Sweden's Midnight Sun released four albums between 1997 and 2001 that epitomized the more commercial wing of European power metal, subject to the influence of American hard rock and even AOR at times. But Midnight Sun's incessant troubles with musician turnover ultimately spelled their death, long before they could make a name for themselves outside of their Scandinavian backyard. Originally founded in 1996 by Norwegian-born singer Pete Sandberg, guitarist Chris Palm, bassist Jonas Reingold, and drummer Anders Theander, Midnight Sun were nothing if not prolific, though, releasing their first three albums in quick succession despite these myriad personnel changes. For the record: after the aforementioned quartet's recording of 1997's Another World, 1998's Above Beyond featured journeyman drummer Hempo Hilden, and 1999's Nemesis featured new guitarist Magnus Karlsson and yet another percussionist in Jaime Salazar. Then, although the latter pair and bassist Reingold would stay put for 2001's Metal Machine LP, it was now singer Pete Sandberg's turn to jump ship, a move that Midnight Sun would ultimately not recover from; despite the valiant efforts of his capable replacement, Jacob Samuels, the group fell apart just a short time later. All of the musicians went on to work with other name bands -- particularly Sandberg, who later joined German supergroup Primal Fear. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi