Mercyful Fate is one of those bands that you wonder how they arrived so fully-formed and innovative on their debut album. Hailing from Denmark of all places- not exactly a thriving rock capital in those days and with only rudimentary equipment and minimal experience, they forged such a unique identity and mature sound on their first two albums. And then, sort of like their English peers in the NWOBHM I suppose- burned hot for a while and then faded out just as quickly as King Diamond left to pursue his solo career.
Having such a talismanic frontman as King Diamond was/is both a blessing and um, a curse. On the one hand his charisma and eccentricity is sure to draw fans, but on the other how could they possibly replace him and carry on if he left? Anyway one of the great unsung bands of the 80s, with some criminally-overlooked material from their 90s resurrection.
Having such a talismanic frontman as King Diamond was/is both a blessing and um, a curse. On the one hand his charisma and eccentricity is sure to draw fans, but on the other how could they possibly replace him and carry on if he left? Anyway one of the great unsung bands of the 80s, with some criminally-overlooked material from their 90s resurrection.