King was 63 in this performance, and sounding better than ever (in my not so humble opinion 😏). He had undergone heart surgery and quit smoking several years previously but came back with a vengeance. As a fan since 1988, I had been waiting for a pro-shot high quality concert DVD release from King & Co. for several decades; I was not disappointed in the least...in fact, my expectations were exceeded. King's lovely wife Livia Zita provides the backing vocals, as King dislikes using pre-recorded backing tracks during live performances. He was finally able to have the financial ability to perform their 1987 concept masterpiece Abigail in its' entirety (as intended) with no expense sparred to do the stage setup Justice. Much like a fine wine, King Diamond only seems to get better with age. Stay heavy and long live the King 🤘 Fun Fact: Back in the late 80's, Gene Simmons (bassist for the band KISS) actually filed a lawsuit against King claiming copyright infringement stating that King's face paint was too similar to his own and could possibly confuse fans. King voluntarily changed his make-up, however, and the lawsuit was dropped.
King Diamond is one of the musical greats. Heavily influenced by classical composers like Paganini, etc…him and others (yngwie malmsteen, etc) from Scandinavia are pioneers of the neo-classical metal sound. Listening to one song is like reading chapter 19 from a 50 chapter book. The entire concept albums are a full story and need to be listened to from start to finish. All of these musicians in the band are incredibly talented, as well! EVERYONE laughs when they first hear King but they’re soon won over after they give him a chance!
Thank you Rana. It shouldn’t be blocked. I wanted you to know who this musician is. Wasn’t meant to have a freak out factor. The doll you saw in the beginning? That was Abigail which is the name of the album and the story. Yes you read that right. The entire album is a horror story going in sequence with different characters. What you saw in the beginning the spoken passage was the intro to the album and story. If you read the lyrics it is like a mini Stephen King novel. King Diamonds real name is Kim Bendix Pederson and is originally from near Copenhagen in Denmark. But he lives now in the United States. His first band was Mercyful Fate which released two albums in the 80s Melissa being the first and Don’t Break The Oath being the second. But then his guitarist did not share Kiings musical vision and the band broke up. The Mercyful Fate albums were not horror concept albums. After Mercyful Fate a couple of members went with King and they called the band King Diamond named after himself. The first album under the King Diamond name was Fatal Portrait which was partially a horror concept album with individual songs mixed in. Then came Abigail which was an entire concept album and King has been doing mini horror stories on each album ever since. I never thought you would do this for me. The point was not to scare you but I wanted you to hear his vocals. A lot of people including metal heads HATE his voice but he is my favorite singer. I just wrote you a letter lol. But I hope this made you understand why the video looked like it did. Take care and by the way cute kitty in the video. Mark
If you like King Diamond you should check out his other band Mercyful Fate- Who by the way is touring again begining next month. I would suggest Mercyful Fate-Evil. Though my favorite song is Into The Coven
Don't react to live videos for a first listen , it is not the best way to hear something originally. Most preformers actively change things live to keep it interesting for themselves. And even when they attempt to stay as true as possible, it is usually more difficult to hear a proper mix like the band intended.
I don't think King is supposed to be "scary". To me, he's more like a story teller, as a poet or writer who takes his ideas and turns them into songs. Like Them and Conspiracy are two albums that knit together the story. Some people might be frightened by the topics he tells, but some people don't like lets say romantic comedies. His stories are deeple disturbing for most of the time so they are more like pieces of story telling that not all fancy. I mean, not all like The Exorcist or such.
First time I saw King Diamond was late '80's, once with Mercyful Fate early '90's, again late '90's, and 2016, he always sounds the same, he takes care of his voice. Amazing performer.
King of horror rock!! All king Diamond albums are concept horror / ghost stories It’s really meant to be listened to as a whole King changes his voice for different characters in the story
Please react tô Mercyful Fate ( other Band where King diamond is also the vocalista, they are metal legenda ), greetings from Brasil girl. Plus: If you wanna get scared try Batushka, the more icônic and irônic Black metal Band These days.
Was watching another video & opening up others in new tabs when I saw you posted this and had to immediately drop everything to watch! LOVE King Diamond! One of the best live shows I've been to.
King Diamond (real name Kim Bendix Petersen) rose to fame in the early 80's as the lead singer of the Danish metal band Mercyful Fate... Metallica recorded a tribute track 'Mercyful Fate' which was a medley of 4 of their songs... 2 records, 'Melissa' (1983) and "Don't break the oath" (1984) did well in the metal world... but one guitarist Hank Shermann wanted to go in a different musical direction, and the band refused. So Mercyful Fate split... 2 members (guitarist Michael Denner and late bassist Timi Hansen) joined King Diamond in his solo band in 1985 w/ guitarist Andy LaRocque & drummer Mikkey Dee (who would later join Motorhead... and now, the Scorpions). King Diamond's first album 'Fatal portrait' was released in 1986 and sold well... half the record shared a theme, a story... When the next album was recorded in 1987, King decided to make songs for the entire album a concept story in sequence... The album was 'Abigail'. This video had the opening sequence 'Funeral' and was followed by the song 'Arrival' that opened the album. Since then, King Diamond has made concept albums from most of his solo studio records... Mercyful Fate reunited in 1993 until 1999; they are set to make a return soon w/ a new tour and album. 'Abigail' opened w/ a stillborn baby girl (who was conceived from an extramarital affair by the wife of Count LaFey in 1777) being laid to rest by the Count and the 'Black Horsemen', after Count LaFey had killed his pregnant wife. The child is believed to be cursed... The track 'Arrival' takes us forward to 1845, where Jonathan LaFey & his new wife Miriam are traveling to an inherited mansion once owned by Count LaFey... they encounter the Black Horsemen, who warn Jonathan not to reside in the mansion. Jonathan refuses and arrives at the mansion w/ Miriam. The story goes that the ghost of Count LaFey warns the couple that the stillborn child (once named Abigail LaFey) from 1777 was cursed and means to return... The house is beset w/ bad omens, Miriam gets pregnant and things go bad as a 3rd presence is felt. As Miriam's pregnancy progresses, she becomes possessed by Abigail, who tells Jonathan that she will be born again... King Diamond's next album was titled "Them" (in 1988)... it told the story of a boy named 'King' living in a house called 'Amon' w/ his mother and sister Missy... their institutionalized 'Grandma' returns home and she reveals to King the spirits that haunt the house, simply referring to 'Them'... and 'They' make very evil demands, which included killing his Grandpa years ago (that got 'Grandma' sent to the asylum). It became King Diamond's most successful albums... He released a sequel album 'Conspiracy' in 1989 which depicted an adult 'King' returning to the 'Amon' house... Other notable King Diamond concept albums were 'Voodoo' (1998)... 'House of God' (2000) and a sequel album 'Abigail II: The Revenge' (2002). ... King Diamond said he was finishing up a new album 'The Institute'.
Kind Diamond is great, very theatrical and his vocals are amazing even though some people are put off by his falsetto. My favorite album is Conspiracy, a concept album. He is really good at making these.
Conspiracy is part 2 of Them.. another great one. My personal favorites are Abigail and The Graveyard. His stories can be so damn good and those 2 are my favorites.
Glad that you enjoyed The King!!! If you want to react to more of his songs, I highly recommend Sleepless Nights and Welcome Home from the Songs for the Dead Live dvd. King Diamond is an amazing vocalist and his band is just as amazing. The guitarist that had the guitar with the horses on it is Andy LaRocque. He’s been in the King Diamond band since the very beginning and is one of the best guitarists out there!
I totally expected you to like it when I saw the title! Btw., King Diamond is one of the rare serious satanists in the music business. I mean - this guy is not the youngest anymore, Szandor LaVey himself honored him with a lifetime membership in his Church of Satan. (They seemingly had some philosophical conversation about their beliefs). Nice reaction, I liked it. Your cat is funny sometimes. :-) Have a nice week and sunny days!
Greeting from Helsinki, Finland. Thx for a very nice reaction video. I've been King Diamond fan since 1987. He is greatest heavy metal vocalist of all time.
You can't experience King Diamond by listening to a song or 2. This song is one chapter in a longer horror story. All his albums tell one long story. This song happens to be the first song on his BEST album.. Abigail. The story of a demon baby trying to be reborn.
The u pside down cross is only used to be a form of satanic symbolism. It is actually called St. Peters cross. he was crucified upside down. he didn't want to be crucified like jesus. wasn't worthy of a death like christ. if i remember correctly.
God I face palmed so much... especially when she was wondering if he was satanic... noooooo you gotta understand that his performances are like stories and it has nothing to do with worshipping satan..
So there actually a whole story behind the character album with King Diamond second album being a concept album about the character and about her attempt to be reborn since the first time she was born didn’t go so well. The song that you listen to is actually the first song on the album and I definitely recommend checking it out although you might get a little lost on the story
the first 4 songs, and the last one, on his first solo album Fatal Portrait, told a story too. Abigail was his first full concept album. The Spider's Lullaby is his only other album that wasn't a full concept. That one the last 4 or 5 songs told a story about a guy with severe arachniphobia.
You can still afford sunlight in Beirut? Actually, the Templars also wore the cross upside down, so they would be looking up at Christ when they bent their head in prayer.
Oh yeah, always been a big fan of King Diamond so glad to see you do a reaction to him Rana. He has an amazing voice and stage presence. You may not think this was that scary but a lot of his albums are concept ones and deal with some pretty dark subject matter, especially The Graveyard which you should check out in it's entirety if you get the chance. King Diamond is also a genuine Satanist who actually got to visit the church of Satan and spent time with Anton Lavey.
“Genuine satanist”. 😂. Half of America is atheist these days. This is a relic of the 80s era satanic panic. I’m glad he’s still out there rocking though.
That opening intro is called "Funeral" and the distorted spoken part goes : _"We are gathered her tonight, to lay to rest Abigail La Fey, whom we now know, was first born dead, on the 7th day of July, 1777. Abigail must be nailed to her coffin with 7 silver spikes ; one through each arm, hand, and knee, and let the last of the 7 be drawn through her mouth, so she may NEVER rise, and cause evil again... Who will be the first...?"_ _"I, O'Brien of the Black Horsemen..."_ Following a long string of bands, King finally found success with a band called Mercyful Fate, but only managed to release an eponymous EP and 2 albums - Melissa (1983), and Don't Break The Oath (1984) - before splitting up over musical differences. Taking some of the remaining MF members with him, King rebooted wit ha solo band that moved away for mall the highly controversial Satanic, occult, and darker themes of Mercyful Fate, and steered toward telling "gothic" horror stories with occult influences. King's second (solo) album, Abigail (1986), was the first of many full-length concept albums to follow, which tell a complete horror story. A sequel to Abigail was released in almost 15 years later, called Abigail II : The Revenge. The opening track begins similarly to "Funeral", as it is a direct continuation of that scenario, revealing a plot twist. The 4th release, Conspiracy (1989), is a direct continuation of the story told in the preceding album Them (1988). King's first album Fatal Portrait (1985), and 6th album The Spider's Lullabye (1995), are not full-concept, but each album has 4 songs that are conceptually connected to tell a "mini story". In 1993, Mercyful Fate was resurrected with all its original members save for one (drummer), and despite some line up changes and swaps between the two bands, King continued writing and releasing material under both monikers simultaneously, releasing new albums from each outfit within weeks of each other. Mercyful Fate once again fell into hiatus after the last release, "9" (1999), while the solo band continued until 2007, after which King's health took some dire turns, and no new material has been released since, until recently ; a single from the new proposed KD album (still pending a release date), and touring under the Mercyful Fate name with new songs in the set, suggesting a possible new MF album.
I've seen King Diamond live for the first time back in November of 2019. It was an amazing show He is one of my favorite metal singers ever.
that tour with uncle acid was sick
I was lucky to catch him the 1st time on the Abigail tour. Had never heard of him before. Show was fabulous.
King was 63 in this performance, and sounding better than ever (in my not so humble opinion 😏). He had undergone heart surgery and quit smoking several years previously but came back with a vengeance. As a fan since 1988, I had been waiting for a pro-shot high quality concert DVD release from King & Co. for several decades; I was not disappointed in the least...in fact, my expectations were exceeded. King's lovely wife Livia Zita provides the backing vocals, as King dislikes using pre-recorded backing tracks during live performances. He was finally able to have the financial ability to perform their 1987 concept masterpiece Abigail in its' entirety (as intended) with no expense sparred to do the stage setup Justice. Much like a fine wine, King Diamond only seems to get better with age. Stay heavy and long live the King 🤘
Fun Fact:
Back in the late 80's, Gene Simmons (bassist for the band KISS) actually filed a lawsuit against King claiming copyright infringement stating that King's face paint was too similar to his own and could possibly confuse fans. King voluntarily changed his make-up, however, and the lawsuit was dropped.
you could tell the differnece between him struggling in House of God and this show, he's in the best shape he's been of the last 20 years
And since that lawsuit King changes his makeup design for every record. I myself also fell in love with King Diamond's music in '88.
Hes a lucky damn dude to have met someone like livia really. Ive talked to her several times over the years and yes hes fortunate to have her.
Gene will sue any one for any thing . What a greedy jack weed
Your reaction to the video was so good! More King Diamond reactions please 🙏
She needs to listen to a full album and not a single song. She needs to hear the whole story he's telling and not just a "chapter" :)
@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace well it was chapter one at least but without the lyrics it ain't isn't scary at all.
King Diamond is one of the musical greats. Heavily influenced by classical composers like Paganini, etc…him and others (yngwie malmsteen, etc) from Scandinavia are pioneers of the neo-classical metal sound. Listening to one song is like reading chapter 19 from a 50 chapter book. The entire concept albums are a full story and need to be listened to from start to finish. All of these musicians in the band are incredibly talented, as well! EVERYONE laughs when they first hear King but they’re soon won over after they give him a chance!
Thank you Rana. It shouldn’t be blocked. I wanted you to know who this musician is. Wasn’t meant to have a freak out factor. The doll you saw in the beginning? That was Abigail which is the name of the album and the story. Yes you read that right. The entire album is a horror story going in sequence with different characters. What you saw in the beginning the spoken passage was the intro to the album and story. If you read the lyrics it is like a mini Stephen King novel.
King Diamonds real name is Kim Bendix Pederson and is originally from near Copenhagen in Denmark. But he lives now in the United States. His first band was Mercyful Fate which released two albums in the 80s Melissa being the first and Don’t Break The Oath being the second. But then his guitarist did not share Kiings musical vision and the band broke up. The Mercyful Fate albums were not horror concept albums. After Mercyful Fate a couple of members went with King and they called the band King Diamond named after himself. The first album under the King Diamond name was Fatal Portrait which was partially a horror concept album with individual songs mixed in. Then came Abigail which was an entire concept album and King has been doing mini horror stories on each album ever since.
I never thought you would do this for me. The point was not to scare you but I wanted you to hear his vocals. A lot of people including metal heads HATE his voice but he is my favorite singer. I just wrote you a letter lol. But I hope this made you understand why the video looked like it did. Take care and by the way cute kitty in the video.
Mark
King Diamond was in at least three bands before Mercyful Fate.. Brats, Brainstorm and Black Rose. Brats was more like punk rock.
King Diamond is a legend great frontman!
Killer show ...Literally . King is still in my top 5 metal acts ill still listen to .
If you like King Diamond you should check out his other band Mercyful Fate- Who by the way is touring again begining next month. I would suggest Mercyful Fate-Evil. Though my favorite song is Into The Coven
Cool!
Welcome King 💎 pop fang 😁
Awesome reaction !!
Since the begging recognised the poser mimic to be non mimic.
Don't react to live videos for a first listen , it is not the best way to hear something originally. Most preformers actively change things live to keep it interesting for themselves. And even when they attempt to stay as true as possible, it is usually more difficult to hear a proper mix like the band intended.
Yes it's a satanic ritual.
I don't think King is supposed to be "scary". To me, he's more like a story teller, as a poet or writer who takes his ideas and turns them into songs. Like Them and Conspiracy are two albums that knit together the story. Some people might be frightened by the topics he tells, but some people don't like lets say romantic comedies. His stories are deeple disturbing for most of the time so they are more like pieces of story telling that not all fancy. I mean, not all like The Exorcist or such.
First time I saw King Diamond was late '80's, once with Mercyful Fate early '90's, again late '90's, and 2016, he always sounds the same, he takes care of his voice. Amazing performer.
Watch melissa
I LOVE this performance of Arrival. The way the song hits right as King drops Abigail in her coffin is just perfect.
Fuck Yeah!!! King Diamond kicks ass check out Mercyful Fate... 🤘🤘💀👺👹👍🇺🇸🥃🍺🍻
King of horror rock!! All king Diamond albums are concept horror / ghost stories
It’s really meant to be listened to as a whole
King changes his voice for different characters in the story
King Diamond, the best singer of metal music. React to "Judas Priest - Painkiller", please
18 is actually 9
Multiply anything by 9 = 9
9x2 = 18 = 1+8 =9
9x3 = 27 = 2+7 =9
9x4
9x5
9x6
9x7
9x8
9x9
Hi.giddy..would you like to react on rammstein with their song angst
The best album Of King Diamond is Abigail
Definitely NOT Scorpions!!
Can you please react to
The shade by Metric
Please
Please react tô Mercyful Fate ( other Band where King diamond is also the vocalista, they are metal legenda ), greetings from Brasil girl. Plus: If you wanna get scared try Batushka, the more icônic and irônic Black metal Band These days.
Was watching another video & opening up others in new tabs when I saw you posted this and had to immediately drop everything to watch! LOVE King Diamond! One of the best live shows I've been to.
It's amazing that he sounds better live.
King Diamond (real name Kim Bendix Petersen) rose to fame in the early 80's as the lead singer of the Danish metal band Mercyful Fate... Metallica recorded a tribute track 'Mercyful Fate' which was a medley of 4 of their songs... 2 records, 'Melissa' (1983) and "Don't break the oath" (1984) did well in the metal world... but one guitarist Hank Shermann wanted to go in a different musical direction, and the band refused. So Mercyful Fate split... 2 members (guitarist Michael Denner and late bassist Timi Hansen) joined King Diamond in his solo band in 1985 w/ guitarist Andy LaRocque & drummer Mikkey Dee (who would later join Motorhead... and now, the Scorpions).
King Diamond's first album 'Fatal portrait' was released in 1986 and sold well... half the record shared a theme, a story... When the next album was recorded in 1987, King decided to make songs for the entire album a concept story in sequence... The album was 'Abigail'.
This video had the opening sequence 'Funeral' and was followed by the song 'Arrival' that opened the album.
Since then, King Diamond has made concept albums from most of his solo studio records... Mercyful Fate reunited in 1993 until 1999; they are set to make a return soon w/ a new tour and album.
'Abigail' opened w/ a stillborn baby girl (who was conceived from an extramarital affair by the wife of Count LaFey in 1777) being laid to rest by the Count and the 'Black Horsemen', after Count LaFey had killed his pregnant wife. The child is believed to be cursed... The track 'Arrival' takes us forward to 1845, where Jonathan LaFey & his new wife Miriam are traveling to an inherited mansion once owned by Count LaFey... they encounter the Black Horsemen, who warn Jonathan not to reside in the mansion. Jonathan refuses and arrives at the mansion w/ Miriam.
The story goes that the ghost of Count LaFey warns the couple that the stillborn child (once named Abigail LaFey) from 1777 was cursed and means to return... The house is beset w/ bad omens, Miriam gets pregnant and things go bad as a 3rd presence is felt. As Miriam's pregnancy progresses, she becomes possessed by Abigail, who tells Jonathan that she will be born again...
King Diamond's next album was titled "Them" (in 1988)... it told the story of a boy named 'King' living in a house called 'Amon' w/ his mother and sister Missy... their institutionalized 'Grandma' returns home and she reveals to King the spirits that haunt the house, simply referring to 'Them'... and 'They' make very evil demands, which included killing his Grandpa years ago (that got 'Grandma' sent to the asylum). It became King Diamond's most successful albums... He released a sequel album 'Conspiracy' in 1989 which depicted an adult 'King' returning to the 'Amon' house...
Other notable King Diamond concept albums were 'Voodoo' (1998)... 'House of God' (2000) and a sequel album 'Abigail II: The Revenge' (2002). ... King Diamond said he was finishing up a new album 'The Institute'.
Those Bones for the microphone are real human bones....I'm sure somebody will tell you a story about it.
Kind Diamond is great, very theatrical and his vocals are amazing even though some people are put off by his falsetto.
My favorite album is Conspiracy, a concept album. He is really good at making these.
Conspiracy is part 2 of Them.. another great one.
My personal favorites are Abigail and The Graveyard. His stories can be so damn good and those 2 are my favorites.
ohh, our legendary falsetto metal vocalist!
Glad that you enjoyed The King!!! If you want to react to more of his songs, I highly recommend Sleepless Nights and Welcome Home from the Songs for the Dead Live dvd. King Diamond is an amazing vocalist and his band is just as amazing. The guitarist that had the guitar with the horses on it is Andy LaRocque. He’s been in the King Diamond band since the very beginning and is one of the best guitarists out there!
King diamond loves kitties too I think he had 5 at one time maybe more
I totally expected you to like it when I saw the title!
Btw., King Diamond is one of the rare serious satanists in the music business. I mean - this guy is not the youngest anymore, Szandor LaVey himself honored him with a lifetime membership in his Church of Satan. (They seemingly had some philosophical conversation about their beliefs).
Nice reaction, I liked it. Your cat is funny sometimes. :-)
Have a nice week and sunny days!
Greeting from Helsinki, Finland. Thx for a very nice reaction video. I've been King Diamond fan since 1987. He is greatest heavy metal vocalist of all time.
Luv ur reaction
You can't experience King Diamond by listening to a song or 2. This song is one chapter in a longer horror story. All his albums tell one long story. This song happens to be the first song on his BEST album.. Abigail. The story of a demon baby trying to be reborn.
BAD KITTY!
The u pside down cross is only used to be a form of satanic symbolism. It is actually called St. Peters cross. he was crucified upside down. he didn't want to be crucified like jesus. wasn't worthy of a death like christ. if i remember correctly.
God I face palmed so much... especially when she was wondering if he was satanic... noooooo you gotta understand that his performances are like stories and it has nothing to do with worshipping satan..
I love King Diamond, you must listen his Conspiracy Lp
What's up,energy girl? Buckle up you're in for a helluva ride.
So there actually a whole story behind the character album with King Diamond second album being a concept album about the character and about her attempt to be reborn since the first time she was born didn’t go so well. The song that you listen to is actually the first song on the album and I definitely recommend checking it out although you might get a little lost on the story
the first 4 songs, and the last one, on his first solo album Fatal Portrait, told a story too. Abigail was his first full concept album.
The Spider's Lullaby is his only other album that wasn't a full concept. That one the last 4 or 5 songs told a story about a guy with severe arachniphobia.
@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace no, it was just the first 3 and last songs on the fatal portrait
@@Matt-zu2lu I stand corrected.
And that album is his most underrated one. Doesn't get the attention it deserves.
@@Matt-zu2lu wrong
@@dougyoung4790 what do you mean?
Do Darkthrone - Under a Funeral Moon.
Abigail the Masterpiece of King Diamond.
Great Technicical voice the King of Darkness...
It will be sad for the world if he doesn't out live my 55 year old ass !
Oof! Yeah! King Diamond, such an amazing singer!
His Albums is a story, so you would listen to it from song1 to the end to get the story)
True legend
Black horsemen is the scariest most macabre song on that album.
Stop talking during the video.
You can still afford sunlight in Beirut?
Actually, the Templars also wore the cross upside down, so they would be looking up at Christ when they bent their head in prayer.
All of them are Masonic symbols, were taken for the Romans and other Civilizations.
Your cat was excited with the music, he was trying to get out and call more fellows to listen to King Diamond 😝😝
Micromimics of this zee person a whole. Zero reacts to one.
You gotta listen to this whole album
This song is part of a two album metal opera. There is a story in the albums
I love your cat
FIRST!!!!!!
😍
You must read and listen to the album. The whole album is a story and written as a boy named King. Story begins in the pre-albums.
I was at this show and even made it onto the dvd. One of the best concerts I’ve ever attended!!!!
Oh yeah, always been a big fan of King Diamond so glad to see you do a reaction to him Rana. He has an amazing voice and stage presence. You may not think this was that scary but a lot of his albums are concept ones and deal with some pretty dark subject matter, especially The Graveyard which you should check out in it's entirety if you get the chance. King Diamond is also a genuine Satanist who actually got to visit the church of Satan and spent time with Anton Lavey.
“Genuine satanist”. 😂. Half of America is atheist these days.
This is a relic of the 80s era satanic panic. I’m glad he’s still out there rocking though.
Would love to see you react to the whole 'Puppet master'
If you haven't you need to react to Dimash kudaibergen, Hes the best singer in the world
You should react to Hard Times by Paramore! :)
You should check out the band sunn O)))
😂🤣.............................….......................
That opening intro is called "Funeral" and the distorted spoken part goes :
_"We are gathered her tonight, to lay to rest Abigail La Fey, whom we now know, was first born dead, on the 7th day of July, 1777. Abigail must be nailed to her coffin with 7 silver spikes ; one through each arm, hand, and knee, and let the last of the 7 be drawn through her mouth, so she may NEVER rise, and cause evil again... Who will be the first...?"_
_"I, O'Brien of the Black Horsemen..."_
Following a long string of bands, King finally found success with a band called Mercyful Fate, but only managed to release an eponymous EP and 2 albums - Melissa (1983), and Don't Break The Oath (1984) - before splitting up over musical differences.
Taking some of the remaining MF members with him, King rebooted wit ha solo band that moved away for mall the highly controversial Satanic, occult, and darker themes of Mercyful Fate, and steered toward telling "gothic" horror stories with occult influences.
King's second (solo) album, Abigail (1986), was the first of many full-length concept albums to follow, which tell a complete horror story.
A sequel to Abigail was released in almost 15 years later, called Abigail II : The Revenge. The opening track begins similarly to "Funeral", as it is a direct continuation of that scenario, revealing a plot twist.
The 4th release, Conspiracy (1989), is a direct continuation of the story told in the preceding album Them (1988).
King's first album Fatal Portrait (1985), and 6th album The Spider's Lullabye (1995), are not full-concept, but each album has 4 songs that are conceptually connected to tell a "mini story".
In 1993, Mercyful Fate was resurrected with all its original members save for one (drummer), and despite some line up changes and swaps between the two bands, King continued writing and releasing material under both monikers simultaneously, releasing new albums from each outfit within weeks of each other.
Mercyful Fate once again fell into hiatus after the last release, "9" (1999), while the solo band continued until 2007, after which King's health took some dire turns, and no new material has been released since, until recently ; a single from the new proposed KD album (still pending a release date), and touring under the Mercyful Fate name with new songs in the set, suggesting a possible new MF album.