Mercyful Fate Albums Ranked
Mercyful Fate is a Danish heavy metal band from Copenhagen, formed in 1981 by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. Influenced by progressive rock and hard rock, and with lyrics dealing with Satan and the occult, Mercyful Fate was part of the first wave of black metal in the early to mid-1980s. Many of the bands from this movement went on to influence later black metal musicians in the 1990s, particularly in Norway. Since the band’s inception in 1981, Mercyful Fate has released seven studio albums, two extended plays, and four compilations. Here are all of the Mercyful Fate albums ranked.
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6. Time (1994)
“The first thing that blows me away about this release is the stellar musicianship. Mercyful Fate have have never been slouches when it comes to performing, but I feel this is one of their finest moments. Secondly, it’s insanely catchy (‘Nightmare Be Thy Name’, ‘Angel Of Light’, ‘Time’, ‘Lady In Black’, and ‘The Afterlife’ are songs that will more than likely be stuck in your head for some time). Third, I love the variation of themes present. Of course, with it being a heavy metal album by a band that helped spawn the genre of Black Metal, it’s often you’ll find generally dark themes, but Fate find a way to make it seem fresh (for example, the next-to-last track ‘The Afterlife’ is ALMOST humorous in its insight into the thoughts of an individual recently deceased).”
5. Into The Unknown (1996)
“Despite being largely forgotten by today’s listeners, Into The Unknown is far from a bad album. Everything that fans want from a Mercyful Fate album is present and accounted for. There is the legendary dual guitar attack of Michael Denner and Hank Shermann, some of which are just as good as the bands heyday if I do say so. There is also some excellent rhythm and bass work from Bjarne T. Holm and Sharlee D’Angelo respectively.”
4. In The Shadows (1993)
“The music was once again to be top notch, and the Satanic lyrics were toned down to much easier to swallow Gothic Horror lyrics. ‘Egypt’ is a great opener, and shows us that the magic is back! ‘Bell Witch’ is a haunting song that is based on something that really happened. ‘Old Oak’ keeps with the strength of the record. ‘Shadows’ and ‘Gruesome Time’ are a bit softer, but they are still haunting and well done.”
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3. Mercyful Fate (1982)
“The songs are more intricate than catchy, then in the second song he sings a line irresistibly melodious, “That’s what you are, you’re”. Also great “No way to survive this evil night, if the dead won’t leave you alone”. But the “Nuns have no fun” and “Doomed by the living dead” still have lines that sound even more evil. Probably so bad you shouldn’t be listed here.”
2. Melissa (1983)
“Melissa stood out during heavy metal’s most prolific period and established Mercyful Fate as some of the most cutting edge music on the scene. The album still holds up to this day, influencing musicians and recruiting listeners to the legions of satan!”
1. Don’t Break The Oath (1984)
“This album is just loaded with Satanic lyrics which I don’t even take seriously at all, but they will offend some, and of course the musicianship on here is just flat out amazing. This album was also my first listening experience of MF frontman the one and only King Diamond. This guy has without a doubt one of the most insane yet powerful set of vocals in metal, and on here he showcases his incredible vocal range with sheer power and intensity. His eerie falsetto like screams will just scare the crap out of any emo/screamo kid and even trick or treaters on halloween night.”