Enjoy!
