Angel/Devil

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the hard-hitting track "Angel/Devil" by Talisman from their 1998 album Truth, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, a fan favorite, showcases Talisman's melodic hard rock vibe with a lyrical twist that explores duality and inner conflict. According to a 1999 interview with frontman Jeff Scott Soto in Metal Hammer, "Angel/Devil" was inspired by a late-night studio jam where the band was riffing on the idea of human nature's light and dark sides. Soto shared that the line "Angel, you can't hide the little devil inside" came from a playful argument with guitarist Marcel Jacob about whether people are inherently good or bad, which sparked the song's theme.

Another tidbit comes from a 2001 fan Q&A posted on the now-archived Talisman World fan site, where drummer Jamie Borger revealed that the iconic guitar riff in "Angel/Devil" was almost cut from the final mix because it felt "too aggressive" for the album's polished sound. Thankfully, producer Mats Lindfors insisted it stayed, arguing it gave the track its raw edge. On social media, fans on the Talisman Fanatics Facebook group often share how the song's chorus became a staple at live shows, with crowds chanting the "Angel, you can't lose with the devil by your side" line. A 2015 post on Talisman's Instagram celebrated the song's enduring popularity, featuring a throwback photo of the band performing it at Sweden Rock Festival in 2001, captioned, "Still got that devilish spark!"

Talisman, the Swedish melodic hard rock band behind "Angel/Devil," formed in 1989 when bassist Marcel Jacob, fresh off his stint with Yngwie Malmsteen, decided to create a project blending soulful vocals with heavy riffs. Jacob recruited Jeff Scott Soto, an American vocalist known for his work with Malmsteen and later Journey, after hearing his demo tapes. According to a bio on Talisman's official website, the duo connected over their love for classic rock and funk, laying the foundation for the band's signature sound. Drummer Jamie Borger and guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (later replaced by Pontus Norgren) rounded out the early lineup, and their self-titled debut in 1990 earned critical acclaim in Europe and Japan.

The band's rise wasn't without challenges. In a 2003 interview on Rock United, Soto recalled how Talisman struggled to break into the U.S. market due to the grunge wave overshadowing melodic rock in the early '90s. Despite this, they built a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and albums like Genesis and Humanimal. Jacob's songwriting prowess and Soto's dynamic vocals became the band's hallmark, with Truth marking a peak in their creative output. Sadly, Jacob's passing in 2009 was a blow, but the band has continued to honor his legacy through occasional reunions and reissues, as noted in a 2020 post on Talisman's Facebook.

For more on Talisman, check out their official website at talismanofficial.com, where you can find tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback content. Fans can also connect on the Talisman Fanatics Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing rare photos and concert memories. Another great resource is Talisman World, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and archived interviews, keeping the Zoo Freaks' love for Talisman alive.