SNAKE CHARMER - Smoke And Mirrors [Japan edition] (1993)

Swedish superb vocalist Pete Sandberg is not a stranger to this blog as he has been featured as solo artist or as part of different bands, like this SNAKE CHARMER and their album "Smoke And Mirrors" (posted here in 2007!).
Put together by bass player Per Stadin (Silver Mountain) in 1991 including terrific drummer Anders Johansson (Yngwie, Stratovarius), guitarist Sven Cirnski (Bad Habit) and with Sandberg (Alien, Madison, Midnight Sun) as frontman, this Scandinavian super-group recorded their debut "Smoke And Mirrors" in Malmo, Sweden.

The song melodies are pretty simple, but awesomely arranged and performed. The music goes in the Scandi AOR vein mixed with traditional Melodic Hard Rock, compared with bands like Alien, Madison, Bad Habit, etc.
Just check the quality of "Runnin' On Empty" (very Alien), the rocking "Teaser, Pleaser", the elegant midtempo "Like an Arrow" or the terrific ballads "Middle of Nowhere" and "Alone Without You" (this one alone worth the entire disc).



SNAKE CHARMER is an underrated and pretty unknown Swedish project and this "Smoke And Mirrors" ranks among the best Melodic Rock / AOR created in Sweden during the '90s.
This is the Japanese Edition (no bonus track) ripped at max quality including artwork.
Very Recommended.


01. Worlds Apart
02. Runnin' On Empty
03. Middle of Nowhere
04. Heart on Hold
05. Highway of Love
06. Teaser, Pleaser
07. Like an Arrow
08. Stone Cold
09. Alone Without You
10. Eleanor Rigby

Pete Sandberg - lead & backing vocals
Sven Cirnski - guitars
Per Stadin - bass
Anders Johansson - drums
Jens Johansson (Yngwie, Dio) - keyboards
Sonny Larsson (XT) - backing vocals




SNAKE CHARMER Smoke And Mirrors [Japan edition]
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SAND & GOLD - Remember My Name (1997)

Requested several times, this is a re-post from years ago because this wonderful album is really hard to find.

Swedish singer Pete Sandberg is one of my favorite vocalists, and through his career has lent his talents to ALIEN, MADISON, SNAKE CHARMER, MIDNIGHT SUN as well as solo artist. His vocal dexterity allows him to sing in any style, and always greatly.
In the mid-nineties Sandberg meets Jonas Reingold, and the pair eventually became very good friends and wanted to start a band in which to focus their musical appetites: MIDNIGHT SUN.
While the group were put together, they decided to record a handful of songs composed long time ago that would have no place into their new band style.
The duo cleverly baptized this project "SAND & GOLD" (Pete SANDberg & Jonas ReinGOLD).

Indeed, the album entitled "Remember My Name" is far from the edgy hard rock Midnight Sun was preparing, instead you find here lots of acoustic guitars mixed with electric, many Wurlitzer keyboards, relaxed drumming / percussion and where, of course, Sandberg's voice is 'the big star' on the record.
These are songs with great melody and emotion in a typical Scandinavian style, think BAD HABIT unplugged or why not, EUROPE. There's also some American mid-western influences too.

Though "Remember My Name" was almost entirely recorded by themselves, some friends contribute with their talents: Kee Marcello (EUROPE), with a cool electric guitar solo on track 11, Johan Glossner (GRAND ILLUSION) on guitars, and excelent session drummer Rasmus Kihlberg (LA Project feat Bill Champlin, PETER FRIESTEDT, and more).



"Remember My Name" is a very, very good album, solid and organic. It's a melodic collection of songs performed from the heart with an excellent production. Released by a small Danish label back in the day, it has become a really hard to find piece.
Delicious.


01 - Sha Na Na
02 - Remember My Name
03 - Fishermans Creek
04 - When the Hammer Falls
05 - The Place
06 - Brooklyn Town
07 - Never Walk Alone
08 - Patricia
09 - Back on the Road
10 - Searching
11 - Slow it Down
12 - Crossroads

Pete Sandberg - Lead and Backing Vocals
Jonas Reingold - Electric Bass, Contrabass, Keyboards, Programming, Backing Vocals
Additional musicians:
Kee Marcello - Slide (Track 3), Guitar Solo (Track 11)
Johan Glossner - Guitar
Rasmus Khilberg - Drums
Tomas Pettersson - Organ, Piano, Keyboards, Wurlitzer
Inger Ohlén, Tomas Nyberg - Backing Vocals
Produced and arranged by Jonas Reingold




SAND & GOLD - Remember My Name
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SAND & GOLD - Remember My Name (1997)

Many of you may have noted in my blog that there are several albums of Pete Sandberg posted, one of my favorite vocalists.
Whether in ALIEN, SNAKE CHARMER, MIDNIGHT SUN or SOLO, his vocal ability allows him to sing in any style, and always fine.

In the mid-nineties meets Jonas Reingold, eventually became very good friends and wanted to start a band in which to focus their musical appetites: MIDNIGHT SUN.
While the group were put together, they decided to record a handful of songs composed long time ago, and would have no place into the new band style.
The duo baptized this project "SAND & GOLD" (Pete SANDberg & Jonas ReinGOLD).

"Remember My Name" is plenty of acoustic guitars and many Wurlitzer keyboards, being Sandberg's voice 'the big star' here.
Songs with great melody and emotion, in a typical scandinavian style, to name an immediate reference: BAD HABIT without electricity. Also american mid-western influence too.

Almost recorded by themselves, some friends contribute with their talents: Kee Marcello (EUROPE), with a great electric guitar solo on track 11, Johan Glossner (GRAND ILLUSION) on guitars, and excelent session drummer Rasmus Kihlberg (LA Project feat Bill Champlin, PETER FRIESTEDT).

This is a very good album, solid and organic. Last track is simply fan-tas-tic.
First class recording quality, despite the self-managed production, and released by a small danish label.
Out Of Print and hard to find.


01 - Sha Na Na
02 - Remember My Name
03 - Fishermans Creek
04 - When the Hammer Falls
05 - The Place
06 - Brooklyn Town
07 - Never Walk Alone
08 - Patricia
09 - Back on the Road
10 - Searching
11 - Slow it Down
12 - Crossroads


Pete Sandberg - Lead and Backing Vocals
Jonas Reingold - Electric Bass, Contrabass, Keyboards, Additional Programming, Backing Vocals

Additional musicians:
Kee Marcello - Slide (Track 3), Guitar Solo (Track 11)
Johan Glossner - Guitar
Rasmus Khilberg - Drums
Tomas Pettersson - Organ, Piano, Keyboards, Wurlitzer
Inger Ohlén, Tomas Nyberg - Backing Vocals

Produced and arranged by Jonas Reingold



SAND & GOLD

SILVER SERAPH [Pete Sandberg] - ST (2002)

Silver Seraph is a hardrock / melodic metal band from Malmö, Sweden.
The band was put together by Richard Andersson (Evil Masquerde, Majestic, Time Requiem) and Pete Sandberg (Alien, Jade, Midnight Sun) during spring 2000 with the intention of making traditional classic hardrock in the vein of Rainbow/Deep Purple.
The line up was completed with Peter Wildoer (Darkane, Majestic and ex-Arch Enemy) on drums, Jorgen Birch (Jade and Bai Bang) on guitar and Jens Lundahl (ex-Black Totem) on bass.
Energetic recording, solid tracks, great production.
Overall the album reminds me the sound and the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Facing The Animal'.
If you are into this style, this is for you.
REMEMBER, if your like it, BUY IT.

1. Aftermath
2. 7th Day Of Babylon
3. Cry From Hell
4. Desperate Heart
5. Shadowland
6. Shadow
7. Nosferatu
8. In The Dark
9. Black Rain
10. Loving You
11. Constant Reminder

Pete Sandberg - vocals
Jorgen Birch - guitars
Jens Lundahl - bass
Richard Andersson - keyboards
Peter Wildoer - drums


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PETE SANDBERG - Back In Business (1998)

Asian Version 1998, 13 tracks + 1 bonus

Another essential album for Pete's fans and good rock music around.
This album mixes Hard + Melodic Rock with AOR and in some places, rockin' pop touches.
Some outstanding tracks, 'Little Lover' perfectly crafted, the melodic rock driven 'Cold hearted woman' (can't stop singing this song!), and 'Stay a while', a heartful ballad.
As a bonus myself added, the unpublished 'Goddess Of Love', recorded live acoustic at the Hard Rock Cafe, Copenhagen, Denmark 2003-01-12, a collector's item.
Pete is a GREAT artist, unknown to the major audience, if you like his work and find it, BUY IT.

1. When The Night Comes 3:43
2. Little Lover 3:12
3. Stay A While 3:46
4. Pretty Angel 4:17
5. Big Bad Rap 4:00
6. Babe 3:52
7. River Of Tears 5:06
8. A December Monday 3:48
9. Cold Hearted Woman 4:41
10. Scared 5:18
11. Unchain Your Heart 4:48
12. Closer To Heaven 4:25
13. Need Your Lovin' 4:21
14. Goddess Of Love 3:13 (BONUS-Non Album Track)

Pete Sandberg Vocals
Fredrik Bergengren Guitars
Stanley Hawk Guitar
Patrik Alm Bass
Carl Colt Drums Percussion
Tommy Falk Keyboards Organ
Johan Stentorp Keyboards
Thomas Nyberg Backing Vocals
Jonas Sandquist Backing Vocals
Johan Dahlstrom Backing Vocals

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PETE SANDBERG - Reflections (2004)

This is his last solo, a 12 tracks rare Japanese pressed CD (1 bonus).

Intimist and personal, more laid back than his previous recordings, but with wonderful melodies and intrumentation.

His voice is in perfect pitch, clear and rich.

High quality AOR album.

Recommended.

Pete Sandberg's albums are HARD to find, if you like it, BUY IT.

Last Train To Paradise

Angel Eyes

After The Hurt Is Gone (Killer Track)

Heaven Belongs To You

Hold On

Stiff Alley

Moment Of Truth

Every Time We Say Goodbye

More

Wild Horses

I Will Stand Tall

Open Mind (Bonus Track)

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SNAKE CHARMER - Smoke And Mirrors (1993)

Snake Charmer is a swedish band formed by bassplayer Per Stadin (Silver Mountain) in 1991.
With drummer Anders Johansson (Hammerfall, Yngwie M.), guitarist Jörg Fischer (Accept) and Pete Sandberg (Alien, Madison, Midnight Sun) on vocals the band was complete.
After a while Jörg decided to continue with his own band, so they finally found Sven Cirnski as guitar replacement.

The music goes in the AOR vein mixed with traditional Hard Rock and can be compaired with Bands like Alien, Madison and Co.
Nice rockers and heartful ballads. The record ends with a very good version of Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby".
Every AOR fan of Pete Sandberg albums can nothing do wrong having this.
If you like it, BUY IT.

1. Worlds Apart
2. Runnin' On Empty
3. Middle of Nowhere
4. Heart on Hold
5. Highway of Love
6. Teaser, Pleaser
7. Like an Arrow
8. Stone Cold
9. Alone Without You
10. Eleanor Rigby

Pete Sandberg vocals
Sven Cirnski guitars
Per Stadin bass
Anders Johansson drums


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PETE SANDBERG'S JADE - Origin (2001)

Second album of Sandberg's project "Jade".
This is a recording of old tunes written by Pete in the 80's, so this tracklist has the feel and vibe typical of that era.
His 1st is fantastic, but this is superb.
The album contains really mature first-class classic Scandinavian AOR songs with plenty of great hooks, sweet higher pitched vocals and an equal mix of melodic guitars and keyboards.
The songwriting is great with cheerful chorusses.
As a bonus, I've added the demo version (great quality) of "Northern Light" recorded in 1987 when he was part of MADISON, a melodic hard rock swedish band, the album (their 3rd) never released.
Recommended.
Thx Troy for this gems.
Out of print as far I know.

1. Northern Light 4:07
2. Time 3:42
3. No Way Out 4:19
4. Love in Vain 4:03
5. Power of Gold 3:19
6. Where There Is a Will 3:10
7. Time and Again 4:26
8. Nights in Mexico 5:38
9. Can't Stop Lovin' You 3:40
10. Alone 3:19
11. All in Disguise 4:10
12. Moods (instrumental) 4:23
13. Me and My Piano (acoustic jam) 2:58
14. The Northern Light (Madison) [Bonus] 3:51

Pete Sandberg - Vocals
J. Birch - Guitars
Joakim 'Jocke' Sandin - Bass
Johan Helgesson - Drums
Additional musicians:
Jonas Reingold - Bass, Backing vocals
Jaime Salazar - Drums
Produced, engineered and mixed by
Anders 'Theo' Theander (Midnight Sun)


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PETE SANDBERG 'S JADE - ST (1999)

First Peter Sandberg(Alien,Midnight Sun) album with his band Jade, melodic hard rock with obvious influences of his former band ALIEN.

This swedish can write good songs!

My fav is 'Distant love', but all are good, plenty of melody and power.

Recommended.

Out of print as far I know...

1. Badlands 3:15

2. Restless Child 3:33

3. Cry For You 3:29

4. Stranger 3:37

5. Going Down 3:44

6. Venedigen Blind 4:47

7. Little Bit Of Lovin' 3:14

8. Distant Love 4:14

9. House Of Love 3:45

10. Sweet, Sweet 3:36

11. Past The Mountains 3:48

Pete Sandberg Vocal

Birch Guitar

Joakim Sandin Bass

Johan Helgesson Drums

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Covers Here

MIDNIGHT SUN - Above & Beyond (1998)

First M.SUN album, great melodic hard rock festival.
Killer Peter Sandberg's performance, this time his voice sounds higher in the final mix.
Tremendous choruses, powerful sound.
Another brillant production.
Hard to find CD. Thanx to ritchie!
If you like it, BUY IT.

1) Above & Beyond (Intro)
2) Reality
3) Keep On Pushing
4) Deception Of Evil
5) I Believe
6) Don't Get Me Wrong
7) Tears In My Eyes
8) Kissed By An Angel
9) Bad Blood
10) Endlessly
11) Eye Of The Beholder
12) Hey

Pete Sandberg: Lead & Backing Vocals
Anders Theander: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Reingold: Bass, Keyboards, Additional guitars & B. Vocals
Jamie Salazar: Drums, Percussions & Backing Vocals
John Norum: Guest Guitar


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MIDNIGHT SUN - Nemesis (1999)

This is the first MS album with the Starbreaker, Allen & Lande mastermind Magnus Karlsson on guitar. Brillant as usual.
Pete Sandberg (Alien) does a great vocal performance, and the rhythm section and keys kill your ears and senses.
No fillers, all tracks are good, including Europe's cover "Seven Doors Hotel".
Hard to find CD.
If you like Allen-Lande albums, must have this one.

Nemesis
You And I
Mortal Man
Resurrection
King Of Broken Hearts
Conqueror
Watch Out
Dreams
I Don´t Know
Conceal
Living On The Edge
Ave Maria
Seven Doors Hotel
Innocent

Pete Sandberg: Lead & Backing Vocals
Magnus Karlsson: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Reingold: Bass, Keyboards, Additional guitars & B. Vocals
Jamie Salazar: Drums, Percussions & Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Berrit Hessing: Cello
Hal Johnston: Guitar
Henrik Hanson: Keyboards
Jens Friis Hansen, Inger Ohlen: Backing Vocals



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