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Mercyful Fate, the esteemed ensemble of heavy metal, resurges in South America with significant fervor after a hiatus extending over two decades. Poised to headline the much-anticipated Summer Breeze Festival in Brazil, slated for the 26th through the 28th of April, this Danish contingent, under the stewardship of King Diamond, is committed to unleashing their musical ferocity at the Memorial Da América Latina in São Paulo. Aficionados of vintage heavy metal are afforded a singular opportunity to witness the reemergence of this iconic group in a spectacle promised to be unparalleled.
The Summer Breeze Brazil event, however, does not solely spotlight Mercyful Fate. An impressive roster accompanies, featuring luminaries such as Within Temptation, Anthrax, Epica, Mr. Big, Hammerfall, Carcass, Exodus, Overkill, Biohazard, Gamma Ray, Angra, Amorphis, Death Angel, and Dark Tranquillity, among other stalwarts of the metal genre. Attendees are beckoned to experience three days of unmatched musical intensity in São Paulo’s heart.
Mercyful Fate, a Danish heavy metal band formed in Copenhagen in 1981 by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann, has etched an indelible mark on the heavy metal landscape. Their sonic architecture, enriched by progressive and challenging rock influences, was distinguished by lyrics that navigated the realms of LaVeyan Satanism—often employing Christian themes with a blend of irony and sardonic wit—and the occult. This thematic and musical concoction positioned Mercyful Fate at the vanguard of the first wave of black metal during the early to mid-1980s, alongside contemporaries such as Venom and Bathory. The band’s influence extended across a spectrum of heavy metal subgenres, notably inspiring thrash metal, death metal, and the Norwegian black metal scene.
Over the years, Mercyful Fate released a commendable discography comprising seven studio albums, two extended plays, and four compilations. The band’s formation followed the dissolution of Brats, a punk/metal outfit that included future members King Diamond and guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner. Transitioning from Brats, whose material the record label CBS found unsatisfactory for its heavy direction and use of English lyrics, Diamond and Shermann embarked on the Mercyful Fate project. Their self-titled EP in 1982 and subsequent albums, ‘Melissa’ (1983) and ‘Don’t Break the Oath’ (1984), not only solidified their standing within the European heavy metal circuit but also courted controversy for their unabashed embrace of satanic imagery. Particularly, the song ‘Into the Coven’ from ‘Melissa’ later became infamous for its inclusion in the PMRC’s ‘Filthy Fifteen’ list, spotlighting songs with objectionable content.
The band’s journey was not without its vicissitudes. In 1985, Mercyful Fate disbanded due to musical differences, notably Hank Shermann’s push towards a more commercial sound, which King Diamond resisted. This dissolution led to various musical ventures for the members, including the formation of the King Diamond band and other projects like Fate and Lavina. However, the call of Mercyful Fate proved irrefutable, leading to a reunion in 1992 and the release of ‘In the Shadows’ in 1993, marking the beginning of a series of albums that would further cement their legacy in the metal genre.
This period of activity was punctuated by lineup changes and a hiatus starting in 1999, during which members engaged in separate projects. Notably, King Diamond maintained a successful solo career, and Hank Shermann and other members formed Force of Evil. The band’s influence, however, remained undimmed, as evidenced by their inclusion in the video game ‘Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock’ (2008) and a notable onstage reunion during Metallica’s 30th Anniversary concert in 2011.
Mercyful Fate announced a full-time reunion in 2019, signaling a new chapter with plans for touring and a forthcoming album, their first since ‘9’ in 1999. This rejuvenation has also seen lineup adjustments, including the recent departure of bassist Joey Vera. A replacement bassist has yet to be announced. Despite these changes and the evolving heavy metal landscape, Mercyful Fate’s commitment to producing new material remains strong. Fans eagerly await their next studio album, though its release might follow King Diamond’s focus on his solo project.
At the heart of Mercyful Fate’s legacy is their pioneering role in developing extreme metal. Their 1983 debut album, ‘Melissa,’ and its 1984 successor, ‘Don’t Break the Oath,’ are frequently cited as foundational works that significantly contributed to the evolution of black metal and the broader extreme metal landscape. These albums, marked by complex guitar harmonies, King Diamond’s operatic vocals, and a lyrical fascination with satanic and occult themes, offered a distinct and influential sound compared to the more straightforward rock and heavy metal prevalent at the time.
Mercyful Fate’s influence extended to the Scandinavian black metal scene of the early 1990s, known for its raw sound, anti-Christian themes, and controversial acts. Bands like Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Emperor drew inspiration from Mercyful Fate’s dark and occult themes, incorporating them into their own identities. While Mercyful Fate’s sound was not as raw as core black metal, their complex guitar work and atmospheric elements laid some groundwork for Scandinavian black metal’s dissonant chords and soundscapes. For instance, Emperor guitarist Ihsahn has acknowledged Mercyful Fate’s influence on their use of melodic leads.
Beyond black metal, Mercyful Fate’s reach can be discerned in the thrash metal genre, with titans like Metallica and Slayer citing them as a significant influence. Metallica, in particular, has paid homage to Mercyful Fate several times, most notably with their medley ‘Mercyful Fate’ featured on the ‘Garage Inc.’ album. This medley is a testament to the enduring respect and admiration Metallica holds for their Danish predecessors. Thrash metal’s emphasis on technical guitar work and complex song structures draws inspiration from the pioneering efforts of Mercyful Fate. Slayer guitarist Kerry King has also acknowledged Mercyful Fate’s influence on their songwriting.
Mercyful Fate’s influence extends beyond extreme metal. While their impact on progressive metal is less clear-cut than thrash and black metal, their dark and complex themes and intricate arrangements might have resonated with artists exploring similar territory in their music.
The band’s first official release was the self-titled ‘Mercyful Fate’ EP, featuring the song ‘Nuns Have No Fun,’ released on November 8th, 1982, through Rave-On Records. This EP quickly established the band’s thematic and musical direction, combining heavy metal with lyrical content that was controversial at the time.
After the EP, Mercyful Fate released their debut studio album, ‘Melissa,’ through Roadrunner Records on October 30th, 1983. ‘Melissa’ is often cited as a classic in the heavy metal genre, introducing a more polished and ambitious sound. The album’s storytelling and musicianship significantly impacted the development of black metal and the broader heavy metal scene.
Their second album, ‘Don’t Break the Oath,’ was released on September 7th, 1984, also through Roadrunner Records. This album continued the band’s exploration of satanic themes and was instrumental in solidifying Mercyful Fate’s influence on the emerging black metal genre. Both ‘Melissa’ and ‘Don’t Break the Oath’ are considered cornerstones of heavy metal music, notable for their complex compositions and lyrical depth.
After a hiatus and the members’ involvement in various projects, Mercyful Fate reunited and released ‘In the Shadows’ on June 22nd, 1993, through Metal Blade Records. This album marked their return with a distinct sound, often described as more mature compared to their earlier works. ‘In the Shadows’ was well-received by fans and critics alike, demonstrating the band’s lasting impact on the metal genre.
‘Time,’ their next album, was released via Metal Blade Records on October 25th, 1994. Continuing the trend of concept albums, ‘Time’ explored more introspective themes while maintaining the band’s signature sound.
‘Into the Unknown,’ released on August 20th, 1996, found Mercyful Fate incorporating new elements into their sound while staying true to their established themes. This album further cemented their reputation for pushing the boundaries of heavy metal music.
‘Dead Again,’ released on June 9th, 1998, and ‘9,’ released on June 15th, 1999, both through Metal Blade Records, continued Mercyful Fate’s exploration of heavy metal. These albums showcased the band’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their core elements, such as King Diamond’s operatic vocals, complex guitar work, and dark lyrical themes.
Mercyful Fate’s discography throughout their career reflects a commitment to thematic consistency, musical evolution, and influence on the heavy metal genre. Their releases, marked by specific dates and associated with notable record labels, document the band’s journey from their early days to their status as metal icons. The chronological sequence of their discography not only underscores the band’s musical and thematic development but also highlights their enduring legacy in the world of heavy metal.
In a revelatory discussion with Sam Acevedo of El Planeta Del Rock, the legendary Danish vocalist King Diamond disclosed forthcoming recording and touring endeavors for both King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. He elucidated, “We were not supposed to play any shows this year. We are very busy. Both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond are writing new material. King Diamond is also preparing production for the upcoming new album’s release and tour. The first tour, hopefully, will happen — they are planning it right now — in the U.S. at the end of the year with the brand new album.”
King further elaborated on the nascent Mercyful Fate material, including the track ‘The Jackal Of Salzburg,’ inspired by the Zaubererjackl trials, a grim chapter from Salzburg, Austria’s history. King’s engagement in the recording process, particularly his work on ‘The Jackal Of Salzburg’ and another piece titled ‘Sacrifice,’ was highlighted alongside the innovative bass recording approach envisioned for Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. This approach aims to afford the bassist, now Becky Baldwin, the latitude to infuse distinctive flair into the compositions, echoing the ingenuity reminiscent of Uriah Heep and the band’s former collaboration with Timi Hansen.
The impending King Diamond album, ‘The Institute,’ is a horror concept story spanning two LPs, marking the band’s first studio release in seventeenth years, with anticipations set for a late 2024 release through Metal Blade Records. King Diamond’s meticulous involvement in the creation and arrangement of songs for ‘The Institute’ underscores a profound dedication to reviving the thematic and vocal styles characteristic of their earlier work.
Becky Baldwin’s ascension to Mercyful Fate as a permanent member follows Joey Vera’s departure, marking a new chapter for the band. Baldwin’s participation in the forthcoming album and her reception by the fanbase underscore the seamless transition and the collective enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Mercyful Fate’s lineup adjustment and the strategic planning for new releases and tours reflect a robust continuum of creative evolution and a reinvigorated commitment to delivering monumental heavy metal experiences.
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