:: Metal up your Ass :: Mercyful Fate - Don't Break the Oath

I thought I would give the honor of my first "Metal up your Ass" post to one of my favorite metal bands of all time, and one of my favorite metal albums of all time - Mercyful Fate's "Don't Break the Oath".

Mercyful Fate was formed in 1980 in Copenhagen, Denmark by guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner, bassist Timi Hansen, drummer Kim Ruzz and the (in)famous King Diamond as vocalist.

"Don't Break the Oath" was released in 1984, and was this lineup's second full-length release - and a classic example of metal at its best. My favorite track on the album is the epitomical "The Oath" - the razor-sharp riffs, slightly reminiscent of Judas Priest or Accept but with a more evil vibe, cut through like a knife; the vocals are entirely unique to King Diamond: wailing, screaming, screeching, eerie and operatic. Other choice tracks include "A Dangerous Meeting" (with an intro that makes you want to pump your fist in the air!), "Gypsy" and "Come to the Sabbath" (which has a wicked keyboardish-breakdown in the middle). To be honest, there isn't a song on this album that I don't think is simply amazing. The combination of Hank Shermann's riffing and King Diamond's eerie lyrics and vocal stylings catapult this album to a cut above the rest.

Despite releasing this album of epic proportions, Mercyful Fate split up shortly after its release, citing "creative differences." King Diamond went on to form his self-title band, taking with him Michael Denner and Timi Hansen; Hank Shermann went on to pursue other (non-Mercyful Fate) musical interests. Most of original lineup reformed in 1992 and released five more full-length albums under the Mercyful Fate name, though (in my opinion) none of them came close to matching the energy of "Don't Break the Oath". Mercyful Fate disbanded once again in 1999 after the release of the album "9".

\m/
-p2