Formed: 1985
From:
Copenhagen,
Denmark
Last Known Status: Active
Latest King Diamond News
Below is our complete King Diamond news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Report
King Diamond Dazzled Mystic Festival On Day Two
All morning long, I was fighting exhaustion from the marathon of bands I covered yesterday. The upside was that I knew that it was going to be a lighter load today in regard to the number bands I wanted to check out. The rain forecast appeared to be hit or miss during the festival hours, so that was another bonus. The first band that I was going to see wouldn’t take place until early evening so that freed up my afternoon to wander the Motlawa riverbanks that serpentine through the middle of Gdansk.
Last year, there was a lot of construction on the banks of the river, limiting how far you could walk, but now it was finished and that made it possible to see more of the sights. I’m not going to give you breakdown of the shops, restaurants, etc. because this report is about Mystic Festival itself. However, if you ever think of attending Mystic Festival you should know that Gdansk is a really picturesque city and that’s a bonus if you decide to go to this underrated festival. There’s more to do and look at other than just tents and trees.
I arrived at the festival grounds a few minutes before the first band of the day, Hatebreed. Love them or hate them, they’ve been around for several decade. They must be doing something right eh? With the intro music of Quiet Riot’s “Bang Your Head” blaring from the PA, I looked around and saw an excited crowd patiently waiting for the metalcore legends to take the stage. After the show started, the crowd was vocal every time Jamey Jasta walked to the front of the stage waved his arms towards the crowd. I think he’s more popular here in Gdansk than the local resident, Nergal from Behemoth. I’m serious!
This was my first ever Hatebreed show so I was pleasantly surprised that there were some pyrotechnics involved. Fire is always a bonus! I recognized some of the songs in their set, mainly “I Will Be Heard” and “Perseverance.” I felt complete after hearing those songs and was now headed to see another 90’s band that is still going strong today, Opeth.
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Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed
I saw Opeth a couple of years ago here at Mystic Festival and I wondered what the big deal was about this band. Like In Flames, this is one of those bands that started out really heavy and became more mainstream over time. I wasn’t a fan of them at the peak of their popularity and nothing’s changed since then. They’re super talented but the music and live show does nothing for me and this is the last time I’ll ever report on them. I can only report that they had some cool stage props to look at.
Opeth playing “§1”
The next band on my list could care less about what anyone thinks about them. It’s a DGAF attitude and it’s what makes Eyehategod such a fun band to see live. They secrete that N.O.L.A. trademark sludgy sound on every stage they infect. After what seemed like 5 minutes of screeching feedback, they erupted into “Agitation! Propaganda!” and never looked back throughout the remainder of their set.
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Mike Williams of Eyehategod More...
Changeling Premiere New Single & Music Video
Progressive death metal outfit Changeling is set to unleash its self-titled debut album on April 25th via Season Of Mist. Spearheaded by Tom “Fountainhead” Geldschläger (ex-Obscura), the band's formidable lineup also includes drummer Mike Heller (ex-Fear Factory), bassist Arran McSporran (Vipassi, Virvum), and vocalist Morean (Alkaloid, etc.).
The first taste of the album arrives with a newly released music video for the lead single, "Abyss," which is now streaming below.
Adding to the album's ambitious scope, a diverse cast of guest musicians contributed to this conceptual effort, with the following names among those featured: More...
King Diamond Premieres New Single & Music Video
Heavy metal icon King Diamond has unveiled the music video for his latest single, “Spider Lilly.” The track features backing vocals from Myrkur, who joined King Diamond on tour this past fall. Directed by David Brodsky (known for his work with Cattle Decapitation and Entheos), the video captures a chilling atmosphere.
Parts of the video were filmed at the Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA, during the band’s fall tour.
Reflecting on the experience, King Diamond shared his thoughts about the shoot, which occurred just two days before Halloween: More...
The King Will Be At Mystic Festival In 2025!
There is only one King - and he is heading to Gdansk. In June, King Diamond will be one of the headliners of Mystic Festival. It’s going to be a sleepless night.
Surely you remember King Diamond's fantastic performance at Mystic Festival 2019 in Krakow - who wouldn't accept an invitation to his world of nightmares? Also still vivid is the memory of the triumphant sabbath hosted for us by Mercyful Fate in 2022, already in the Shipyard.
We have scheduled our next dangerous meeting with King Diamond for next June. This news is double exciting, as the artist has unveiled two new songs - Spider Lilly and Electro Therapy - on his ongoing US tour, bearing the banner of Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920. The songs herald the double album The Institute, King Diamond's first studio material in 18 years. More...
Forbes Ranks "The 38 Greatest Metal Bands"
In an unexpected move, Forbes recently compiled a list of heavy metal bands they believe have had the “most significant impact on the metal genre”, factoring in the genre's overall history. Known more for their focus on business and finance, Forbes’ entry into heavy metal ranking has sparked conversation, especially due to some controversial choices in the lineup.
If you're curious and have some time, you can check out their full explanations over at forbes.com. For a quick glance at their picks, here's the list: More...
King Diamond Premieres New Music Video
King Diamond has just released a music video for his 2019 single, "Masquerade Of Madness." Additionally, a new 12'' vinyl pressing of the single has been announced and is scheduled for release on February 23rd via Metal Blade Records. This vinyl release will not only include the title track but also live renditions of "Welcome Home" and "Arrival." These live versions were recorded during a performance at the 2019 ‘Graspop Metal Meeting‘ in Dessel, Belgium.
Headline News
Dethklok Premiere First New Song In Almost 10 Yrs.
Mark your calendars for August 22nd as the highly anticipated animated film, 'Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar,' is set to be released. This feature-length spinoff, written and directed by 'Metalocalypse' co-creator Brendon Small, will be available in digital and Blu-ray formats.
The song "Aortic Desecration" from "Dethalbum IV" has been unveiled with a lyric video, marking the first new music from Dethklok in nearly a decade, streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.
According to an official press release, the film will follow the following plot: More...
Crystal Viper Releases New Lyric Video
Polish heavy metal outfit Crystal Viper has today released a new lyric video for their cover of the King Diamond classic, "Welcome Home." You can check it out below. A message from the band reads as follows:
"Okay, our version of this ultimate King Diamond classic already came out few months ago (it’s available as a bonus track on our latest studio album "The Cult") but since so many of you seems to like our humble tribute, we decided to revisit it, and do this lyric video. Let us add that it’s a huge, huge honor that the great Andy La Rocque (official) accepted our invitation, and joined us for this recording!
"Okay, our version of this song King Diamond came out a couple of months ago (as a bonus on our latest album 'The Cult'), but we know that our humble tribute to the King was liked by many of you, so we decided to come back to it and grow gonna be a lyric video. We must add that the fact that Andy La Rocque accepted our invitation and took a guest part in recording this song is a truly great honor for us!" More...
Hammerfall Unleashes New Song With King Diamond
Today, Swedish saviours of heavy metal Hammerfall have released their new single, "Venerate Me," featuring a special guest appearance by the legendary King Diamond. The track is the second taken from their twelfth studio album, "Hammer Of Dawn," set for release on 25th February 2022 via Napalm Records.
Watch the video to "Venerate Me" below.
"Venerate Me" continues to clearly show that Hammerfall are in top shape by delivering what Rock It! Magazine calls, “their strongest songs in years”. Expectedly, singer Joacim Cans doesn’t fail to leave a mark with his gripping vibrato and ever-powerful vocal projection that – in combination with strong guitar work and on-point drumming – make "Venerate Me" an outstanding yet trademark Hammerfall hymn.
Founding member and guitarist Oscar Dronjak commented on "Venerate Me": "The second single is here, and I’m very, very proud of it! The music was written during the darkest, most uninspiring days of the pandemic and still came out as one of the strongest on the whole album. Joacim’s fantastic lyric idea makes this track really stand out, and the special guest appearance towards the end really pushes it over the edge!"
Singer Joacim Cans adds: "The song is over loaded with enchanting melodies and a very catchy chorus. Lyrically one of my greatest efforts dealing with the fact that we die twice! First when we take our last breath and second when someone says your name for the last time. Say my name and I will never die!" More...
Just For Fun
Hear: Metallica As Reimagined By King Diamond
In case you ever wondered, how Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" would sound like, if written by King Diamond/Mercyful Fate: Denis Pauna has the answer for you in the below music video and cover version "What if King Diamond wrote Master Of Puppets".
Comments Pauna: More...
King Diamond To Release Graphic Novel
Z2 Comics, the leading publisher of music-inspired graphic novels, reveals this fall's jewel in the crown of the "king" of heavy metal himself: the first-ever comic written by the one and only King Diamond. White Noise Studios scribe Dan Watters and October Faction artist Damien Worm team with The King himself for a chilling new version of the story of Miriam Natias and Jonathan LaFey and an inheritance far more terrifying than even the haunted mansion in which it's discovered.
To celebrate this unprecedented pairing, Z2 Comics will offer an exclusive brand new Abigail graphic novel picture disc edition of this incredible album, featuring the front cover of the graphic novel, and on the back side, you will find both the original Abigail cover and an alternate cover painting by artist Torbjörn Jörgensen, available only with the deluxe and super deluxe graphic novel package, exclusively through the Z2 website, and available for pre-order now: https://z2comics.com/kingdiamond
"A graphic novel based on one of my stories is a dream come true for me. Working with a company like Z2 and the writer Dan Watters, and the graphic artist Damien Worm, is making this project the highest class one could wish for. Not just our own fans, but any fan of the horror genre, will enjoy the darkness and creepiness of this project. I simply can't wait to personally be able to present this to you once we get closer to Halloween. Abigail has risen again."
The haunting saga of King Diamond's Abigail brought to stunning and horrific life by Dan Watters, Damien Worm, and King Diamond himself! Adapting the storyline of one of heavy metal's most celebrated concept albums, this new graphic novel will reward both longtime fans and horror hounds alike with a story made even more chilling in comic book form! More...
OpEd
Diamond Oz: My Top Five Albums Of 2019
Another year, another welcome barrage of metal albums. After some absolute belters last year from the likes of Judas Priest, Mantar and Primordial, 2019 had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, there were plenty of legends, established artists and fresh faces with new material on offer this year. OK. Obligatory intro out of the way, let's get on with why you'll tell me how wrong I am on Twitter this year...
Best Live Band
Just like last year, I've been a very lucky boy this year in terms of how many bands I've seen. A great live band, in my opinion, is one which can cut it in a large venue as well as a smaller place. Some notable performances this year came from the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Belgium, where Candlemass, Slayer, Orange Goblin and Discharge, to name but a few, treated fans to unforgettable shows. In fact, I very nearly gave this year's award to Discharge, since they attracted a big number to see them at Graspop, but I've also seen them perform just as sharply in venues the size of bedrooms. However, this year the award goes to...
King Diamond
Anyone who's familiar with the man won't be surprised by this, but finally seeing King Diamond live was a dream come true. Anyone who can get a crowd to go crazy, without playing a note, without saying a word, without even moving, is a born performer. Currently blowing audiences minds in North America, the Danish metal icon opened his set simply by sitting in a chair, before the lights go up and the audiences can be hold the two floor set promoting his new album, "The Institute." The man is sixty three years old and still in phenomenal voice, treating fans to classics and album cuts, King Diamond puts the likes of Alice Cooper and Kiss to shame with his theatrics too. He's still a bucket list artist for many people and I strongly urge everyone to see the King as soon as they can. More...
King Diamond Posts New Song Online
After debuting the song on tour this year in Europe and North America, Danish metal icon King Diamond has finally uploaded the official audio for the track, "Masquerade Of Madness." You can check it out below. The song comes from the forthcoming new album, "The Institute," which is the first album of fresh material from King Diamond since the 2007 release, "Give Me Your Soul... Please."
Headline News
Mercyful Fate Bassist Passes Away
Mercyful Fate bassist Timi "Grabber" Hansen has passed away at the age of sixty one, his bandmate King Diamond has revealed. A message from the vocalist reads as follows:
"I just found out that I lost one of my dearest friends, who has been fighting cancer for a long time, in such an incredibly brave way.
"He was not just my roommate on the early Mercyful Fate tours, but he was always my favorite bass player of all times.
"I was fortunate to have been able to visit him at his apartment with some other good friends, and we had a great afternoon that will never be forgotten.
"When I last talked to Timi on the phone on October 24th, I could understand that things had gotten tougher than they ever were, and yet he said “we fight on”.
I feel so so sad for his entire family, you have my absolute deepest sympathy.
"Rest in Peace my dear dear friend.
"King"
Hansen was a founding member of Mercyful Fate and performed on the classic eighties albums, "Melissa" and "Don't Break The Oath," as well as the 1993 release "In The Shadows." He was also an original member of King Diamond's eponymous band, recording the albums "Fatal Portrait" and "Abigail," as well as the single, "No Presents For Christmas" and some live releases.
King Diamond Premieres New Song
King Diamond performed a new song titled "Masquerade Of Madness" live on June 21 at Hellfest in Clisson, France. You can stream a fan-filmed footage of it below:
King Diamond Premieres “Arrival” Live Performance
January 25th will see the release of King Diamond‘s new live Blu-ray/DVD set, “Songs For The Dead Live“. Live footage of “Arrival” from it can be watched below:
King Diamond Debuts “Sleepless Nights” Live Clip
January 25th will see the release of King Diamond‘s new live Blu-ray/DVD set, “Songs For The Dead Live“. Live footage of “Sleepless Nights” from it can be watched below:
King Diamond Premieres “Black Horsemen” Live Clip
January 25th will see the release of King Diamond‘s new live Blu-ray/DVD set, “Songs For The Dead Live“. Live footage of “Black Horsemen” from it can be watched below:
King Diamond Premieres Live Video “Welcome Home"
January 25th will see the release of King Diamond‘s new live Blu-ray/DVD set, “Songs For The Dead Live“. Live footage of “Welcome Home” from it can be watched below:
King Diamond Premieres Another New Live Clip
January 25th will see the release of King Diamond‘s new live Blu-ray/DVD set, “Songs For The Dead Live“. Live footage of “A Mansion In Darkness” from it can be streamed below: