Sharlee D'Angelo, Swedish bass player and songwriter

Sharlee D'Angelo, born Charles Petter Andreason on April 27, 1973, is a highly respected and prolific Swedish bassist renowned for his dynamic contributions across a spectrum of heavy metal subgenres. With a career spanning decades, D'Angelo has established himself as a versatile musician, lending his distinctive bass lines to some of the most influential and beloved bands in the metal world, showcasing an impressive range from melodic death metal to classic rock and blackened thrash.

Current Musical Endeavors

Currently, D'Angelo maintains active roles in several prominent bands, demonstrating his unparalleled versatility and enduring passion for diverse musical expressions.

• Arch Enemy

  As the long-standing bassist for the internationally acclaimed melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, Sharlee D'Angelo is a vital component of their powerful sound. Known for their intricate guitar harmonies, aggressive vocals, and precise musicianship, Arch Enemy has become a torchbearer for the Swedish melodic death metal scene, with D'Angelo's solid rhythmic foundation underpinning their signature sound.

• The Night Flight Orchestra

  In stark contrast to his extreme metal commitments, D'Angelo also serves as the bassist for The Night Flight Orchestra. This critically acclaimed project, often described as a "supergroup" comprising members from various metal bands, delves into classic rock and AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) with a modern flair. Their music evokes the spirit of 70s and 80s arena rock, providing D'Angelo a platform to explore a more melodic and groove-oriented playing style that showcases his breadth as a musician.

• Spiritual Beggars

  D'Angelo's versatility further extends to the stoner metal scene with Spiritual Beggars. This band blends heavy, blues-infused rock with psychedelic elements and a classic rock sensibility. His work with Spiritual Beggars highlights his ability to adapt to a more raw, riff-driven style, contributing to their signature heavy groove.

• Witchery

  Adding another dimension to his diverse portfolio, Sharlee D'Angelo is also the bassist for the blackened thrash/speed metal band Witchery. Known for their aggressive, fast-paced approach that fuses elements of black metal, thrash, and traditional heavy metal, Witchery represents D'Angelo's commitment to the more extreme and intense corners of the metal genre.

Past Contributions and Notable Collaborations

Beyond his current active projects, Sharlee D'Angelo has a rich history of collaborations and past memberships that underscore his significant impact on the metal landscape. His experience spans a variety of influential groups, both as a full member and a crucial session player.

• Mercyful Fate and King Diamond

  D'Angelo's resume includes collaborations with the legendary Danish heavy metal bands Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, both fronted by the iconic vocalist King Diamond. These involvements placed him at the heart of theatrical and progressive heavy metal, renowned for their intricate compositions, dark themes, and groundbreaking sound. His contributions to these bands, whether in the studio or on tour, further solidified his reputation among metal connoisseurs.

• Dismember

  Early in his career, D'Angelo was also associated with the Swedish death metal pioneers Dismember. This band was instrumental in shaping the "buzzsaw" guitar tone and aggressive sound synonymous with the early Swedish death metal movement. His presence in such a foundational band highlights his roots in extreme metal and his role in its evolution.

Sharlee D'Angelo: A Versatile Force in Metal

Sharlee D'Angelo's career exemplifies the journey of a true metal journeyman. His remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between vastly different subgenres—from the intricate aggression of melodic death metal to the classic rock swagger of AOR, the bluesy heft of stoner metal, and the raw power of blackened thrash—is a testament to his exceptional skill, adaptability, and deep understanding of musicality. His steadfast presence in the scene, both as a creative force and a reliable rhythm section anchor, has made him a revered figure among musicians and fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What genres of music does Sharlee D'Angelo typically play?

Sharlee D'Angelo is known for his remarkable versatility, playing across a broad spectrum of heavy metal subgenres. These include melodic death metal (Arch Enemy), classic rock/AOR (The Night Flight Orchestra), stoner metal (Spiritual Beggars), and blackened thrash/speed metal (Witchery). He has also been involved with traditional and progressive heavy metal (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond) and death metal (Dismember).

Is Sharlee D'Angelo currently active in all the mentioned bands?

Yes, Sharlee D'Angelo is currently active as the bassist for Arch Enemy, The Night Flight Orchestra, Spiritual Beggars, and Witchery. His roles in bands like Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and Dismember are from earlier periods in his extensive career, either as a full member or a session player.

What is Sharlee D'Angelo's birth name?

Sharlee D'Angelo's birth name is Charles Petter Andreason.

What makes Sharlee D'Angelo a notable figure in the metal scene?

Sharlee D'Angelo is notable for his exceptional versatility, technical proficiency, and his ability to contribute significantly to bands across vastly different heavy metal genres. His consistent presence, distinctive bass playing, and long-standing career with highly respected groups have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected and adaptable bassists in the world of heavy music.