Talisman

Talisman is a Swedish hard rock and melodic rock group from Stockholm, active between 1989 and 2007. The band is closely associated with bass player Marcel Jacob, who shapes its early direction and writes much of its material with singer Jeff Scott Soto.

Formation and early releases

The first Talisman album starts as a project rather than a fully formed band. Jacob develops songs after working with John Norum, originally intending them for a Norum solo release. Göran Edman records early vocals on demos, but when those songs are rejected Jacob begins assembling a new line-up. After unsuccessful auditions among Swedish singers, Cary Sharaf suggests Jeff Scott Soto, who joins the project.

The debut album is recorded in Stockholm in February 1989, with contributions from Christopher Ståhl, Mats Lindfors, Peter Hermansson and Mats Olausson. Jacob handles the rhythm guitars and programmed drums on parts of the record, while the finished album is eventually issued in February 1990. Its first single, “I’ll Be Waiting”, gains major radio play in Sweden, and the album sells strongly there. Live performances at this stage feature Jason Bieler on guitar, Jakob Samuel on drums and Thomas Wikström on keyboards and backing vocals.

Line-up changes and the classic period

After the debut, Jacob works in the United States while the project continues to evolve. In 1992 he writes and records with Matti Alfonzetti, and Fredrik Åkesson joins on guitar after auditions. For the second album, however, label changes prevent that line-up from settling. Jeff Scott Soto returns, and when drummer Jakob Samuel leaves, Jacob programs the drums on much of Genesis. The album is recorded in Stockholm in late 1992 and includes the single “Mysterious”.

By this period, Talisman becomes a proper group. Jamie Borger joins on drums after Jakob Samuel leaves, and the band tours Japan and Europe. The live album 5 out of 5 is recorded in Japan during this era, though its release is delayed.

Humanimal follows in 1994, recorded and mixed in Stockholm. Julie Greaux contributes backing vocals, and Ronny Lahti plays funky wah guitar on “Seasons”. The album combines metal, funk and pop elements and is issued in several different versions across territories. Despite its sales, the band does not tour for the record.

Later albums and collaborations

In 1995 Jacob and Soto write the next album, Life, with Jamie Borger recording drums. Label problems prevent touring. For later work, Fredrik Åkesson leaves in 1995, and Pontus Norgren steps in for live shows, including support slots for Yngwie Malmsteen in Stockholm. In 1998 the band records Truth, which includes cover versions of Prince’s “Darling Nikki”, Queen’s “Let Me Entertain You” and Madonna’s “Frozen”.

In 2001 Talisman appears at Sweden Rock Festival, where a recording problem leaves Jacob without his bass gear and he borrows an instrument from Magnus Rosén of HammerFall to play the show. That performance is later released as a live album in Sweden. The band’s back catalogue is also reissued with bonus tracks in Brazil.

Jacob, Soto and Pontus Norgren then work with drummer Thomas Broman as Humanimal, releasing that group’s self-titled debut in 2002. After personal, professional and legal problems, Norgren leaves both projects.

Frontiers years, live releases and final studio album

Talisman later signs with Frontiers for a new album. Fredrik Åkesson returns to the studio line-up, while Howie Simon appears for live work. The band records in Italy and the United States, and Cats and Dogs is issued in 2003. It is followed by European dates including a headlining appearance at Gods of AOR Festival in the UK, along with shows at Frontiers Showcase in Italy, Sweden Rock Festival and Lokerse Festival in Belgium.

In 2005 the band releases the DVD set World’s Best Kept Secret, which includes two full live shows, backstage and archive footage, promotional videos and an instructional video from Marcel Jacob. A double live album, Five Men Live, comes out alongside it.

The final studio album, 7, is worked on by Jeff Scott Soto, Marcel Jacob, Jamie Borger and Fredrik Åkesson. The material is written mainly by Jacob and Soto, with one song by Borger and Soto. Pontus Norgren mixes the record and also appears as guest guitarist on the Japanese bonus track “Final Curtain”.

Style

Talisman is identified with Swedish melodic hard rock and hard rock, with an AOR and funk rock dimension in its sound. Across its catalogue the band combines hook-based songwriting, strong vocals, melodic keyboards, rhythmic grooves and heavier guitar work, and it also records several cover versions alongside original material.