MERCYFUL FATE “In The Shadows” /CD/

Embroidered bordered woven patch.

80x50mm 

The second re-release of the second full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
80's Black/Dark Metal classic featuring Andy LaRoque on guitar, Mickey Dee (Motörhead) on drums, and the King Diamond himself. Originally released in 1987, “Abigail” established King Diamond as its own entity apart from the Mercyful Fate sound and style. Widely recognized masterpiece, "Abigail" is also unquestionably one of Heavy Metal's greatest concept albums. This is the first concept solo-album by King Diamond.
A passion for dark-themed theatrics had always qualified the work of the man formerly known as Kim Bendix Petersen before this release, and yet his band's debut from two years prior had merely hinted at the conceptual ambitions yet to come. So turn out the houselights, draw the curtains, and listen closely as King Diamond's synthetically altered voice introduces us to the witch Abigail La'Fey (in an obvious tribute to Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan) through her "Funeral". Moments later, proper musical opener "Arrival" introduces the familiar Post-Metal, semi-Thrashing style over which Diamond will narrate his spine-tingling tale of horror, a tale which, in the process, conjures such career-topping compositions as the stunning "A Mansion in Darkness", the surprisingly clever "The Family Ghost", and the quite beautiful acoustics, orchestrations, and sound effects introducing "The 7th Day of July 1777". Ensuing highlights such as "The Possession", the title track, and the epic finale of "Black Horsemen" maintain the pattern of carefully structured lyrics, as they spell out in frightening detail Abigail's terrifying act of possession and demonic rebirth through the hapless leading couple's newborn child. By the time it's all screamed and done, it's safe to say Rosemary's Baby was no more gruesome!
Also of note, musically speaking, ace future Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee matches incredible versatility and envious power for a command performance here, and one can noticeably hear guitarist Andy LaRocque nudging Diamond's erstwhile Mercyful Fate cohort Michael Denner out of the dual lead guitar equation with his inspired leads (he would soon assume an unchallenged position at the feet of the King's throne). As for the master of dark ceremonies himself, King Diamond, too, takes a quantum leap by subjecting his trademark falsettos to layer upon layer of multi-tracked harmonies, transforming what was previously an acquired taste for some into an overpowering and irresistible self-contained chorus sent straight from the pits of hell. Thanks to all of this, the combined quality of the words and music to be found on "Abigail" make it an exercise in Goth Metal storytelling that remains quite simply nonpareil - among the living, at least.
“Abigail” has a legendary reputation. Visionary, revolutionary, beyond its time, the song is a field of magic powers from every member of the band. Everything is perfected, crafted with the most subtle work. With some god-like drumming and guitar playing with the addition of The King's amazing voice this is a must have for any Metal fan and any fan of complex and theatrical music! King Diamond amazed us with many new and great releases after this album, but no one reached the amount of talent and perfection that can be found in "Abigail"!!
Re-edition features three bonus tracks. 180 gram gatefold vinyl.
Roadrunner Records/Cargo Records GmbH Germany, 1987/2013 (RRCAR 8788-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

LP 1

Side A
1. Funeral 
2. Arrival
3. A Mansion In Darkness

Side B
4. The Family Ghost
5. The 7thday Of July 1777
6. Omens

LP 2

Side A
1. The Possession
2. Abigail
3. Black Horsemen
4. Shrine

Side B
5. A Mansion In Darkness (Rough Mix)
6. The Family Ghost (Rough Mix)
7. The Possession (Rough Mix)

Second re-release of the third full-length album by the legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
Following the incredible success of his second solo album, and first conceptual undertaking, "Abigail", King Diamond set to work almost immediately on his next extravagant adventure in gothic storytelling with "Them." This time, he inserts himself among the story's characters, which also includes his mother, little sister, a haunted house, and, more unexpectedly, a batty old grandmother whose return from a long stay at the insane asylum (famously announced by "Welcome Home" 's borderline hilarious opening shrieks of "Grandmaaaa!!!") precipitates the supernatural acts of possession, murder, and madness that move this tale forward.
It is the first of two fictional concept albums, the second of these being "Conspiracy".
Also worth noting are the new musical players who had joined the King Diamond band on this outing. After all, the replacement of guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen by Pete Blakk and Hal Patino, respectively, signaled the King's final break with his former band, Mercyful Fate. Tellingly, other than upping the overall camp factor just so, this development had no discernible effect on "Them" 's musical vision as compared to "Abigail", thereby confirming said vision as stemming from King Diamond himself.
Co-songwriter Andy LaRocque once again delivers distinctive, semi-Thrash riffs, majestic harmonies, and searing, inventive solo passages to standout moments like "The Invisible Guests", "Tea", and "Twilight Symphony", but it's small nuances such as the acoustic break in "A Broken Spell" and the oppressive synthesized clavichords heard on "The Accusation Chair" that lend "Them" 's story its satisfyingly complex personality. What's more, overly theatrical numbers like "Mother's Getting Weaker" and "Bye, Bye Missy" take a little more license with their arrangements when incorporating the key words, plot themes, and even distinct character voices necessary to advancing the story line, but usually do so with very little detriment to the musical flow, which is occasionally embellished further by short interludes such as the title cut's symphonic instrumental interlude, and the opening and closing vignettes, "Out from the Asylum" and "Coming Home". As for King Diamond, he takes full advantage of the story's various points of view to try on any number of vocal guises, but overall, he's employing spiraling vocal chorales built upon layers of his instantly recognizable shrill falsettos far more frequently than his lower-register growling style. Ultimately, pundits generally found "Them" just slightly lacking in the face of "Abigail" 's rarely challenged excellence, but consumers ultimately disagreed, buying more copies of "Them" that any other King Diamond album before or after. "Them" has sold over 200,000 copies in North America alone.
Re-edition features three bonus tracks. 180 gram vinyl.
Roadrunner Records/Cargo Records GmbH Germany, 1988/2013 (RRCAR 8785-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Out From The Asylum
2. Welcome Home 
3. The Invisible Guest
4. Tea
5. Mother`s Getting Weaker
6. Bye, Bye Missy
7. A Broken Spell

Side B
8. The Accusation Chair 
9. "Them"
10. Twilight Symphony
11. Coming Home
Bonus Tracks
12. Phone Call
13. The Invisible Guest (Rehearsal)
14. Bye, Bye Missy (Rehearsal)

The first re-release on Picture Disc of the third full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
Following the incredible success of his second solo album, and first conceptual undertaking, "Abigail", King Diamond set to work almost immediately on his next extravagant adventure in gothic storytelling with "Them." This time, he inserts himself among the story's characters, which also includes his mother, little sister, a haunted house, and, more unexpectedly, a batty old grandmother whose return from a long stay at the insane asylum (famously announced by "Welcome Home" 's borderline hilarious opening shrieks of "Grandmaaaa!!!") precipitates the supernatural acts of possession, murder, and madness that move this tale forward.
It is the first of two fictional concept albums, the second of these being "Conspiracy".
Also worth noting are the new musical players who had joined the King Diamond band on this outing. After all, the replacement of guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen by Pete Blakk and Hal Patino, respectively, signaled the King's final break with his former band, Mercyful Fate. Tellingly, other than upping the overall camp factor just so, this development had no discernible effect on "Them" 's musical vision as compared to "Abigail", thereby confirming said vision as stemming from King Diamond himself.
Co-songwriter Andy LaRocque once again delivers distinctive, semi-Thrash riffs, majestic harmonies, and searing, inventive solo passages to standout moments like "The Invisible Guests", "Tea", and "Twilight Symphony", but it's small nuances such as the acoustic break in "A Broken Spell" and the oppressive synthesized clavichords heard on "The Accusation Chair" that lend "Them" 's story its satisfyingly complex personality. What's more, overly theatrical numbers like "Mother's Getting Weaker" and "Bye, Bye Missy" take a little more license with their arrangements when incorporating the key words, plot themes, and even distinct character voices necessary to advancing the story line, but usually do so with very little detriment to the musical flow, which is occasionally embellished further by short interludes such as the title cut's symphonic instrumental interlude, and the opening and closing vignettes, "Out from the Asylum" and "Coming Home". As for King Diamond, he takes full advantage of the story's various points of view to try on any number of vocal guises, but overall, he's employing spiraling vocal chorales built upon layers of his instantly recognizable shrill falsettos far more frequently than his lower-register growling style. Ultimately, pundits generally found "Them" just slightly lacking in the face of "Abigail" 's rarely challenged excellence, but consumers ultimately disagreed, buying more copies of "Them" that any other King Diamond album before or after. "Them" has sold over 200,000 copies in North America alone.
Strictly limited to 2000 copies Collector’s Edition 180 gram Picture Disc.
Metal Blade Records, 1988/2018 (3984-25056-1). Made in USA.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Out From the Asylum 1:45
2. Welcome Home 4:36
3. The Invisible Guests 5:05
4. Tea 5:15
5. Mother's Getting Weaker 4:02

Side B
6. Bye, Bye, Missy 5:09
7. A Broken Spell 4:08
8. The Accusation Chair 4:21
9. Them 1:57
10. Twilight Symphony 4:09
11. Coming Home 1:12

Total playing time: 41:39 min.

The first compilation mini-album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The album contains five tracks and an outro, including some rare tracks and B-sides of 12'' singles. "The Lake" ranks as probably the rarest of all King Diamond's tracks. Until this release, it was only available on the limited edition "Halloween" Picture Disc, which quicklly came and disappeared in September '86.
King Diamond adds: “These are not remasters. These are the albums as they were originally done in the old days from the original production masters. They retain all the original dynamics that were captured at the time. It’s very exciting to present these to fans as they were originally released”.
The album cover featured King Diamond with face paint that resembled KISS bassist Gene Simmons' "Demon". Simmons claimed that King's face paint was copyright infringement and sued him. The lawsuit was eventually dropped when King changed his design.
180g Black Vinyl includes download card.
Metal Blade Records GmbH, 1988/2020 (3984-15680-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Halloween (previously released on "Fatal Portrait", 1986) 04:14
2. Them (previously released on "Them", 1988) 01:58
3. No Presents for Christmas (previously released as A-Side of "No Presents For Christmas" 12" Single, 1985) 04:21

Side B
4. Shrine (previously released as the B-side of "The Family Ghost" 12" Single, 1987) 04:23
5. The Lake (previously released as a B-side of "Halloween" Picture Disc Single, 1986) 04:13
6. Phone Call (previously released as bonus track on CD versions of "Them", 1988) 01:38
 
Total playing time: 20:47 min.

The first European re-release of the fourth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The second part of a story that began on the album "Them".
The old performers' adage about not overstaying one's welcome proved itself timeless and infinitely applicable when King Diamond decided to follow a pair of stunningly successful musical horror stories, 1987's "Abigail" and 1988's "Them", with a third, decidedly flawed episode, 1989's "Conspiracy".
In this sequel to "Them", an adult King returns to the House of Amon to reclaim his rightful place as heir to the house. However, unanswered questions about his sister's death, his mother's involvement with his diabolical therapist, and his own madness all prove to be difficult if not insurmountable obstacles. He makes a deal with "Them" (the unseen antagonists from the album of the same name, part one of the story) to return control of the house to Them in exchange for the chance to see his now-dead sister Missy again. He believes she can help answer some of his questions. An agreement is reached, and Missy returns from the grave nightly to help King uncover some mysteries from "Them". As a spirit, however, she cannot save him from the plot against him, try as she may to warn him. His mother and his doctor have conspired to get rid of him permanently in order to inherit the house themselves. While they think they are ultimately successful, the album closes with King's promise to torture and haunt them forever from beyond the grave.
"Conspiracy" is built on the backs of a staggering array of Metallic riffing that could rival anyone else coming out of such a creative European field in 1989. One might struggle to define this album as either Speed/Thrash or Heavy/Power Metal, for surely it contains enough elements of both to qualify it as a hybrid of these and even a touch of Progressive/Speed. You'll hear steadied, rampant triplet rhythms, delirious outbreaks into speed and flair akin to what Randy Rhodes and later Zakk Wylde brought to the Ozzy Osbourne solo camp, flashy and effective lead sequences. King Diamond had been implementing the Blues-based grooves as far back as Mercyful Fate, and certainly we heard a few through "Abigail" and "Them". But with "Conspiracy", they become these emotionally resonant, triumphant bulwarks that instantly exude testosterone.
Once again, King Diamond has created an album that defines Heavy Metal, once again raising the bar for the rest of the genre. This album goes in a more traditional direction with just crushing riff work. As for King's vocals, he never sounded better.
Being more prolific than many bands and creating perfect albums, King Diamond prove that they are real kings of the Metal of 80s!!
180g black vinyl features MP3 download code.
Metal Blade Records, 1989/2020 (3984-15678-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. At The Graves 8:56
2. Sleepless Nights 5:01
3. Lies 4:19
4. A Visit From The Dead 6:11

Side B
1. The Wedding Dream 6:00
2. "Amon" Belongs To "Them" 3:49
3. Something Weird 2:03
4. Victimized 5:19
5. Let It Be Done 1:11
6. Cremation 4:09

Total playing time: 47:25 min.



Samples: https://kingdiamond.bandcamp.com

The second re-release of the fifth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The only album to feature drummer Snowy Shaw and the last to feature guitarist Pete Blakk and bassist Hal Patino, until the latter's return on "Abigail II: The Revenge".
After releasing four concept albums of the highest quality, King Diamond strike back to terrify the Metal world. Like its predecessors, "The Eye" is a conceptual album rooted in Gothic Horror. It doesn't continue the story of the previous two albums, however. The album continues to feature a major storyline like other King Diamond albums, though it is told differently. Two prior concept albums had been told from the perspective of the protagonists; this one is told from the view of a narrator. The themes of Christian atrocity with the persecution of alleged witches and sexual abuse against nuns are present. The story starts off with an unnamed character finding a necklace called "The Eye", that allows him/her to see the events the necklace was witness to in the past. They see an accused witch named Jeanne Dibasson being tortured and burned at the stake. Next they see two little girls finding the necklace in the ashes at a stake, and what they see when they look in the eye kills them. Finally, there is the story of Madeleine Bavent, a nun working in the Louviers convent, who finds the necklace and decides to put it on. After being raped by Father David, she uses the necklace to kill him by making him look into it. Shortly after, the new Chaplain, Father Picard, arrives and starts bringing everyone to communion. He winds up lacing their communion wine with some substance that lets him control their minds, and uses a group of nuns including Madeleine to ritually torture and kill children. In 1642 all are arrested and imprisoned. The main parts of the stories told on this album are true, and took place during the French Inquisition, 1450–1670. All the characters are real and from that period of time.
The sound is typical for King Diamond, dark, heavy and catchy. On this record, King Diamond use some new instruments like keyboards and violins. The violins are used in the most tasteful way. They darken the already dark atmosphere of the record tremendously. The production is superb, the best they have had so far. The mix of the record is perfect, with a nice atmosphere. King makes more use of his mid-range in this album than he has done previously on any. His midrange fits the dark tone of the album. Not to say that he abandons his trademark banshee wail completely. His top range is amazing as ever. The guitar duo of Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk is incredible. The lead work of these two is flawless. Andy LaRocque weaves a beautiful tapestry of rhythms and leads, ever the star of Diamond's musical entourage. The bass and drums aren't dominant in this recording, but they don't need to be. They do their job, and some drums aren't even acoustic, but a drum machine! Snow Shaw's drums were always so simple you barely notice anyway.
It's no surprise of course that this album arrived in such a pinnacle year for Metal music, really the climax of that 1986-1990 period where many artists could do no wrong as they were exploring the boundaries of this Epic genre. "The Eye" belongs in any Metal lover's collection, just to the right of the first four King Diamond albums!
180g black vinyl includes MP3 download card.
Metal Blade Records, 1990/2020 (3984-15679-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Eye Of The Witch 3:47
2. The Trial (Chambre Ardente) 5:13
3. Burn 3:42
4. Two Little Girls 2:41
5. Into The Convent 4:47

Side B
1. Father Picard 3:19
2. Behind These Walls 3:45
3. The Meetings 4:31
4. Insanity 3:00
5. 1642 Imprisonment 3:31
6. The Curse 5:42

Total playing time: 43:58 min.



Samples: https://kingdiamond.bandcamp.com

The third re-release of the twelfth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The last album to feature bassist Hal Patino, who fired from the band in 2014.
The album's concept and cover art both based on a painting titled "My Mother's Eyes". The black cat featured in the album based on King's own cat, Magic. 
King elaborated on the themes of the album, being a story of two dead children, murdered by their father, relating their tale to him. He stated that cases of parents killing their children and then themselves were a large influence, citing such an incident, which occurred in Dallas. Coincidentally, the music video for "Give Me Your Soul" was also released the day after the highly publicized Chris Benoit double-murder and suicide.
At the beginning, a sister and brother are waiting in the afterlife. The brother is to go to Hell, so the sister decides to find another soul for him so that he can follow her to Heaven ("The Dead"). She takes off to a house in Never Ending Hill, where King Diamond lives with his black cat, Magic ("Never Ending Hill"). The girl tries to contact him for help, but she only manages to haunt him ("Is Anybody Here?", "Black of Night"). As the darkness grows, objects are moving on their own, lights flicker ("Shapes of Black") and the temperature drops to freezing levels ("Cold as Ice"), and haunted by the bodiless ghost with only a head ("The Floating Head"), King uses black magic to contact the girl ("The Cellar", "Pictures in Red"). She reveals that her father chopped up her brother with an axe, splashing her with his blood, then choked her to death before shooting himself in the head. The "Thirteen Judges" mistakenly think that the brother committed suicide, so she needs to find a soul free of sin for him ("Give Me Your Soul"). She wants Diamond's soul but, since she finds him full of sin when she gazes at him, he pleads with her to leave and find another soul before sunrise ("The Girl in the Bloody Dress"). The girl decides to come to "THIS house" (implying a visit at the listener's home) ("Moving On").
Songs are catchy and groovy, but heavy and sick as hell… King Diamond never ceases to present top-notch theatrical vocal abilities. Andy LaRocque with never ending inspiration and his amazing riffs is the catalyst in entering the concept-stories and grasping the mood. Evil atmosphere accompanied by macabre lyrics.
The signature sound is there, it has never been absent for twelve releases so far, it has inspired a great number of bands in Heavy Metal and especially in Black Metal, with its inventor King Diamond remaining one of the few that really know how to preserve such acoustic gems and make them imperishable through time!
Collector’s edition 180 gram Double Black Vinyl in gatefold cover includes large Poster!
Metal Blade Records, 2007/2019 (3984-15248-3). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. The Dead 1:58
2. Never Ending Hill 4:36
3. Is Anybody Here? 4:12
4. Black Of Night 3:59
Side B
1. Mirror Mirror 4:59
2. The Cellar 4:31
3. Pictures In Red 1:23

Side C
1. Give Me Your Soul 5:28
2. The Floating Head 4:46
3. Cold As Ice 4:27
Side D
1. Shapes Of Black 4:22
2. The Girl In The Bloody Dress 5:06
3. Moving On 4:07

Total playing time: 53:58 min.



Samples: https://kingdiamond.bandcamp.com

The first official re-release of the debut EP by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
It is also known as "Nuns Have No Fun", a split mini-album with Danish band Evil.
Although they eventually re-formed in the early '90s and went on to release a number of very decent albums, it was during the first three years of their career, from 1982-1984, that Denmark's seminal Mercyful Fate laid down the songs that would be remembered as their true legend and legacy. In fact, few would contest the fact that the band's first two albums, 1983's "Melissa" and 1984's "Don't Break The Oath", remain mandatory listening for any self-respecting Metalhead. Mostly forgotten among such praise, yet almost as important, however, was the band's eponymous 1982 EP. 
EP contains four tracks at 45 RPM effort, which was recorded and mixed at Stone Studio in Roosendaal, Netherlands, in September 1982, in two days. Originally, it was released by the independent label Rave-On Records on November 8, 1982. On 5 June 2020, for the first time, it was officially re-released on CD through Metal Blade Records.
King Diamond comments: "It's not a remaster. It's an album from the original production masters, which was originally done in the old days. It retains all the original dynamics that were captured at the time".
180 gram Black Vinyl includes MP3 Download Card.
Metal Blade Records, 1982/2020 (3984-15703-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. A Corpse Without Soul 6:53
2. Nuns Have No Fun 4:17

Side B
3. Doomed By The Living Dead 5:06
4. Devil Eyes 5:48

Total playing time: 22:04 min.

The first re-release of the fifth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
Not many bands can claim to be as influential as Mercyful Fate. As one of the early purveyors of true Metal, the band's impact is felt far and wide; from the New Wave of Black Metals' Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir to international Metal gods, Megadeth and Metallica.
For the third time, the original line-up of Mercyful Fate reunited for the to record "Into The Unknown" - their most commercially successful album to date. The album peaking at No. 31 in the Finnish charts and remaining for two weeks in the Top 40. It is the only album by the band to appear on the charts.
180 gram black vinyl includes MP3 download card and large two-sided poster.
Metal Blade Records, 1996/2016 (3984-25027-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Lucifer 1:29
2. The Uninvited Guest 4:14
3. The Ghost Of Change 5:41
4. Listen To The Bell 3:56
5. Fifteen Men (And A Bottle Of Rum) 5:04

Side 2
1. Into The Unknown 6:33
2. Under The Spell 4:40
3. Deadtime 3:13
4. Holy Water 4:31
5. Kutulu (The Mad Arab Part Two) 5:17

Total playing time: 44:38 min.



Samples: https://mercyfulfate.bandcamp.com

The first re-release of the sixth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The album marks the first that Michael Denner is not present on. It also marked a new era for the band, as the production is more muddy and raw, and the guitar tone is more distorted than on the three previous albums. In addition, the album introduced a more complex and arguably Progressive sound to several of its tracks.
Recorded during a frenzy of activity during the late '90s, "Dead Again" was presumably thrown together rather quickly, as Mercyful Fate and King Diamond's solo outfit were both releasing new discs at a furious rate. This schedule had to be most taxing on vocalist Diamond, whose ultra-high-pitch bellowing and novel-length lyrical additions to both of his bands made for a laborious schedule. Joining Diamond on this 1998 Metal Blade release are guitarists Hank Shermann and Mike Wead, drummer Bjarne T. Holm, and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo. Each member turns in solid performances in both the creation and execution of fine riffs and arrangements.
Very catchy and pretty damn heavy, with lots of groovy riffs to it, with a rather surprising ending. Mercyful Fate nor King Diamond have ever put out a bad album, and "Dead Again" conjures enough magic to make it a worthy purchase!
180-gram double black vinyl in gatefold cover includes large two-sided poster.
Metal Blade Records, 1998/2016 (3984-25028-1). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Torture (1629) 5:03
2. The Night 5:51
3. Since Forever 4:39
Side 2
1. The Lady Who Cries 4:17
2. Banshee 4:46
3. Mandrake 6:06
Running time: 30:42 min.

Side 3
1. Sucking Your Blood 4:21
2. Dead Again 13:40
Side 4
1. Fear 4:16
2. Crossroads 5:40
Running time: 27:57 min.

Total playing time: 58:39 min.



Samples: https://mercyfulfate.bandcamp.com

The second re-release of the seventh full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
Mercyful Fate's last studio album before their twenty-year hiatus from 1999 to 2019.
"9" has a sound far more akin to 80s Thrash Metal than classic Mercyful Fate releases. Furthermore, the songs have been made shorter and much faster, again emitting a strong Thrash Metal vibe. This stylistic change works in favour of "9" and gives it a distinct identity, separating the album from every preceding release.
Although atmosphere has always been a key component of Mercyful Fate releases, no album has ever utilized atmosphere as well as "9" has. The album has the darkest, most disturbing atmosphere of any Mercyful Fate album, arguably even mores than "Don’t Break The Oath" or the band’s self-titled EP. The intense atmosphere found on each and every song derives from the album’s lyrics and production. "9" sees the return of Satanic and occult-themed lyrics, which had been mostly absent since the release of "Time" in 1994. While this style of lyricism was never completely abandoned, the fact that lyrics revolving around demons and Hell are back in full-swing adds another layer of darkness and evil to the album.
Like its predecessor, the sound quality on "9" has been intentionally worsened to achieve an effect, similar to bands of the Black Metal persuasion. As a result, the vocals sound muddy and the guitar tone is distorted and raw. Although the poor production adds to the haunting atmosphere the band was clearly trying to achieve, it nevertheless hurts the overall sound of the band in the long run. The loudness of the guitars often overpower the other instruments, and the muddiness of the vocals make King Diamond sound weaker than ever. In addition, the vocals are typically buried in the background while guitars blare in the foreground, occasionally rendering King Diamond’s vocals completely unintelligible. Luckily, the guitarists end up being the album’s saving grace. Unlike the previous album, Shermann’s riffs never cease to be interesting, and are usually the catchiest parts of every song. Wead’s shredding during guitar solos make songs more intense and compliment Diamond’s shrieks and falsetto wails. Although Mercyful Fate are clearly not at the top of their game during this album, the guitarists are typically able to make up for most of the band’s shortcomings. Although the messy sound quality works well with the songs’ Satanic lyrics, it ends up hurting the album in the long run.
When deciding how they should handle "9", Mercyful Fate most likely found themselves in an awkward place. Keeping their sound the same by sticking to their trite, overused formula would have proved disastrous, as it would have no doubt been a reiteration of "Dead Again", their least successful album. However, a return to form would have been laughable, as Denner was vital to their classic sound and most members of the band have lost most of their former glory. With that being said, "9" was an excellent way of finding middle ground. Despite its shortcomings, the album is a solid effort which proved that Mercyful Fate were still creative masterminds so many years into their career.
180-gram black vinyl includes large two-sided poster.
Metal Blade Records, 1999/2016/2022 (3984-25029-1). Made in Germany. Re-press.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Church Of Saint Anne 4:44
2. Last Rites 4:12
3. Hold My Soul 5:04
4. House On the Hill 3:43
5. Burn in Hell 3:49

Side 2
6. The Grave 4:09
7. Insane 3:01
8. Kiss the Demon 3:53
9. Buried Alive 4:41
10. 9 4:29

Total playing time: 41:45 min.



Samples: https://mercyfulfate.bandcamp.com

The fourth full-length studio album by legendary Danish Heavy Metal band.
The second part of a story that began on the album "Them".
The old performers' adage about not overstaying one's welcome proved itself timeless and infinitely applicable when King Diamond decided to follow a pair of stunningly successful musical horror stories, 1987's "Abigail" and 1988's "Them", with a third, decidedly flawed episode, 1989's "Conspiracy".
In this sequel to "Them", an adult King returns to the House of Amon to reclaim his rightful place as heir to the house. However, unanswered questions about his sister's death, his mother's involvement with his diabolical therapist, and his own madness all prove to be difficult if not insurmountable obstacles. He makes a deal with "Them" (the unseen antagonists from the album of the same name, part one of the story) to return control of the house to Them in exchange for the chance to see his now-dead sister Missy again. He believes she can help answer some of his questions. An agreement is reached, and Missy returns from the grave nightly to help King uncover some mysteries from "Them". As a spirit, however, she cannot save him from the plot against him, try as she may to warn him. His mother and his doctor have conspired to get rid of him permanently in order to inherit the house themselves. While they think they are ultimately successful, the album closes with King's promise to torture and haunt them forever from beyond the grave.
"Conspiracy" is built on the backs of a staggering array of Metallic riffing that could rival anyone else coming out of such a creative European field in 1989. One might struggle to define this album as either Speed/Thrash or Heavy/Power Metal, for surely it contains enough elements of both to qualify it as a hybrid of these and even a touch of Progressive/Speed. You'll hear steadied, rampant triplet rhythms, delirious outbreaks into speed and flair akin to what Randy Rhodes and later Zakk Wylde brought to the Ozzy Osbourne solo camp, flashy and effective lead sequences. King Diamond had been implementing the Blues-based grooves as far back as Mercyful Fate, and certainly we heard a few through "Abigail" and "Them". But with "Conspiracy", they become these emotionally resonant, triumphant bulwarks that instantly exude testosterone.
Once again, King Diamond has created an album that defines Heavy Metal, once again raising the bar for the rest of the genre. This album goes in a more traditional direction with just crushing riff work. As for King's vocals, he never sounded better.
Being more prolific than many bands and creating perfect albums, King Diamond prove that they are real kings of the Metal of 80s!!
Roadrunner Records/Polskie Nagrania Muza, 1990 (SX 2895). Made in Poland. Used (cover/disc): VG+/EX-.


Tracklist:

SIDE A
1. At The Graves 8:56
2. Sleepless Nights 5:01
3. Lies    4:19
4. A Visit From The Dead 6:11

SIDE B
5. The Wedding Dream 6:00
6. " Amon " Belongs To " Them "    3:49
7. Something Weird 2:03
8. Victimized 5:19
9. Let It Be Done 1:11
10. Cremation 4:09

Total playing time: 46:58 min.


Samples: www.kingdiamond.bandcamp.com