Mercyful Fate is at the origins of heavy music. The Danish heavy metal band conquered music lovers not only with high-quality music, but also with their behavior on stage.
Bright make-up, original costumes and defiant behavior of the members of the Mercyful Fate group do not leave indifferent both ardent fans and those who have just begun to be interested in the guys' work.
The compositions of the musicians are filled with horror. They touch on the themes of the occult and Satanism. The chosen theme is still accompanied by spectacular thematic concert shows.
History of creation and composition of the group
The history of the creation of the group began in the 1980s of the last century. At that time, the musicians of the band King Diamond (Kim Petersen), Hank Shermann and Michael Denner, formerly of the Brats, decided to create their own project.
After the formation of the line-up, only laymen could not hear that the guys' music became more aggressive and powerful. Soon another bright musician joined the band. We are talking about Ole Beykh, who later began playing in the band Guns N' Roses.
As with any band, Mercyful Fate's line-up changed from time to time. Moreover, there was a period when the team stopped its activities for some time. The reason for the breakup was often creative differences.
The musicians of the Mercyful Fate group often took a creative break in order to start active studio and touring activities with renewed vigor.
Music by Mercyful Fate
In the early 1980s, heavy music fans were already enjoying the debut EP. The band's discography was replenished with the debut album Melissa (1983).
The album managed to interest music lovers with an unusual theme, which was associated with the other world and spirits from the underworld. The title of the collection has an interesting history. Melissa is a witch who was burned at the stake. The musicians often used this image in new compositions.
A year later, the musicians presented their second studio album Don't Break the Oath. In support of the new collection, the guys went on a tour of the United States of America. In addition, the group performed at several festivals held in Germany.
The popularity of the group went far beyond the borders of their native country. The information that the Mercyful Fate team is ceasing activities was not so much a shock, but rather a surprise. Since musicians have just begun to conquer the musical Olympus.
The first breakup of the group
The reason for the breakup of the group was the conflict between Hunk Shermann and King Diamond. Hunk suggested that the band members switch to a more commercial sound. In his opinion, this would help increase the number of fans.
Kim did not appreciate the offer of a colleague. Since King Diamond occupied the position of leader in the group, after the departure of the vocalist, the further existence of the project lost its meaning.
King Diamond, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen did not lose their heads. The musicians created their own project, which was named after King Diamond. The guitarists only worked for a few years. Soon their places were taken by new members. We are talking about Mike Moon and Hal Patino.
Band reunion
In 1993, the former members of the Mercyful Fate band announced to their fans that they intended to reactivate the band. The band's first album after a long break was In the Shadows. The compilation was released by Metal Blade Records. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich took part in the recording of the album. The audience heard his playing in the track Return of the Vampire.
A year later, the group's discography was replenished with another novelty. The new work was called Time. After the presentation of the disc, the musicians went on the Time Tour. Traveling to different cities, they announced that very soon their fans will be waiting for the release of another album.
In 1996, a presentation of a new collection took place. The main "pearl" of the disc In to the Unknown was the track The Uninvited Guest. Interestingly, the musicians also released a video clip for this song. After the release of the new album, guitarist Michael Denner left Mercyful Fate. The place of the musician was taken by Mike Wead.
After Mike's arrival, the band members worked on the Dead Again album, so they moved to Nomad Studios in Carrollton, Texas. A year later, the band's discography was replenished with another collection "9".
Breakup of Mercyful Fate
According to the old tradition, after the presentation of the album, the musicians went on tour. But soon, again, unexpectedly for the fans, the group announced its intention to disband the lineup.
King Diamond is back to work on his own project. Hank Shermann, along with Michael Denner, became members of the Force of Evil collective. Fans did not even hope that the Mercyful Fate group would ever "come to life".
But in 2008, vocalist Kim Petersen, when asked by journalists about whether the Mercyful Fate group has a future, answered this way:
"Mercyful Fate is in hibernation. The group only temporarily ceased activities. The musicians are looking for inspiration to present something very interesting.”
In 2011, the members of the Danish band came together for Metallica's anniversary celebration. The celebration was in San Francisco. On stage, King Diamond, Shermann and other musicians performed the catchy hits of Mercyful Fate's repertoire.
In 2019, it became known that Mercyful Fate will play several shows in Europe in the summer of 2020. The vocalist was Kim Petersen.
November, fans were shocked by the news of the death of Timi Hansen, who had been battling a terminal illness for a long time. The legendary bass player was replaced by Joey Vera.
Mercyful Fate today
2020 began for fans of the Danish band with good news. The musicians announced that they are collecting material for recording a new album. In a May interview with the glossy magazine Heavy, Shermann revealed that he had written 6 or 7 tracks for the new compilation.
On the official website, fans can see the poster of the group's performances. The tour will run until 2021. Unfortunately, some of the concerts had to be moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
