King Diamond

I'd like to take this time to spread some love towards one of the most influential figures in metal since the 70's.

Kim Bendix Petersen, or "King Diamond" started off singing for a band called Black Rose, but one day was hanging out with some members of a band called "Brats." Some of them realized King Diamond's greatness, and formed a band called Mercyful Fate with him. In Mercyful Fate, King Diamond gained fame for being one of the first people in a death or black metal band to wear corpse paint, putting on crazy theatrical shows, and for singing in a extensive vocal range- ranging from deep growls to high pitch window-shattering levels of intensity. Every album King Diamond has released tells a surprisingly in depth story of something bizarre, with many wild twists. King Diamond also has been a guest voice on tv show "Metalocalypse."

King Diamond made his own band, named "King Diamond," in 1986. His new band started focusing their storytelling towards horror stories instead of satanism like in Mercyful Fate. The lineup has changed many times, but never is horrible- Mikkey Dee of Motorhead played drums on the first four albums before joining Motorhead, and ex lead guitarist of Megadeth Glen Dover played on the album "House of God." And that's only two of the many influential musicians who have taken part in King Diamond.

To hear King at his heaviest, check out Mercyful Fate albums Don't Break the Oath, and Time. For the more melodic side of King, check out King Diamond albums Abigail (my favorite), "Them," and Fatal Portrait. One way or another, King Diamond will satisfy you.