Hey metalheads! Today, we're diving deep into the chilling and theatrical world of King Diamond. If you're new to his music or a long-time fan looking to complete your collection, this guide is for you. We'll explore his entire discography, from his early days with Mercyful Fate to his solo masterpieces. Get ready for a wild ride through horror-themed concept albums and King Diamond's signature falsetto screams!

Mercyful Fate Era

Before King Diamond became a solo act, he fronted the legendary Mercyful Fate. This section covers their essential releases. Mercyful Fate laid the groundwork for King Diamond's theatrical and horror-infused style. Their music is characterized by complex guitar work, dark themes, and King Diamond's unique vocal delivery. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of his sound.

Mercyful Fate (1982) - EP

This self-titled EP, often referred to as "Nuns Have No Fun," is where it all began. It's raw, it's energetic, and it's undeniably Mercyful Fate. The EP introduced the world to King Diamond's theatrical vocals and the band's dark, occult themes. The production is gritty, adding to the overall sinister atmosphere. Key tracks include "A Corpse Without Soul" and "Nuns Have No Fun," which quickly became fan favorites and set the stage for their future work. For collectors, finding an original pressing of this EP is a real treasure. The songs are relatively short but pack a punch, showcasing the band's raw talent and potential. This EP remains a cornerstone of early Mercyful Fate and a crucial piece of King Diamond's musical journey.

Melissa (1983)

Melissa is Mercyful Fate's debut full-length album and a landmark in extreme metal. The album is named after a witch burned at the stake, setting the tone for the band's horror-themed narratives. It's a blend of NWOBHM influences with a darker, more sinister edge. The guitar work by Hank Shermann and Michael Denner is intricate and memorable, providing the perfect backdrop for King Diamond's operatic vocals. Songs like "Evil" and "Satan's Fall" are considered classics and showcase the band's ability to create atmospheric and terrifying soundscapes. Melissa is not just an album; it's an experience, drawing listeners into a world of darkness and occultism. Its influence can be heard in countless metal bands that followed. For fans of King Diamond, understanding Melissa is essential to appreciating the full scope of his musical vision.

Don't Break the Oath (1984)

Many consider Don't Break the Oath to be Mercyful Fate's masterpiece. It refines the sound established on Melissa, with even more complex song structures and dark lyrical themes. The album's production is cleaner, allowing the instrumentation to shine. King Diamond's vocal performance is at its peak, with his high-pitched screams and narrative storytelling creating a truly unique listening experience. Tracks like "A Dangerous Meeting" and "Desecration of Souls" are iconic and demonstrate the band's ability to blend melody with extreme metal. The album's cover art, featuring a haunting image of King Diamond, perfectly captures the music's atmosphere. Don't Break the Oath is a must-have for any metal fan and a testament to Mercyful Fate's enduring legacy. It remains a benchmark for horror-themed metal and a high point in King Diamond's career.

King Diamond Solo Career

In 1985, King Diamond embarked on his solo career, taking his theatrical and horror-themed vision to new heights. This section explores his studio albums, each a chapter in his ongoing saga of the macabre.

Fatal Portrait (1986)

Fatal Portrait marks the beginning of King Diamond's solo career and introduces his signature storytelling style. While not a full concept album like his later works, the album features several tracks that tell individual horror stories. It showcases King Diamond's ability to create vivid and disturbing narratives through his lyrics and vocal performance. Musically, the album is a blend of Mercyful Fate's extreme metal with a more melodic and accessible approach. Tracks like "The Candle" and "Halloween" quickly became fan favorites and staples of his live shows. Fatal Portrait established King Diamond as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world and set the stage for his future concept albums. The album's dark atmosphere and memorable melodies make it a standout in his discography.

Abigail (1987)

Abigail is considered by many to be King Diamond's masterpiece. This is a full-fledged concept album telling the chilling story of Miriam Natias and the curse of Abigail. The album is known for its complex song structures, dynamic instrumentation, and King Diamond's incredible vocal performance. The story is captivating, and the music perfectly complements the narrative, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Tracks like "Welcome Home" and "The Family Ghost" are considered classics and showcase the band's ability to blend horror and metal seamlessly. Abigail is a must-have for any King Diamond fan and a testament to his storytelling prowess. The album's enduring popularity and critical acclaim solidify its place as a landmark in horror metal.

Them (1988)

Them continues King Diamond's tradition of horror-themed concept albums, this time telling the story of a haunted house and a family's dark secrets. The album is known for its catchy melodies, intricate guitar work, and King Diamond's theatrical vocals. The story is engaging, and the music is both dark and memorable. Tracks like "Welcome to the House" and "The Invisible Guests" are fan favorites and demonstrate the band's ability to create atmospheric and terrifying soundscapes. Them is another essential album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his creative vision. The album's blend of horror and metal continues to captivate listeners and solidify its place as a classic.

Conspiracy (1989)

Conspiracy is the sequel to Them, continuing the story of the haunted house and the family's dark secrets. The album is known for its complex plot, dynamic instrumentation, and King Diamond's exceptional vocal performance. The story is full of twists and turns, and the music perfectly complements the narrative, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Tracks like "At the Graves" and "Victimizer" are considered highlights and showcase the band's ability to blend horror and metal seamlessly. Conspiracy is a worthy addition to King Diamond's discography and a testament to his storytelling abilities. The album's dark atmosphere and memorable melodies make it a standout in his career.

The Eye (1990)

The Eye departs from the storyline of the previous two albums, presenting a collection of historical horror stories. The album is known for its dark and atmospheric sound, intricate song structures, and King Diamond's powerful vocals. The stories are based on real historical events, adding a layer of authenticity and terror to the music. Tracks like "Eye of the Witch" and "Burn" are fan favorites and demonstrate the band's ability to create chilling and engaging narratives. The Eye is a unique album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his versatility as a storyteller. The album's historical themes and dark atmosphere make it a standout in his career.

Spider's Lullabye (1995)

Spider's Lullabye marked King Diamond's return after a brief hiatus, and it brought a slightly more straightforward and heavy sound. While still incorporating horror elements, the album is less focused on complex storylines and more on individual songs. It's a blend of classic King Diamond with a more modern metal edge. Tracks like "Killer" and "Eastmann's Cure" are highlights and showcase the band's ability to create catchy and memorable riffs. Spider's Lullabye is a solid addition to King Diamond's discography and a testament to his enduring talent. The album's heavy sound and memorable songs make it a standout in his later work.

The Graveyard (1996)

The Graveyard is another concept album, this time telling the story of a man wrongly accused of murder and his struggle for justice. The album is known for its dark and gritty sound, complex plot, and King Diamond's theatrical vocals. The story is full of twists and turns, and the music perfectly complements the narrative, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Tracks like "* ঘুমের মধ্যে ঘড়ি *" and "I Am" are considered highlights and showcase the band's ability to blend horror and metal seamlessly. The Graveyard is a compelling album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his storytelling abilities. The album's dark atmosphere and memorable melodies make it a standout in his career.

Voodoo (1998)

Voodoo takes listeners to New Orleans, exploring the dark world of voodoo and its mysteries. The album is known for its atmospheric sound, intricate song structures, and King Diamond's powerful vocals. The story is engaging, and the music is both dark and captivating. Tracks like "Louisiana Darkness" and "LOA House" are fan favorites and demonstrate the band's ability to create chilling and immersive soundscapes. Voodoo is a unique album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his versatility as a storyteller. The album's exotic setting and dark atmosphere make it a standout in his career.

House of God (2000)

House of God delves into biblical themes and tells a dark and twisted story related to religion. The album is known for its heavy and aggressive sound, complex song structures, and King Diamond's intense vocals. The story is thought-provoking, and the music is both powerful and unsettling. Tracks like "Upon the Cross" and "Black Devil" are highlights and showcase the band's ability to create controversial and engaging narratives. House of God is a bold album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his willingness to explore challenging themes. The album's heavy sound and controversial subject matter make it a standout in his career.

Abigail II: The Revenge (2002)

Abigail II: The Revenge is the sequel to the classic album Abigail, continuing the story of the cursed Abigail and the Natias family. The album is known for its complex plot, dynamic instrumentation, and King Diamond's exceptional vocal performance. The story is full of twists and turns, and the music perfectly complements the narrative, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Tracks like "The Storm" and "Sleepless Nights" are considered highlights and showcase the band's ability to blend horror and metal seamlessly. Abigail II: The Revenge is a worthy addition to King Diamond's discography and a testament to his storytelling abilities. The album's dark atmosphere and memorable melodies make it a standout in his career.

The Puppet Master (2003)

The Puppet Master tells the tale of a couple who visit a puppet theater in 18th-century Italy and become entangled in a dark and sinister plot. The album is known for its theatrical sound, intricate song structures, and King Diamond's powerful vocals. The story is captivating, and the music is both dark and dramatic. Tracks like "Living Dead" and "The Ritual" are fan favorites and demonstrate the band's ability to create chilling and engaging narratives. The Puppet Master is a unique album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his versatility as a storyteller. The album's theatrical themes and dark atmosphere make it a standout in his career.

Give Me Your Soul...Please (2007)

Give Me Your Soul...Please explores the theme of souls and the afterlife, telling a series of horror stories related to death and damnation. The album is known for its heavy and atmospheric sound, intricate song structures, and King Diamond's intense vocals. The stories are chilling, and the music is both powerful and unsettling. Tracks like "The Cellar" and "Black of Night" are highlights and showcase the band's ability to create terrifying and engaging narratives. Give Me Your Soul...Please is a compelling album in King Diamond's discography and a testament to his enduring creativity. The album's dark themes and heavy sound make it a standout in his later work.

Dreams of Horror (2015)

Dreams of Horror isn't a new studio album but rather a compilation of re-recorded tracks from King Diamond's extensive catalog. This collection offers a fresh take on classic songs, showcasing the band's evolution and musicianship over the years. It's a great way for new fans to get acquainted with his discography and for long-time fans to enjoy familiar songs in a new light. The album features improved production and updated arrangements, making it a worthwhile addition to any King Diamond collection. While it doesn't offer new material, Dreams of Horror serves as a testament to King Diamond's enduring legacy and the timeless quality of his music.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the discography of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate! From the early days of Mercyful Fate to King Diamond's solo masterpieces, his music has consistently pushed the boundaries of horror and metal. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting your journey into his dark world, there's always something new to discover. Keep those horns up and stay scary, guys!