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Enter the macabre and theatrical realm of King Diamond, the enigmatic Danish heavy metal vocalist whose unparalleled falsetto screams, chilling conceptual narratives, and elaborate stage persona have made him a true legend in metal music. Born Kim Bendix Petersen in Copenhagen in 1956, King Diamond’s career has been a relentless pursuit of the dark and dramatic, both with his seminal band Mercyful Fate and his equally renowned solo project.
King Diamond’s musical journey began in the mid-1970s with bands like Brainstorm and Black Rose, where he started experimenting with horror themes and developing his distinctive, malevolent stage persona and trademark face paint. However, his true impact on metal history began with the formation of Mercyful Fate in 1981. With their raw blend of traditional heavy metal and nascent black metal elements, Mercyful Fate became highly influential, with albums like “Melissa” (1983) and “Don’t Break the Oath” (1984) inspiring countless bands, including even thrash giants like Metallica (whose members were noted fans and collaborators). An interesting fact is that King Diamond himself influenced Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, also from Denmark, showing the close-knit nature of the early metal scene.
In 1985, due to musical differences within Mercyful Fate (King Diamond desired more complex, story-driven music), he embarked on a solo career under his stage name, forming the band King Diamond. He brought with him Mercyful Fate bandmates Michael Denner and Timi Hansen, along with guitarist Andy LaRocque and drummer Mikkey Dee (later of Motörhead). This new venture immediately delved into the full-fledged horror concept album format that would become his hallmark.
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King Diamond’s live performances are renowned for their elaborate theatricality. He incorporates props (including a microphone stand made from a femur bone), costume changes, and actors to bring his sinister stories to life on stage, offering a truly immersive experience for gig-goers. An interesting, albeit macabre, fact is that for years he used a real human skull, named Melissa, as a prop on stage, which was unfortunately stolen after a performance in the Netherlands in the mid-1980s.
The current touring lineup of King Diamond features the inimitable King Diamond on vocals, the consistently brilliant Andy LaRocque on guitar, Mike Wead on guitar, Pontus Egberg on bass, and Matt Thompson on drums. This stable lineup has been integral to the band’s powerful live presence since the early 2000s. King Diamond himself has openly spoken about his personal journey, including undergoing triple-bypass heart surgery in 2010, after which he made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking entirely. His successful recovery and continued touring are a testament to his resilience and dedication.