Back again, after a month! Going to shake things up this time around and talk about some records that are well known if you are a die hard Metal fan, but something a little left of center for the casual fan. I've been spinning alot of classic music lately, and Mercyful Fate's 1983 album, Melissa, has been getting alot of play. This album was the followup to the brilliant Mercyful Fate EP, that was not released in North America. That EP I have since discovered, and it is worthy of a blog on its own!
My intro to MF was through a comp called Metal For Breakfast. It was a Canadian album taht had alot of the popular Metal bands from the day. It contained the tune Black Funeral. At the time I thought the music was cool, but wasn't too sure about the vocal. It sounded like Judas Priest, but the singer kept going into this falsetto register I wasn't used to. Years later I got it, and began to understand the majesty of King Diamond and the mighty Mercyful Fate. Did I mention they are from Denmark?
This was a band ahead of it's time. Judas Priest was the obvious stepping stone, but the evil lyrics and atmosphere put it to another level. I have always been a huge fan of a band with an image...and that sealed it for me! LOL Huge guitars, interesting arrangements, a true Metal classic. This album, and it's classic follow up Don't Break The Oath were responsible for the sound of many big bands...Metallica...Megadeth...Slayer.
The record kicks off with one of the greatest Metal tunes ever in the song Evil. It continues from there. Curse Of The Pharaohs, Into The Coven...more metal glory...then wrapping up with the epic Satan's Fall and the classic title track.
For some, this record could be an aquired taste, but once you get it, you get it. The band split for a short time in the 80's, and King Diamond resurrected the name MF with different players, as well as continuing with his solo project. For me, and many others, it is about the EP, and the first two LP's that we hold dear. Here is a clip of Evil performed live in 1983! I'll be back soon with another lost classic. Until then, Keep The Faith!
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