Written by Vasil de Shumen on 15.07.2012 at 17:44

Originality and good ideas ... but too negligent performance. King Diamond's albums from 80s are better.

Also - Andy LaRocque is more talented guitarist than Hank Shermann.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 15.07.2012 at 17:49

... Melissa and Don't Break The Oath and the self-titled e.p. are far better than anything released as King Diamond or of the Mercyful Fate reunion.

Andy LaRoque might be a techincally better guitar player but he lacks the ideas and style of Shermann and Denner who are both unique sounding whereas LaRoque isn't.

Written by Monolithic on 06.11.2013 at 07:46

Wha...blackened heavy metal?

Written by Daniell on 06.11.2013 at 10:06

How is it blackened

Written by Monolithic on 06.11.2013 at 10:09

That was my reaction when I saw "Style: Blackened heavy metal" up there.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 06.11.2013 at 14:13

This is first wave black metal, whether you like it or not, just like Venom were first wave black metal and old Venom rip-off Bathory were. There was no specific sound to black metal at the time. At the time black metal was about the lyrics. Even Slayer was called black thrash by quite a few people even though they are totally thrash.

It's the second wave of black metal which gave black metal its musical sound. But all were heavily influenced by the first wave bands and by death metal bands such as Morbid Angel. Hell, actually most second wave black metal bands started off as pure death metal (clearest cases in point being Darkthrone and then Mayhem)

Written by Monolithic on 06.11.2013 at 15:43


I don't have any problem with Mercyful Fate being called black but blackened heavy metal sounds...strange.

Written by Guest on 06.11.2013 at 17:35

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 06.11.2013 at 14:13

This is first wave black metal, whether you like it or not, just like Venom were first wave black metal and old Venom rip-off Bathory were. There was no specific sound to black metal at the time. At the time black metal was about the lyrics. Even Slayer was called black thrash by quite a few people even though they are totally thrash.

It's the second wave of black metal which gave black metal its musical sound. But all were heavily influenced by the first wave bands and by death metal bands such as Morbid Angel. Hell, actually most second wave black metal bands started off as oure death metal (clearest cases in point being Darkthrone and then Mayhem)

But at least in Norway the 2nd wave truly began when they rebelled against the trends and certain sounds like Morrisound and Sunlight. Darkthrone didn't release Goatlord when it was recorded, Mayhem had changed, bands like Old Funeral, Mortem, etc. were wiped away. Also, Bathory and Hellhammer had some 2nd wave ingredients in their music during the 1st wave.