King Diamond, aka Kim Bendix Petersen, is a 70 year old Danish metal musician. He is best known for his solo work under the King Diamond moniker, as well as his work in the band Mercyful Fate.As a follower of LaVeyan Satanism, King Diamond takes his interest in the occult very seriously, which translates into his lyricism. These lyrics find themselves apart of a larger narrative, with much of his discography fitting into themes about the occult, possession, murder, and so on
in the form of several concept albums. These concept albums are best to be thought of as the musical equivalent of a 70s thriller film; a dark story from start to finish that likely will make you uncomfortable or intrigued (maybe even both!), with nothing bordering into the typical death metal lyricism territory that outsiders assume when it comes to metal music.King's discography is set up in a way that all but two of his twelve studio albums are concept records with original stories; the two that do not fit this are only partially concept records (1985's Fatal Portrait and The Spider's Lullabye from 1995, 10 years later).
FATAL PORTRAIT
Fatal Portrait is King's debut. In terms of guitar tone, this one is IT. My favourite songs are Dressed in White, Haunted, and Lurking in the Dark.The plot in this one is great and reminds me of The Picture of Dorian Gray. The ghost of a girl getting revenge on her mother for killing her is pretty badass as a concept.
ABIGAIL
This one is King's most popular for a reason! the story is extensive and I have covered it here along with some other plot descriptions for the other albums if you are curious. My favourites are the title track, The 7th Day of July 1777, and A Mansion in Darkness.
THEM
Part 1 of a two part story concept, this one is amazingly good and easily one of my favourites. Many amazing riffs, and the plot is sick. Some of my favourite guitar work is on The Accusation Chair and "Twilight Symphony.
CONSPIRACY
Probably my favourite album. At The Graves is my favourite track, but Lies and Victimized are tied for a close second. The plot in this one is an amazing follow up to the story in Them.
THE EYE
One of my least favourites of the "classic" era, but the story is intense and full of information. Nuns make for a great story!
THE SPIDER'S LULLABYE
I hate spiders. Eastmann's Cure has some siiick guitar stuff on it. The plot in this one is easily a nightmare situation for me. ew bugs!!!!!!!!!!! no thank you...
THE GRAVEYARD
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VOODOO
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HOUSE OF GOD
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ABIGAIL II: THE REVENGE
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THE PUPPET MASTER
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GIVE ME YOUR SOUL... PLEASE
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