Mercyful Fate Albums (8)
'Evil/Curse of the Pharaohs'
Release Date 9/1/2009
Tracks 2
Label Metal Blade
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
It's somewhat odd that the reunited Mercyful Fate has now recorded more prolifically than the original group did in their classic early-'80s period, especially since there seems to be a personnel shift with nearly every '90s album. Their fifth full-length since the reunion, 9 does feature the same lineup as its predecessor, Dead Again; the downside is that there are now only two original members remaining -- King Diamond and Hank Shermann. While Mike Wead is a fine guitarist, the telepathic interplay Shermann had with Michael Denner provided a goodly portion of the band's spark, and that energy was the main reason Mercyful Fate could get away with sticking to their tried-and-true style upon making their comeback in 1993. Now they've started to sound flat, essentially repeating the same ideas they've covered for years (King Diamond's lyrics, in particular, are approaching the realm of self-parody). In spite of 9's efforts to strip down the band's sound and recover some of the power that was sacrificed for more elaborate arrangements, the melodies and riffs in general just aren't up to their usual standard, feeling more journeyman-like than one might hope. As with any Mercyful Fate record, there are a few good moments, but overall, it's beginning to feel like they've stuck around too long. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
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. With the exception of Diamond, each member of Mercyful Fate turns in solid performances in both the creation and execution of fine riffs and arrangements. Diamond, on the other hand, sounds a little uninspired, but manages to squeal just enough to keep the old-school Mercyful Fate vibe alive. Standouts include the almost campy "The Lady Who Cries" and "Sucking on Your Blood," but the material is a little tired. Not one of the group's best releases, Dead Again conjures just enough magic to make it a worthy purchase for devoted fans of the band only. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The original lineup of Mercyful Fate reunited to record Into the Unknown but instead of capturing the spark of their early records, the band just seemed tired. They worked the same territory that made them famous and perhaps that was part of the problem -- they have done music as heavy and tortured as this in the past, only better. By and large, Into the Unknown is an effective argument for bands not reuniting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like its predecessor (the comeback disc In the Shadows), Time has a mostly original Mercyful Fate lineup delivering strong material that might not exactly stand up to the group's best early-'80s work, but still packs a nasty horror-metal punch. As always, the distinctive frontman King Diamond leads the way on Time with his epic (if a little silly) lyrics and bizarre vocal range that defined the group's sound. Often overshadowed by Diamond's theatrics, the other bandmembers (guitarist Hank Sherman, bassist Sharlee D'Angelo, and relative newcomer Snowy Shaw on drums) do their usual fine job cranking out retro and near thrash metal riffs with biting precision. The sprawling "Lady in Black" is a clear standout, with its superior guitar grooves and relatively melodic and intelligible vocals. Other choice cuts include the crushing opener, "Nightmare Be Thy Name," and the title track, "Time. If there was any concern that In the Shadows was going to be a one-off treat exclusively designed for nostalgic old-timers, Time proved that Mercyful Fate was back and ready to build upon its massive '80s underground metal reputation. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After an almost decade-long hiatus, Mercyful Fate's reunion did not disappoint; it was as if they picked up right where they had left off. There are more of King Diamond's gothic tales of horror and the supernatural, and the music sounds better than ever. It doesn't have the historical significance of their early-'80s material, but that doesn't really matter; this is high-quality material from a tight veteran band. The CD features a re-recorded version of the underground classic "Return of the Vampire" with Lars Ulrich on drums. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Mercyful Fate's debut album, Melissa, took Black Sabbath's dark occult obsessions to an extreme, fusing them with the speed and tightened, twin-guitar riffing attack of British metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. But the band had a distinctive sound of its own, thanks to the neo-classical flourishes of guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner and the unpredictable vocal leaps of King Diamond, who could jump from a deathly growl to an unearthly falsetto wail in the next line. The band was still finding itself, and some of the songs on Melissa have a tendency to move into long, meandering instrumental sections, but the basic components of Mercyful Fate's influential European gothic black metal sound were already in place. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
'Don't Break the Oath'
Release Date 1/1/1984
Tracks 10
Label Music For Nations
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What The Critics Say
All of Mercyful Fate's potential was fulfilled on Don't Break the Oath, a doomy, gothic collection of post-Priest/Maiden black metal preoccupied with Satan and the occult. Hank Shermann and Michael Denner keep their progressive rock tendencies reigned in while still delivering plenty of the neo-classical feel that gives the music its atmosphere, and King Diamond uses his vocal range to great theatrical effect. Fate's sound and attitude were highly influential on later gothic/black metal bands, especially in Europe, and Don't Break the Oath consistently encapsulates their appeal. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
