Mercyful Fate

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MERCYFUL FATE Announce First North American Headlining Tour in Over Two Decades

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 7, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo By: Livia Zita

Heavy metal icons MERCYFUL FATE today announce their first North American headlining tour in over two decades! The journey will commence on October 25th in Dallas, Texas and weave its way through fourteen cities, closing on November 16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The tour follows the band’s stunning headlining performance at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas.

Vocalist King Diamond comments, “These will be the first MERCYFUL FATE concerts in North American theaters in over twenty years. Memories of a lifetime. Your special chance to see MERCYFUL FATE with the full European festival production, but up close and personal. You cannot miss this… I hereby respectfully invite you to Come To The Sabbath by which you may free your soul and feast with us in the dark of Night. Witches and Demons, you may come as you are! Satanic Regards – King Diamond 666.“

Support for MERCYFUL FATE will be provided by Kreator and labelmates, Midnight. Various presales are available throughout the week:

Citi Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 11:00am ET | Password: Citi BINs
Mercyful Fate Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 12:00pm ET | Password: EVIL
Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am ET | Password: MELISSA
Live Nation Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: VENUE
Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: SABBATH
Knotfest.com Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: OATH

All presales end Thursday, September 8th at 10:00pm local time. General onsale date is Friday, September 9th at 10:00am local time at mercyfulfatecoven.com. These shows will sell out! Don’t miss it!

Additionally, multiple limited VIP packages will be available which will include Meet & Greets, photo opps, private Q&As, exclusive merch, and more starting Wednesday, September 7th at mercyfulfatecoven.com. Secure yours today.

MERCYFUL FATE w/ Kreator, Midnight:
10/25/2022 Dallas, TX – The Factory
10/27/2022 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/29/2022 Inglewood, CA – Youtube Theater
10/30/2022 Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
11/01/2022 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
11/03/2022 Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
11/04/2022 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center
11/05/2022 Detroit, MI – Masonic
11/08/2022 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
11/10/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater
11/11/2022 Laval, QC – Place Bell
11/13/2022 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall At Fenway
11/14/2022 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
11/16/2022 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and recently gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a song called “The Jackal Of Salzburg” in Germany this past June as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band’s current lineup is King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Joey Vera on bass.

MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The Mercyful Fate EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.

The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, Melissa, was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary Don’t Break The Oath full-length, released in September of 1984.

MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two month US tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of Motörhead and Exciter. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with Motörhead, Girlschool, Helix, and Talon.

MERCYFUL FATE‘s first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band.

By April of 1985 however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The King Diamond band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. King Diamond has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.

In the Summer of 1992, MERCYFUL FATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. In The Shadows was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold out US tour.

MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the US, and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album 9 which was followed by a European tour with Metallica, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley “Mercyful Fate” which Metallica had recorded on their Garage Inc. double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the US and in South America followed, marking the band’s last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFUL FATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined Metallica onstage in 2011 for their 30th anniversary show in San Francisco, California.

MERCYFUL FATE Gearing Up for First North American Performance Since 2011

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 10, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of https://mercyfulfatecoven.com

August 10th, 2022: Heavy metal juggernauts MERCYFUL FATE are preparing to make their long awaited return to the United States with a headline performance on the main stage Sunday evening at Psycho Las Vegas ’22 this August, marking the band’s first show in the US in over 20 years. Mercyful Fate‘s last tour was in support of 1999’s masterpiece 9 when the band decimated the US and South America before going on hiatus, only briefly returning in 2011 when most of the band joined Metallica onstage at Metallica‘s 30th-anniversary show in San Francisco.

“First MERCYFUL FATE concert in the USA in over 20 years!!! You better be ready Las Vegas!!! We’re bringing the DEVIL himself 666.” King Diamond

Single day tickets are now available HERE so get yours while they last and catch the almighty Mercyful Fate as they release the fury of hell upon the Las Vegas Strip.

Mercyful Fate is currently working on a new album and even gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a new song called “The Jackal Of Salzburg” at the show they opened for Volbeat at Hanover’s Expo-Plaza on June 2. Fans in the US may be treated to a tease of the new album as well – the only way to find out is to catch the band’s performance at Psycho Las Vegas ’22.

Mercyful Fate‘s lineup includes singer King Diamond, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, drummer Bjarne T. Holm, and Armored Saint and Fates Warning‘s Joey Vera on bass.

Upcoming festivals
08/11 Brutal Assault – Jaromer, Czech Republic
08/13 Bloodstock – Derbyshire, UK
08/21 Psycho Las Vegas ’22 – Las Vegas, NV

BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL: Announces Headliner & Special Guests for 2021

Posted by aliblackdiamond on August 11, 2020
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Bloodstock Open Air Festival in the UK is excited to announce its replacement Saturday night entertainment for 2021’s event!  The mighty MERCYFUL FATE will now headline the Ronnie James Dio main stage, with DIMMU BORGIR arriving as special guests.

The King Diamond-fronted, seminal black metal icons, MERCYFUL FATE reformed in 2019 after a lengthy hiatus. They were due to play their first shows in over 20 years this summer (with the exception of a special one-off set at Metallica’s 30th Anniversary San Francisco show in 2011), but with everything on hold in 2020, we’re excited we can now welcome them to the 2021 BLOODSTOCK bill, in a UK exclusive performance.  As King Diamond himself declares, “It is with sinister pleasure MERCYFUL FATE will finally bring the Devil himself to Bloodstock Summer ‘21.  We cannot wait and neither can he. It’s gonna be dark as Hell.” While you’re eagerly waiting for next August to roll around and making sure you have enough face paint, check out an array of archive videos, and if you’re quick, you might still be able to bag a cool classic design t-shirt or limited colour vinyl over at their merch store.

DIMMU BORGIR step into the coveted Saturday special guest slot.  Having been forced to cancel their slot in 2019 due to illness, we’re thrilled the Norwegian symphonic black metallers can make up for it in 2021.  The band confirm, “UK! After our triumphant London show this January, we will be back at your shores next year. See you at BLOODSTOCK in August 2021!” DIMMU BORGIR currently are working on their eleventh studio album which may well see the light of day before the festival!  In the interim, feast your eyes and ears on the atmospheric video for ‘Interdimensional Summit’ taken from their 2018 album, “Eonian”, released through Nuclear Blast.

Standard weekend tickets for the extended, now 5-day event in 2021 were due to increase by £10 on 10th August 2020 to £155 (+ booking fees). However, the government has confirmed that festivals are included in the reduced 5% VAT rate for the hospitality & leisure industries, so BLOODSTOCK will be freezing their standard weekend price at £145 until 13th January 2021, at which time the 2021 price increase comes into effect.  In addition, to recognise the difficult financial situation that some fans may find themselves in due to the pandemic, BLOODSTOCK has launched an extended 6-month instalment plan, allowing customers to spread payments across smaller instalments. Fans can sign up to the scheme at the online ticket store any time before 31st August 2020, and payments will be debited as follows; £31.17 (includes £7 bkg fee) immediately upon sign up, then monthly payments of £24.17 will debit your account on 5th Sept, 5th Oct, 5th Nov and 5th Dec, with the final payment of £27.65 (includes £3.50 postage) on 5th Jan 2021.

While you’re waiting for 2021, BLOODSTOCK has made sure to add extensive content on its YouTube channel to keep fans entertained at home, showcasing all manner of headbangin’ tracks and even full sets from previous years. Examples include Gojira’s incredible headline set in 2016, Amon Amarth’s pyro-laden 2017 visit, Wednesday 13’s spooktacular BOA debut and Lamb of God steaming through ‘Walk With Me In Hell’ back in 2013.  There’s so much more besides, explore the channel at your leisure. You can also watch the latest BLOODSTOCK trailer here.

BLOODSTOCK’s 2021 other main stage headliners include DEVIN TOWNSEND (Friday) and  JUDAS PRIEST (Sunday). Headliners for Thursday are yet to be announced.  The festival also features sets from PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS, SKINDRED, PARADISE LOST, LIFE OF AGONY, BURY TOMORROW, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DIAMOND HEAD, JINJER, VIO-LENCE, SACRED REICH, GLORYHAMMER, DARK TRANQUILLITY, BUTCHER BABIES, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BLOODYWOOD, MEMORIAM, RAMAGE INC, GREEN LUNG, CONJURER, ORANGE GOBLIN, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, SAXON, SYLOSIS, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, WINTERFYLLETH, NEKROGOBLIKON, THE CRAWLING, RAISED BY OWLS, ANAKIM, ACID REIGN, SVALBARD, SOEN, DOG TIRED, BAILER, BLASPHEMER, BLACK TONGUE, LIBERTY LIES, PIST, & SHARKS IN YOUR MOUTH so far.  Many more bands performing across the weekend are still to be announced.

Besides standard weekend tickets, child tickets and parking tickets for 2021’s event are also available now at the ticket store. A limited number of day tickets will go on sale on September 1st – sign up for a free reminder here. VIP and campervan tickets for 2021 are already sold out.

BLOODSTOCK 2021 takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire from 11th-15th August 2021. For more info, click to www.bloodstock.uk.com.

MERCYFUL FATE: ‘The Beginning’, ‘Return of the Vampire’ Re-Issues Now Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 23, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

mercyful-fate-reissues2

On June 19th, MERCYFUL FATE will release CD and LP versions of the classic albums The Beginning and Return of the Vampire via Metal Blade Records. The vinyl editions feature spined sleeves with an insert and download card; the CDs contain a mini-LP CD-insert with a small fold-out poster.

King Diamond comments, “These are not remasters. These are the albums as they were originally done in the old days from the original production masters. They retain all the original dynamics that were captured at the time. It’s very exciting to present these to fans as they were originally released.”

Pre-order your copies now at:
–USA: indiemerch.com
–EU: eu.kingsroadmerch.com
–UK: eyesoremerch.com

See below for an overview of available formats:

The Beginning CD and LP versions:
– hardcover digisleeve “mini-LP” CD
– amber marbled vinyl (USA exclusive)
– milky clear / black haze vinyl (USA exclusive)
– 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
– fluorescent orange white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 500 copies)
– opaque flame yellow marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 300 copies)
– clear w/ red / yellow splatter vinyl (EU webshop exclusive – limited to 100 copies)
– white vinyl (High Roller Records exclusive – limited to 200 copies)

Return of the Vampire CD and LP versions:
– hardcover digisleeve “mini-LP” CD
– blue smoke vinyl (USA exclusive)
– blue watercolor vinyl (USA exclusive)
– 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
– sheer violet blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 500 copies)
– strawberry red / white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 300 copies)
– sky-blue / white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 200 copies)
– blue / white split and splatter vinyl (EU webshop exclusive – limited to 100 copies)

The Beginning track-listing (CD and LP)
1. Doomed by the Living Dead
2. A Corpse Without Soul
3. Nuns Have No Fun
4. Devil Eyes
5. Curse of the Pharaohs (BBC Radio 1 Session)
6. Evil (BBC Radio 1 Session)
7. Satan’s Fall (BBC Radio 1 Session)
8. Black Masses

Return of the Vampire track-listing (CD and LP)
1. Burning the Cross
2. Curse of the Pharaohs
3. Return of the Vampire
4. On a Night of Full Moon
5. A Corpse Without Soul
6. Death Kiss
7. Leave My Soul Alone
8. M.D.A.
9. You Asked for It

MERCYFUL FATE: ‘Don’t Break the Oath’, ‘Melissa’, ‘Mercyful Fate’ Re-Issues Now Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

king-diamond-PhotoScottDachroeden

Photo: Scott Dachroeden

On June 5th, MERCYFUL FATE will release CD and LP versions of the classic albums Don’t Break the Oath, Melissa, and Mercyful Fate via Metal Blade Records. The vinyl editions feature spined sleeves with an insert and download card; the CDs contain a mini-LP CD-insert with a small fold-out poster.

King Diamond comments, “These are not remasters. These are the albums as they were originally done in the old days from the original production masters. They retain all the original dynamics that were captured at the time. It’s very exciting to present these to fans as they were originally released.”

Pre-order your copies now at:
–USA: indiemerch.com
–EU: eu.kingsroadmerch.com
–UK: eyesoremerch.com

mercyful-fate-reissues1

See below for an overview of available formats:

Don’t Break the Oath CD and LP versions:
– hardcover digisleeve “mini-LP” CD
– yellow w/ red flares vinyl
– clear w/ orange spots vinyl
– 180g black vinyl
– golden yellow marbled vinyl
– luminous orange marbled vinyl
– clear amber marbled vinyl
– opaque melon marbled vinyl
– flame splatter vinyl
– translucent red vinyl
– orange / red melt vinyl

Melissa CD and LP versions:
– hardcover digisleeve “mini-LP” CD
– yellow w/ black streaks vinyl
– highlighter yellow w/ red splatter vinyl
– 180g black vinyl
– opaque cherry red vinyl
– opaque golden yellow marbled vinyl
– dark green marbled vinyl
– olive green marbled vinyl
– green / blue color circle w/ red splatter vinyl
– translucent yellow vinyl
– red / black color circle w/ yellow splatter vinyl

Mercyful Fate CD and LP versions:
– hardcover digisleeve “mini-LP” CD
– black / white edge marbled vinyl
– clear w/ black smoke vinyl
– 180g black vinyl
– cool grey marbled vinyl
– clear ghost white vinyl
– white “blackdust” vinyl
– opaque red vinyl

Don’t Break the Oath track-listing (CD and LP)
1. A Dangerous Meeting
2. Nightmare
3. Desecration of Souls
4. Night of the Unborn
5. The Oath
6. Gypsy
7. Welcome Princess of Hell
8. To One Far Away
9. Come to the Sabbath

Melissa track-listing (CD and LP)
1. Evil
2. Curse of the Pharaohs
3. Into the Coven
4. At the Sound of the Demon Bell
5. Black Funeral
6. Satan’s Fall
7. Melissa

Mercyful Fate track-listing (CD and LP)
1. A Corpse Without Soul
2. Nuns Have No Fun
3. Doomed by the Living Dead
4. Devil Eyes

Michael Denner, On No invite To MERCYFUL FATE Reunion: ‘I was hurt, shocked & disappointed’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2019
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

the-metal-voice-MichaelDenner

Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently Spoke to original MERCYFUL FATE’s guitarist Michael Denner (Denner /Shermann). Denner spoke about his new band Denner’s Inferno and new album In Amber that will be released November 15 2019 on Mighty Music. He also spoke about not being invited to the upcoming Mercyful Fate reunion, the making of the classic Mercyful Fate albums, Melissa and Don’t break the Oath as well as gave an update on former Ex Mercyful Fate Drummer Kim Ruzz where beings   and bassist Timi Hansen’s health update. And how the PMRC helped Mercyful Fate back in the 1980’s.

Watch the interview here:

When asked about the musical direction of his new album Denner’s Inferno ‘In Amber’
“I have always been an old school fan of heavy rock of the early 70’s , which is the main part of my record collection which is 3000-4000 albums from these bands of the early 70’s. I have done tons of heavy metal albums but this time I wanted to do what I was a fan of as a collector. So on this album I added in a 70’s vibe and tried to record the songs the way it was done in the old days and I think we achieved that we captured that organic rock sound. A Blue Oyster Cult vibe which  is one of my favorite bands and there are also elements of Mercyful Fate. I cannot run away from my past from what I have been doing from the 80’s. I wanted it to be 70’s but not outdated.”

When asked about new singer Chandler Mogel and his singing style on the new album
“My aim was not to have a screamer (nothing wrong with Screamers) this time around. This time I wanted something different. Chandler is a fan of Uriah Heep’s David Byron and Deep Purple singers. Chandler has this very melodic vocals and a broad range and he sings very emotional.”

When asked about his tour plans and set list 
“We have done booking some shows in Scandinavia and after these shows we will look and see if we can book some shows in Europe and play Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and so on and hopefully US and Canada/ South America later on.  As the set list  I will bring in one or two Mercyful Fate songs, maybe adding some songs from of Force of Evil or Denner Shermann I have so much music to choose from. I need to find a good Mercyful Fate song from those days that is not too satanic or too high pitched, no one can copy King Diamonds vocals. Chandler is not that kind of singer but I will locate and good song or two from the Mercyful Fate catalogue.”

When asked about his feeling towards not being invited to the upcoming Mercyful Fate reunion
“Mercyful Fate did two albums before they folded and laid it to rest over 20 years ago. So it seems they wanted to continue with the same lineup before it folded. But what surprised me I didn’t know anything about this reunion until two days before it was officially released. Somehow in there it looked like it was supposed to be the original line-up with the songs from the first three albums. That took me by surprise because I was very much apart of these albums. I felt a bit sad about it. But then again I felt happy on what I am doing now. If this is what Shermann and King want to do I cannot force them to bring me in the band . I wish them best of luck and I want to move on doing my own stuff.  I think it is Metal Blade Records who own the rights to the name Mercyful Fate. I don’t want to make a big deal, I was a big part of the Mercyful Fate history but I cannot force them to change their mind.”

When asked about his relationship with Guitarist Hank Shermann in regards to this reunion
“That was the big surprise, I didn’t expect Hank to just keep quiet about the reunion, that was a big shock. I lost contact with King years ago we had some differences, small arguments. So I didn’t expect King to call me for the reunion but Hank it’s a different story because we were working very close together for a long time. Hank even helped me with my new album, he did some of the guitar recordings and helped with the artwork.”

When asked if they called him up tomorrow to join the reunion would he participate
“It would be very hard, it would not be enough. I would need some serious explanations. That is a hard question to answer because my feeling were a bit hurt when it occurred  3-4 weeks ago, so now I am healing. But also this is perfect timing in a way cause my new album is being released. I have not said anything bad about Hank or King even though they disappointed me the way it happened.”

When asked about former Mercyful Fate’s bassist Timi Hansen health 
“He is doing better , we have been friends since we were 12 years old, he lives just a mile down the road from me. But now I do feel like things are going better for him. I think he is recovering.  I doubt if he will ever play bass again, he hasn’t had a bass in over ten years he is not active anymore.”

When asked if King Diamond pushed  Satanism too far in the early days
“In the beginning King only wrote lyrics about motorbikes and fights but then we started talking about the occult . King and I spent many hours late at night listening to the first Black Sabbath album sitting together talking about these deep things occult and spirits. As my interest in the subject moved away he got more and more into it and finally he found this Satanic bible and he got deeper and deeper into it and he was serious like a religion. I was very scared of the dark when I was young, it scared me. So when I grew up  ried to move away from it and not be scared anymore. I left it and King just grabbed it.”

When asked about Mercyful Fate’s success on Don’t break the Oath
“After Melissa album there were more and more fans and it started to build up for us. Also in the US. once we got onto the PMRC filthy 15 songs list, then suddenly there was a lot of interest for the band.”

His new band American vocalist Chandler Mogel (OUTLOUD, PUNKY MEADOWS, RADIO EXILE), bassist Flemming Muus (TRICKBACK, JOYTOWN) and a drummer with a common MERCYFUL FATE link, Bjarne T Holm (played in the ’90s and also involved in the reunion recently announced). Together, they play heavy metal that should appeal to fans of MERCYFUL FATE, CANDLEMASS and ’70s retro rock.

“In Amber” track listing:

01. Matriarch
02. Fountain Of Grace
03. Up And On
04. Sometimes
05. Taxman (Mr. Thief)
06. Vens Of The Night
07. Run For Cover
08. Pearls On A String
09. Loser
10. Castrum Doloris

The Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) was an American committee formed in 1985 with the stated goal of increasing parental control over the access of children to music deemed to have violent, drug-related or sexual themes via labeling albums with Parental Advisory stickers. The committee was founded by four women known as the “Washington Wives” – a reference to their husbands’ connections with government in the Washington, D.C. area. The women who founded the PMRC are Tipper Gore, wife of Senator and later Vice President Al Gore; Susan Baker, wife of Treasury Secretary James Baker; Pam Howar, wife of Washington realtor Raymond Howar; and Sally Nevius, wife of former Washington City Council Chairman John Nevius. The PMRC eventually grew to include 22 participants before shutting down in the mid-to-late 1990s.