King Diamond was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 14th 1956. His real name is Kim Bendix Petersen. He was raised in the small town of Hvidovre, right outside of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. During his youth, he almost started a career as a professional soccer player. But at the age of 15, in 1971, he bought his first 2 records, and he was forever sold on music. Jimmy Page was an early idol, and made King want to pick up his first guitar. Other early influences includes Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Aunt Mary and Black Sabbath. He began his musical career in 1973 when he entered as a guitarist in a four-piece band called Brainstorm. It was with this band that he did his first concert, in 1976. The band members were all wearing make-up, inspired by Alice Cooper, and his "Welcome To My Nightmare" album and show. They also adopted stage names to go with their personas, and Kim quickly adopted his King Diamond name. King left Brainstorm in 1978, to join another band, named Black Rose. He was trying to become the bands singer and guitarist, but ended up just singing. At first they did covers only, but soon found themselves writing original material. It was during his stint with Black Rose that the persona of King Diamond really took shape. On stage antics, like ritually sacrifice this doll in a satanic manner, smearing himself in blood and throwing the guts in the audience, became his trademarks, and soon build up a reputation and rose controversy. But with controversy comes publicity, and with publicity comes fans. And Black Rose gained quite a reputation with their Alice Cooper-like shows. However internal problems appeared, and King left the band in 1980. He then joined the punk-band-gone-metal, Brats, already featuring Hank Sherman and Michael Denner. Brats had already signed a 3 record deal with CBS. But when King joined the band was given an ultimatum to abandon the punk sound altogether, and start writing only heavy metal instead. 9 songs were written and performed for the record company in 1981. But CBS didn't want a metal band, and asked the band to write something less heavy, or they would drop their contract with Brats. King and Hank refused, and 2 of the band members left the band as a result of loosing the deal with CBS. Hank, King and Denner went on to record a 3-track demo, featuring the songs "Death Kiss", "You Asked For It" and "Running Away". The new songs were even heavier, and the band decided to change their name. At first they thought of calling themselves Back To Hell. But their manager's girlfriend suggested Merciful Fate instead. The name was used, but changed to Mercyful Fate when the classic gothic lettered logo was created. After several demos, 1 EP and 2 albums, Mercyful Fate broke up in 1985, due to musical differences. King had already gathered members for a new band when he told of his departure from Mercyful Fate. So the band King Diamond was then born. This new band featured, besides King himself on vocals, guitarist Michael Denner, bassist Timi Hansen, Swedish ex-Geisha dummer, Mikkey Dee and guitarist Floyd Constantine (also from Geisha). The band then entered the Sound Track Studio in Copenhagen in July and August 1985 to record the first King Diamond album. However, on the first day of recording, Floyd was fired on the grounds of behavior, and overall not being good enough. He was replaced by the former guitarist of the EF Band, Anders Allhage, who quickly changed his name for Andy La Rocque. Andy previously was in a band with Mikkey, who suggested Andy to King. The first release of the King Diamond band that would be released was the single "No Presents For Christmas", which was released in the following December, right before Christmas.

FATAL PORTRAIT (1986) ROADRUNNER RECORDS

For some reason I postponed listening to this album for a very long time. I don't know why, but I expected a poorer album than King's other releases, simply because this was his debut. But I was very wrong in my assumptions. 'Fatal Portrait is his most straight forward metal platter, and a darn good one too! The Iron Maiden influence is very easy to hear, but the man's unique voice gives it a different sound altogether. I love the guitar-work on this album, there is just something about twin-guitars that appeals to me. Only the first 4 tracks, and "The Haunted" are part of the concept. This is one of only 2 King Diamond albums that are not full concept albums.

The story is about a crazy woman, named Mrs. Jane, who hides her daughter in the attic, until the daughter dies at age 4. She is convinced that if she paints a portrait of Molly (her daughter), she (the daughter) will become immortal. After Molly's death she speaks to Mrs. Jane through the portrait, telling her that she will torment her forever. Mrs. Jane tries to burn the portrait, while she is reading a book called 'The Book Of Jonah'. 7 years later King sees Molly's face in the flame of a candle. 'Jonah' is the only word she speaks, and King knows he has to read the book, to discover the key to Molly's return. King reads the verses from the book, and Molly return, and haunts her mother, until Mrs. Jane became insane.

Killer tracks: The Jonah, Dressed In White, Halloween, The Lake

"THEM" (1988, 1997) ROADRUNNER RECORDS

After the release of the 'Abigail' Michael Denner left the band, and in came Mike Moon who would be the second guitarist for the remainder of the following tour. But when it was time to record the bands third album Mike was replaced with Pete Black. Timi Hansen was still on board when pre-productions for the album were held, but left in time for the final recordings, after having though his replacement, Hal Patino, all the bass lines for the new album! '"Them"' was released via Roadrunner Records on July 18th, 1988.

'"Them"' is perhaps King Diamond's best known album, and it furthered the bands success. It was the first part in a 2 part concept, continued on the bands next studio album, 'Conspiracy', a year later. Although many fans claim that '"Them"' is not as strong as it's predecessor, it is still forged in the same mold. This is slightly complex metal, disguised under King's vocal antics. The story plays the main role here, as is the case with most concept albums. To me that has always been the Achilles' heel on such albums. I never really care too much for the story, but want to experience great music. Fortunately King Diamond delivers on all accounts. And why should they not? With Andy and Mikkey on board, you know the instruments are well take care of. Andy and King writes all the music, and they are both vital parts of the sound of the band. Andy brings the know-how and the class, while King brings the creepy vibe. The things he created with his voice are unmatched, and perhaps the only reason the stories works so well with the music. '"Them"' might not the bands most hailed album, in retrospect, but it is still a bonafide classic.

In 1997 Roadrunner Records released a remastered reissue of '"Them"'. It features 2 bonus tracks, both recorded at rehearsals for the album recording, without vocals. "Phone Call" does not appear on all versions of '"Them"', and is even listed as a bonus track here.

As the album opens, a young King and his mother and sister (Missy) are welcoming King's grandmother home. King and Missy are led to believe that she has been on a long vacation, but the truth is that she's been at a mental asylum. That night, King investigates strange voices and discovers his grandmother having a tea party alone, with the teacups and kettles floating in the air. King is promptly sent back to bed.

On another occasion, Grandma awakens King and tells him that she will teach him about "Amon", their house, over a cup of tea. Grandma cuts King's sleeping mother's hand and adds her blood to the teapot. The voices of the house ("Them") begin to affect King with a drug-like effect. Missy tries to convince King that they should do something to help their mother, who is unconscious under "their" power, but his judgment is clouded due to his altered state. He refuses to call for help and cuts the phone line. At tea, Missy interrupts and furiously expresses concern about her mother's state and breaks the teapot. "They", in response to the breaking of "their" teapot, chop Missy into bits with an axe and throw the remains into the fireplace in the kitchen. King is snapped out of his "spell," and he stumbles outside and pieces together the events that transpired.

After fainting and regaining consciousness, he decides to attack his grandmother. He notices that "their" power is weakened outside of the house, so he lures his grandmother outside and kills her. The voices of "Amon" continue to haunt the boy as he is questioned by police and incarcerated in an asylum. Years later, he is released and returns home to find his grandmother and the voices of "Amon" are still very much alive.

Killer tracks: Welcome Home, The Invisible Guests, Tea, Twilight Symphony

CONSPIRACY (1989, 1995) ROADRUNNER RECORDS

'Conspiracy' was the second chapter in the "Them" saga, released a year after '"Them"'. On first look the two albums doesn't appear to have anything in common, as 'Conspiracy' shows King's face on the cover, rather than the horror-movie-like covert art on '"Them"'.

But the concept story here is the continuation of the saga of King's experiences with "Them" and "Amon". The music is also the same horror-clad heavy metal. King Diamond had their own sound. They were basically a classic heavy metal band, with twin guitars and all. But they never overdid anything, besides the vocals. King's vocals take up so much of the listeners attention, making it easier to concentrate on the story, rather then the music. There is some great playing, even with some neo-classical undertones. But I think you have to listen closely to really comprehend what is going on musically, because most of the songs just flow by as though they are played with the greatest ease. Luckily the songwriting on 'Conspiracy' sports a lot of hooks, making this one of the most memorable albums from this band.

'Conspiracy' was the first King Diamond album I heard, and has remained a favorite of mine. King has several times tried to get someone to make a movie based on this story. But so far he hasn't been successful.

The story continues with King meeting "Them" and Missy's spirit at a graveyard. He promises to return "Amon" to "Them", if they give him back Missy. King is going to therapy at Dr. Landau's. He considers it now safe for his mother to start visiting him. The day before his mothers visit, his sister visits him in a dream. She shows him how Dr. Landau and his mother are getting married. The next day King refuses to let the doctor in, when he comes along with King's mother to visit. He rambles on about "Amon", "Them" and the return of Missy. His mother sticks him with a needle, leaving him helpless and unconscious. Dr. Landau and his mother asks a priest called Sammet about what to do with King. They all agree that King is either Satan himself, or a demon, and decide to cremate him. They throw his ashes in the same grave as his sister. The story ends with King cursing his mother from beyond the grave.

Killer tracks: At The Graves, Sleepless Nights, "Amon" Belongs To "Them", A Visit From The Dead

"THE EYE" (1990) ROADRUNNER RECORDS

This was King Diamond first disappointment, using the King Diamond name. The album didn't sell as good as the others, due to lack of marketing, and internal band problems. Another concept album of course.  The story isn't that good, and the same can be said about the music. But as a King Diamond fan, you always find something to enjoy.

It's about this magical necklace, called "The Eye". With it you have the powers of looking back in time. First we go back to France, during the days of which hunting. A which, Jeanne, is found guilty, and burned alive. During the execution, the necklace hits her in the eye, and gets it's powers. Two girls find it, but suffocates upon looking in to it. Then "The Eye" turns up in a convent in 1625 in Louviers, where a nun, Madeleine, finds it. She has just arrived to this convent after having been seduced by a priest. But also here in Louviers she is being seduced by another priest, called David. When she finds and puts on the necklace, David dies. A father Picard takes his place, and starts to victimize Madeleine and some other nuns. He establishes a sect, performing crucifixions and raping. He dies in 1642, and the rest of the sect, including Madeleine is arrested. She dies in jail 5 years later.

Killer tracks: The Trial, Meetings

THE SPIDER'S LULLABY (Limited Edition Digi-pack) (1995) MASSACRE

It's been 4 years and 2 line-up changes since King's last effort. The 3 new members were all brought in from the band Mindstorm. I've read so many bad reviews for this album, I wasn't very anxious to listen to it. But I was almost shocked to find out that one song after the other was to my pleasing. I cannot see what is so bad with this album. All of the tracks are great. I find many similarities to Alice Cooper's sound around his 'Welcome To My Nightmare' record. The guitar-work isn't quite as good as on previous King-albums, but Andy does shine on a solo or two here also. The album differs from most other King-albums in that only the last 4 of the 10 tracks are part of a concept. Maybe not the most thought through story by the king of shock-metal, but still one that isn't much more than a horror-story. Still, this has become one of my favorite King Diamond CD's.

It's about a man called Harry that suffers from extreme arachnophobia (fear of spiders). He goes to a Dr. Eastman, famous for curing this phobia at Devil Lake Sanitarium. There Harry gets' strapped to a bed in room number 17, and Dr. Eastman send in hordes of spiders to him. One of the spiders, a huge grey one, lay her eggs in Harry's neck. He dies the day after he gets home from the sanitarium. But at the morgue the baby spiders get hatched, making this a nest for thousands of venomous spiders.

Killer tracks: I like them all.

  VOODOO (1998) METAL BLADE

Toward the end of the last millennium, metal saw a comeback of sorts. And alongside the newer acts that were getting attention came also renewed interest in the older bands. King Diamond was one of those bands that during the grunge-craze of the early 90's were written off and almost forgotten, when in fact they were never gone. 'Voodoo' is in fact the bands 8th studio album, and the 4th one released during the 90's. All the elements of a King Diamond album are here. The creepy vibe, the eerie moods, the trademark haunting falsetto, the effective guitar melodies and the horror story.  There are many similarities to the old "Abigail" story here. And the music is also just as good as on many of the classic King Diamond albums.

The year is 1932. David Lafayette, his pregnant wife, Sarah, and her grandfather buy a mansion in Louisiana. The last owner was killed (by an evil doctor). This huge house ("LOA" House) is laying right next to a graveyard, and Lafayette soon discovers that it has been used as a ceremonial place for patricians of Voodoo. They make plans to destroy the place, but are hindered by Salem, the butler in the mansion. As it turns out, he is a devoted follower of the Voodoo cult. Salem tries to poison the entire family, and tells Sarah that they will die if they touch the graveyard. And when she doesn't believe him, he sends dead spirits into her. Her grandfather understands that she has become possessed, and contacts an old friend of his; father Malone, an exorcist. The exorcism is futile, and father Malone falls worn out and asleep in a chair. Sarah proceeds to hit him numerous times in the head with a voodoo cross. Her grandfather manages to stop her, and the police and ambulance arrives. The Lafayette's learn that Salem used to be the caretaker on the mansion, but died many years ago, and have since been buried in the graveyard next to the house. The family leaves both the mansion, and Louisiana, and the cemetery and mansion is laid void once more. After a while Sarah gives birth to a child that grows up speaking backwards.

King Diamond also appear on:  

V/A - 'Metal Power - Volume 1'

Griffin - 'Lifeforce' (also mixing and mastering)

Pagan's Mind - 'Infinity Divine' 2004