King Diamond (band)
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King Diamond is the band that King Diamond formed after the split up of Mercyful Fate, following the departure of Hank Sherman. He was joined by most members of the then defunct Mercyful Fate. Their style had lost most of its proto-black metal element and had more of a progressive edge. The Satanic focus was replaced by a focus on horror stories. Apart from two albums, each of the albums contained a story told throughout the songs; some stories span more than one album. Only Fatal Portrait and The Spider's Lullaby deviate here, in that only half of the songs form a story while the other songs are independent.
The band was first launched with the album Fatal Portrait, which featured the guitar talents of Andy LaRocque, who would become King Diamond's longest running collaborator. In 1987, the King Diamond band released Abigail, which is often considered his best solo work. The album tells the tale of an 18th century house that is inherited by a young couple who soon discover its dark secrets. Abigail was followed by Them and its sequel Conspiracy, which also told of a demon possessed house, this time maintained by a demented old woman who drinks tea made from human blood.
Following the departure of drummer Mikkey Dee (who would later join Motörhead), King Diamond released The Eye followed by The Spider's Lullabye and The Graveyard and Voodoo. Though these albums were well received, they were somewhat in the shadow of King's reunion with Mercyful Fate.
In 2000, King Diamond recorded a concept album solo entitled House of God concerning religious symbolism and emotional manipulation. In 2002, by popular request, was released, and though it was loved by critics and fans alike, alleged loss of profits due to file sharing kept the band from touring.
The issue of touring funds was solved for the 2003 release of The Puppet Master. Since the album was recorded largely at King's home in Texas, more money was left over for a tour. The tour was documented of the 2004 live album Deadly Lullabyes Live.
"The Puppet Master", which tells of human beings being converted into string operated dolls, received critical acclaim. In addition to guitar work by Andy LaRocque, the album features long time collaborator Hal Patino on bass and Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead on additional guitar. Also featured are drummer Matt Thompson and female singer Livia Zita.
Band members
Current members
- King Diamond - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Harpsichord (1985-)
- Andy LaRocque - Guitar, Keyboards (1985-)
- Mike Wead - Guitar (2000-)
- Hal Patino - Bass (1987-1989, 2000-)
- Matt Thompson - Drums (2000-)
Former members
- Floyd Konstantin - Guitar (1985)
- Michael Denner - Guitar (1985-1987)
- Mike Moon - Tour Guitarist (1987)
- Pete Blakk (Peter Jacobsson) - Guitar (1987-1990)
- Herb Simonsen - Guitar (1995-1998)
- Glen Drover - Guitar (1998-2000)
- Timi 'Grabber' Hansen - Bass (1985-1987)
- Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass (1990-1993)
- Chris Estes - Bass (1995-2000)
- David Harbour - Bass (2000)
- Mikkey Dee - Drums (1985-1989)
- Chris Whitemier - Drums (1988)
- Snowy Shaw - Drums (1989-1994)
- Darrin Anthony - Drums (1995-1997)
- John Luke Hébert - Drums (1997-2000)
- Roberto Falcao - Guest Keyboardist (1988-1990)
- Elias Holmlid - Tour Keyboardist (2001)
See also
External links
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