Mercyful Fate (King Diamond – vocals, Hank Shermann / Michael Denner – guitars, Timi Hansen – bass guitar, Kim Ruzz – drums) is one of the greatest heavy metal bands to emerge from Europe during the ’80s. They were a product of Denmark, that hadn’t offered a lot of metal until then, inspired by Judas Priest and their first 70s influences, with punk origins (see Brats) though, became creators of a lot of new genres and an inspiration themselves for other bands. Funny thing is that most of those bands were parts of extreme metal genres that followed. If we go back to 1997, there was a Fate (not Shermann’s band!) tribute album full of black / death / thrash metal acts! It’s very impressive how influential was King Diamond’s spooky image and perception, his themes, instead of their amazing riffs.

Naturally, “Don’t Break The Oath”, their second album, is a classic with straight, heavy, guitar full metal and the terrifying frontman chanting, black metal growling in some parts in “Nightmare” and “Desecration Of Souls” and losing his head vocally in the whole album! Their leading, musical στυλ τους in such a young age is one of their best cards. The album is as majestic as a “Powerslave” or a “Ride The Lightning”, albums released the same year! Needless to say about “Night Of The Unborn” with the “Morbid Tales” finish; another 1984 release! “Melissa” had already caused a shock to metal fans and King was, undoubtedly, the main reason.

Kim Bendix Petersen, as baptized (;), had stated fearlessly (and intensely!), that he was a follower of Anton LaVey’s Satanic Church! Besides that, he was married for years with Sheena LaVey, the high-priest’s daughter! His lyrical difference and his devotion to creating concepts, can’t take back his declaration in the Maiden-like “The Oath”: “I Deny Jesus Christ” and “I swear henceforth to be a faithful servant of his most puissant arch-angel, the Prince Lucifer”! This was a huge blast in 1984. Not to mention the funny event with the curse the ‘king’ sent during their live performance in Aardshock festival of that year to Manowar that caused a lot of questions about the electrocution of Eric Adams later on the same night!

However, the reasons of his dispute with Shermann were musical. Their disbanding sustained them in cult status. Other younger or same age as them, like Metallica or Celtic Frost and Manowar, went on and got some reward in different weights each. King’s own act surpassed Fate in sales and gained its place in the metal scene while they, nowadays, remain on ice after their 1993 reunion. Here, though, is their glorious past and not their uncertain future, something essential for all heavy metal fans.

Tracklist:

1.A Dangerous Meeting (Music: Hank Shermann; Lyrics: King Diamond)

2.Nightmare (Music: Hank Shermann; Lyrics: King Diamond)

3.Desecration Of Souls (Music: Hank Shermann/Michael Denner; Lyrics: King Diamond)

4.Night Of The Unborn (Music: Hank Shermann; Lyrics: King Diamond)

5.The Oath (Music & Lyrics: King Diamond)

6.Gypsy (Music: King Diamond/Michael Denner; Lyrics: King Diamond)

7.Welcome Princes Of Hell (Music: Hank Shermann; Lyrics: King Diamond)

8.To One Far Away (Music: Michael Denner/King Diamond)

Producer: Hendrik Lund

Sound Engineers: Hendrik Lund και Niels Erik Otto

Recorded/Mixed: Easy Sound Recording, Copenhagen, Denmark, May1984.