Countdown: King Diamond Albums from Worst to Best

The Best King Diamond Albums Ranked

A definitive guide to the legendary metal maestro's discography.

Table of Contents

• #12. The Spider's Lullabye (1995)
• #11. Give Me Your Soul... Please (2007)
• #10. The Graveyard (1996)
• #9. House of God (2000)
• #8. Voodoo (1998)
• #7. Abigail II: The Revenge (2002)
• #6. Fatal Portrait (1986)
• #5. The Puppet Master (2003)
• #4. The Eye (1990)
• #3. Conspiracy (1989)
• #2. Them (1988)
• #1. Abigail (1987)

Countdown: King Diamond Albums from Worst to Best

1. #12. The Spider's Lullabye (1995)

   Although containing gems like "Room 17," this album lacks the conceptual cohesion of King Diamond's finest works.

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2. #11. Give Me Your Soul... Please (2007)

   A solid effort, but the narrative feels less gripping compared to his earlier masterpieces.

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3. #10. The Graveyard (1996)

   A dark and twisted tale, though it doesn't reach the sonic heights of his best albums.

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4. #9. House of God (2000)

   An ambitious and haunting album with a unique storyline but inconsistent pacing.

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5. #8. Voodoo (1998)

   Exploring themes of Haitian voodoo, this album is atmospheric but lacks the punch of King Diamond's top-tier works.

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6. #7. Abigail II: The Revenge (2002)

   A sequel to the classic Abigail, it doesn't quite capture the original's magic but still delivers memorable moments.

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7. #6. Fatal Portrait (1986)

   King Diamond's debut solo album, featuring iconic tracks like "The Candle," showcases his early potential.

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8. #5. The Puppet Master (2003)

   A chilling concept album with strong storytelling and memorable tracks like "Blood to Walk."

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9. #4. The Eye (1990)

   Featuring a mix of history and horror, this album stands out for its unique narrative style.

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10. #2. Them (1988)

    A haunting tale of possession and paranoia, featuring standout tracks like "Welcome Home."

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11. #1. Abigail (1987)

    The quintessential King Diamond album, blending a gripping story with unforgettable metal anthems.

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Conclusion

King Diamond’s discography is a treasure trove for fans of storytelling and metal. Each album, whether it ranks high or low, contributes to the legacy of one of metal’s most innovative artists.

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© 2024 metalmayhemmedia. All Rights Reserved.

The Best King Diamond Albums Ranked

A definitive guide to the legendary metal maestro's discography.

Table of Contents

• The Worst Albums
• The Mid-Tier Albums
• The Top Albums
• Conclusion

The Worst Albums

Even King Diamond's "worst" albums showcase his unique heavy metal artistry. Albums like The Spider's Lullabye and Give Me Your Soul... Please have moments of brilliance but lack the cohesion of his best work.

The Mid-Tier Albums

Albums like The Graveyard and House of God fall into this category. While these works include standout tracks and memorable themes, they don’t quite achieve the same level of greatness as King Diamond’s finest moments.

The Top Albums

Here we reach the pinnacle of King Diamond’s discography. Abigail, Them, and Conspiracy represent the best of his career, blending haunting narratives with virtuoso musicianship and atmospheric production.

Conclusion

King Diamond’s discography is a treasure trove for fans of storytelling and metal. Each album, whether it ranks high or low, contributes to the legacy of one of metal’s most innovative artists.

© 2024 metalmayhemmedia. All Rights Reserved.

Album Review - Attic: Return of the Witchfinder

Album Review - GRAND MAGUS: Sunraven

GRAND MAGUS: Sunraven - Album Review

Exploring the epic heavy metal journey inspired by the legendary tale of Beowulf.

Overview

Label: Nuclear Blast

Track Listing

• 01. Skybound
• 02. The Wheel of Pain
• 03. Sunraven
• 04. Winter Storms
• 05. The Black Lake
• 06. Hour of the Wolf
• 07. Grendel
• 08. To Heorot
• 09. The End Belongs to You

Concept and Execution

Heavy metal has always excelled at tackling grand narratives, and GRAND MAGUS are no strangers to the genre’s foundational themes and musical roots. With their tenth studio album, Sunraven, the Swedish trio delivers a captivating interpretation of Beowulf, the timeless epic set in 5th-century pagan Scandinavia. Their rugged, resolute sound perfectly complements this legendary tale, with JB Christoffersson’s powerful and emotive vocals bringing the story to life. Even before pressing play, the album’s concept feels like a brilliant match for GRAND MAGUS’s Stockholm-forged heavy metal ethos.

Musical Highlights

From the outset, it’s clear how seamlessly GRAND MAGUS translates the heroics of Beowulf into their music. While Sunraven retains the band’s signature, bold-hearted old-school metal style, there’s an undeniable sense that this classic tale has elevated their songwriting to new heights. “Skybound” opens the album with a thunderous, unforgettable chorus that immediately grabs the listener, setting the tone for an epic journey. The standout track “Grendel” pays homage to its namesake monster, drawing inspiration from BLACK SABBATH’s Dio era while crafting something equally magical and potent. Among a collection of standout tracks, “Grendel” may well be the album’s most exuberantly primal moment.

These are some of the heaviest tracks GRAND MAGUS has released since Iron Will. “The Wheel of Pain” grinds forward with a bluesy swagger, anthemic melodies, and unapologetic power, evoking MANOWAR’s classic sound. The title track, “Sunraven,” bursts with muscular energy and noble sentiment, crowned by a frosty, unforgettable guitar solo. “The Black Lake” plunges into slow, doom-laden depths, while the closing track, “The End Belongs to You,” delivers a brooding, deliberate march brimming with melancholy and menace. However, it’s “Winter Storms” that stands out with its reflective, icy ambiance, balanced by a stirring, bombastic chorus—a career highlight for the band.

Conclusion

After a five-year hiatus, GRAND MAGUS return with an album that captures everything fans have come to love about their music. With the spirit of Beowulf guiding them, the band hurls itself toward Valhalla, wielding the essence of heavy metal like a well-honed blade. Sunraven is a triumphant, electrifying journey—a testament to the enduring power of their craft.

Album Review: Scald - Ancient Doom Metal

Scald: Ancient Doom Metal - A Legacy Reborn

Tracing the epic journey of the Russian doom metal pioneers.

The Origins of Scald

After decades of silence, Scald rises from the ashes to deliver Ancient Doom Metal, a thunderous proclamation of their enduring legacy. The Russian doom metal veterans, formed in 1993 and tragically silenced after the untimely death of vocalist Agyl in 1997, have returned to remind the world of their unparalleled mastery of epic, northern-inspired metal.

Formed in the latter half of 1993 in Yaroslavl, Russia, by bassist Velignor, Scald quickly carved out their place in the underground doom metal scene. Their first demo tape, North Winds, laid the groundwork for their reputation, but it was the 1997 cassette album Will Of Gods Is A Great Power that truly cemented their legacy. Tragically, just before the album's release, their charismatic vocalist Agyl passed away in a train accident on September 6th, 1997, leading to the band’s disbandment.

Resurgence and Revival

In 2021, 24 years after their dissolution, High Roller Records reissued the band’s seminal album under the title Will Of The Gods Is Great Power. The release introduced Scald to a new generation of fans and propelled their name to greater recognition in the doom metal community. Following a live appearance at Hammer Of Doom in 2019 and the release of a 7" single, There Flies Our Wail!, in 2021, Scald officially reformed with a refreshed lineup.

The New Chapter: Ancient Doom Metal

Album Review: Scald - Ancient Doom Metal

From the opening moments of the title track, "Ancient Doom Metal," the listener is transported to a realm where ancient Scandinavian and Slavic mythologies intertwine.

In their first studio album in decades, Ancient Doom Metal, Scald delivers a blend of mythological and mystical themes rooted in the ancient cultures of Scandinavia and Russia. The lineup includes four original members—Velignor (bass), Harald (guitars), Karry (guitars), and Ottar (drums and percussion)—along with Felipe Plaza Kutzbach on vocals, known for his work with Procession and Capilla Ardiente.

“Both albums are filled with the same atmosphere—that of the north, of ancient Scandinavia and Russia. … We tried to keep the epic vibe of northern cold vastness,” explains bassist Velignor.

Inspiration and Themes

Velignor drew lyrical inspiration from ancient Scandinavian, Slavic, and Finno-Ugric legends, influenced by Yaroslavl’s historical role as a cultural crossroads. These themes are woven into the album’s music, creating a deep connection between their original sound and the present day.

Highlights and Sonic Brilliance

The album’s tracks flow like a saga, with each song offering a unique chapter in Scald’s tale:

"Young God Resurrected" bursts with dynamic riffs and anthemic melodies, exemplifying the band's renewed vigor. "The Master of the Lake" showcases intricate guitar work, echoing the progressive complexity of legends like Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus. "Far Northern Corner" is a haunting ballad, weaving Felipe's powerful vocals with somber, melodic instrumentation. "The Liberating Spells of Fire" stands out as an epic centerpiece, with layers of instrumentation that build to a cathartic crescendo.

Track Highlights

• Ancient Doom Metal
• Young God Resurrected
• The Master of the Lake
• Far Northern Corner
• ALU (My Protection)
• The Liberating Spells of Fire
• The Enemy Among Us (Bonus Track)

Conclusion

Ancient Doom Metal is a triumphant return for Scald, blending their original spirit with modern musicianship. Their ability to capture the essence of mythology and northern mysticism ensures their place as legends in the doom metal genre. This album is a testament to persistence, passion, and the enduring power of epic music.

Album Review: Athena XIX - Everflow Part 1: Frames Of Humanity

Exploring the triumphant return of the Italian prog metal pioneers.

Track Listing

1. Frames Of Humanity
2. Legacy Of The World
3. The Day We Obscured The Sun
4. The Seed
5. I Wish
6. The Calm Before The Storm
7. What You Most Desire
8. The Conscience Of Everything
9. Where Innocence Disappears
10. Idle Mind
11. Synchrolife
12. Inception
13. The Departure

A Long-Awaited Comeback

Originally formed more than 30 years ago in Pisa, Italy, Athena XIX (initially known simply as Athena) were the creative starting point for Fabio Lione, one of the most respected power metal vocalists of all time. Best known for tenures in Angra and Rhapsody, Lione has rarely had enough time to revisit his former band, but the stars have aligned for the Italians to reconvene. Everflow Part 1: Frames Of Humanity delivers their first new music since 2001's Twilight Of Days, and for fans of traditional prog metal, this is excellent news.

A Sonic Evolution

Athena XIX's early records are highly rated among prog metal enthusiasts, but the key to appreciating this return lies in the evolution of their sound. While their 1995 debut Inside, The Moon was strong, production values back then were limited for underground bands. Now, Everflow Part 1 sounds colossal, sophisticated, and contemporary. The songs retain their compositional intricacy but have undergone a wholesale sonic update, making them both monstrous and forward-thinking.

Highlights and Standout Tracks

Some of the finest songs succeed through sheer melodic strength. The opening title track, the heartfelt "The Day We Obscured The Sun," and the darkly captivating "What You Most Desire" are instant gems, showcasing heroic vocals from Lione and intricate riffing. Tracks like "Idle Mind" and "Synchrolife" are thrilling, with countless twists, futuristic elements, and breathtaking guitar work by Simone Pellegrini. The showstopper "I Wish" features guest vocals from Roy Khan, dazzling keyboard work by Gabriele Guidi, and an emotionally charged chorus that leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

It took Athena XIX a long time to return, but Everflow Part 1: Frames Of Humanity proves that persistence pays off. This is a remarkable comeback, blending traditional and modern prog metal elements into an expansive, conceptually rich record. It's a triumphant second chapter for the band and a must-listen for prog metal enthusiasts.

© 2024 Prog Metal Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Album Review: Unto Others - Never, Neverland

A Band for All Tastes

Unto Others is an exceptional band that appeals to a wide variety of music fans. While they have a strong metal foundation, with distorted guitars, high-speed riffs, and a touch of attitude, they also cater to those who enjoy gothic and pop elements. As a fan of bands like Sisters of Mercy, Tribulation, Love and Rockets, and Type O Negative, I've been following this group since their early days when they were known as Idle Hands. Their previous albums, Mana and Strength, were intriguing, but their latest release, Never, Neverland, is their best work yet.

Collaborative Evolution

For this record, the band took a more collaborative approach, with lead vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Franco relinquishing some of the creative control. Additionally, bassist Brandon Hill provides backup vocals for the first time. Franco describes this newest album as "the best thing we've ever done," and it's easy to see why. The album showcases a remarkable evolution in a short period.

Diverse and Dynamic Tracks

The album features a diverse range of tracks. "Momma Likes the Door Closed" is a hard-hitting rocker with massive riffs, powerful percussion, and a West Hollywood-style snarl, reminiscent of Misfits and Danzig. The band also demonstrates their ability to slow things down and strip it back, as heard in the ballad-like "Angel of the Night" and the slightly pop-inspired "Suicide Today," as well as the more upbeat "Sunshine," which invites the listener to sing along.

"Butterfly" is a standout track, not only as an 80s goth homage but also as an original, well-crafted piece that showcases the band's musical prowess and brevity. The album also features other impressive tracks, such as the bouncy "When the Kids Get Caught," the thrash-infused "Flatline," and the laid-back, darkly beautiful "Cold World." The guitar solo in "Raigeki" is particularly memorable and novel.

A No-Filler Masterpiece

With an impressive 16 tracks, Never, Neverland is devoid of any filler, as each song is remarkably impressive. Unto Others has consistently generated buzz since their early days, and this album proves that the hype is well-deserved. Hailing from Portland, the band is delivering some of the best music to come out of the city since Agalloch.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a heavy, intense listening experience or a more mellow, contemplative one, Never, Neverland has something to offer. It's the perfect album for the Halloween season and one of the greatest releases of 2024.

© 2024 Jeff Podoshen. All Rights Reserved.

Album Review: TRIBULATION Sub Rosa In Æternum

Tribulation: Evolution of a Metal Icon

Exploring the groundbreaking journey of Sweden's genre-defying metal band.

From Death to Goth: A Brief History

Tribulation is a band known for their constant evolution and growth with each new release. Formed in 2005 in Arvika, Sweden, they started as a traditional death metal band with elements of black and goth metal. Their early albums like 2009's The Horror and 2013's The Formulas of Death displayed their technical death metal prowess, with fast-paced riffs and solos reminiscent of Carcass.

The Turning Point

However, a significant shift occurred with 2015's Children of the Night, where Tribulation embraced a more goth-oriented sound, moving away from their death metal roots. This well-received album showcased their ability to cater to fans of various metal subgenres, from goth to traditional to thrash and black metal.

Embracing the Gothic

The band continued down this sonic path with their subsequent releases, Down Below (2018) and Where the Gloom Becomes the Sound (2021), both of which were highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike. Now, with their latest offering, Sub Rosa In Æternum (2024), Tribulation has taken an even further step towards a full-on goth sound, though not completely abandoning their past.

Sub Rosa In Æternum: A Review

The reviewer notes that the vocals by Johannes Andersson have evolved, with the majority of the vocals on this album being clean, dark, and baritone, reminiscent of the iconic 80s goth bands. Tracks like "Murder in Red," "Poison Pages," and "Hungry Waters" exemplify this new direction, incorporating industrial influences and a melancholic, gloomy atmosphere.

However, the band hasn't completely left their death metal roots behind. Songs like "The Vivid Ore" still feature the band's signature growls, while "Saturn Coming Down" blends clean vocals with the band's trademark sound. The reviewer particularly highlights the catchy chorus of "Tainted Skies," which seamlessly blends doom, gloom, and post-punk elements.

Conclusion

Overall, the reviewer is incredibly impressed with Tribulation's latest reinvention, stating that this is one of the most exciting and original bands in metal, capable of pulling off a transformation that few others could dream of. The album is deemed a must-buy on the first day of release.

© 2024 Heavy Metal Insights. All Rights Reserved.

Album Review: BLOOD INCANTATION - Absolute Elsewhere

Blood Incantation, a renowned death metal band, has once again redefined the genre by intertwining their signature sound with a spellbinding blend of dark science fiction and progressive elements. Their latest album, Absolute Elsewhere, is a testament to their relentless drive to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

The album’s structure, drawing inspiration from an obscure prog collective, offers Blood Incantation a vast canvas to craft their cosmic odyssey. Tracks like "The Stargate" embark on a journey through "Tablets" and chapters, immersing listeners in realms of cosmological horror. The album’s opener features a mesmerizing fusion of lush synths and jazzy percussion, showcasing the band's commitment to integrating non-death metal elements as essential components rather than mere embellishments.

As the album unfolds, the death metal roots remain fierce, with relentless blast beats and chaotic dissonance enhancing the more ambient, progressive passages. Songs like "Tablet II" and "Tablet III" demonstrate the band’s remarkable ability to balance chaos and refinement, seamlessly blending Middle-Eastern folk influences with space-rock cadences while retaining their characteristic intensity.

The second half, aptly titled "The Message", further cements Blood Incantation’s genre-defying prowess. The first "Tablet" juxtaposes primal riffing and blistering blast beats with shimmering clean guitar licks, while the subsequent chapter nods to the cinematic grandeur of King Crimson’s intricate compositions. The final "Tablet" is a masterclass in versatility, shifting from classic speed metal to harmonious flute-laden interludes, all without losing the album’s overarching death doom and orchestral themes.

Absolute Elsewhere stands as Blood Incantation’s most ambitious and accomplished project to date. By blending their trademark brutality with progressive structures and cosmic storytelling, the band delivers an album that is both sonically captivating and intellectually stimulating. For fans of death metal and progressive rock alike, this record is a must-listen and a clear statement of Blood Incantation’s innovative legacy.

Written by Metal Mayhem Media

Celebrating Behemoth’s Legacy: "XXX Years Ov Blasphemy"

Dive into the intense and enigmatic universe of Behemoth with their landmark compilation, XXX Years Ov Blasphemy. This release is a comprehensive journey through the iconic Polish blackened death metal band's 30-year reign, featuring their most impactful and celebrated tracks.

Behemoth's legendary status in extreme metal is well-earned. While their roots are deeply influenced by black metal pioneers like Mayhem, Abbath, and Immortal, Behemoth has always forged their own path, blending black and death metal in a way that defies conventional boundaries. Their relentless drive and refusal to conform have solidified their place among the genre's titans.

The band's resilience is an inspiring tale. Despite formidable challenges, including frontman Nergal’s battle with leukemia, Behemoth emerged stronger, with an unyielding dedication to their craft. This indomitable spirit is evident in every note of XXX Years Ov Blasphemy, showcasing the band's evolution from raw beginnings to innovative, genre-defying compositions.

The album unfolds in three distinct acts, each chronicling a different chapter in Behemoth's history. From the primal ferocity of their early work to their ambitious, experimental phases, the energy and intensity are ever-present. The live recordings highlight Behemoth’s powerful stage presence, blending elaborate visuals and flawless performances that rival their studio work. Listening feels like being immersed in the chaos of a live show, with the crowd's energy and Behemoth's fiery performance palpable in every track.

Infused with themes from Nordic and Slavic folklore, as well as unapologetic references to Satanism, Behemoth's artistry is both provocative and profound. XXX Years Ov Blasphemy is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the band's unwavering mission to push boundaries and craft unforgettable metal. A must-have for long-time fans and a compelling introduction for newcomers, this compilation captures the essence of Behemoth's groundbreaking legacy.

Written by Metal Mayhem Media