Mercyful Fate
Danish heavy metal band, first wave black metal pioneers.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Mercyful Fate is a Danish heavy metal band that got its start in Copenhagen in 1981, founded by frontman King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. Their sound drew from progressive rock and hard rock, while their lyrics explored LaVeyan Satanism and the occult. Alongside Venom and Bathory, they helped define the first wave of black metal during the early to mid-1980s. The group is also recognized as a key early influence on the developing styles of thrash metal and death metal, as well as on the Norwegian black metal scene that followed.
- formed
- 1981
- origin
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- genre
- Heavy metal, first wave black metal
- years_active
- 1981–1985, 1992–1999, 2019–present (on hiatus 1999–2018)
- label
- Roadrunner Records, Metal Blade Records
- notable_members
- King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen, Kim Ruzz
Lore & Background
Mercyful Fate was formed in Copenhagen in spring 1981 after the dissolution of the band Brats, which had included King Diamond and guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner. After CBS Records demanded a more commercial sound, Diamond and Shermann quit and formed Mercyful Fate. Following several line-up changes and demo tapes, the band released its self-titled EP in 1982 with the line-up of King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen, and Kim Ruzz. This line-up recorded the debut album Melissa (1983) and the follow-up Don't Break the Oath (1984). The band broke up in April 1985 due to musical differences, with Shermann wanting a more commercial sound and Diamond refusing.
After disbanding, King Diamond formed his eponymous band with Denner and Hansen, while Shermann formed Fate and later Lavina with Denner. In 1992, four of the five original members reunited (with drummer Morten Nielsen replacing Kim Ruzz) and released In the Shadows in 1993. The band released four more studio albums during the 1990s—Time (1994), Into the Unknown (1996), Dead Again (1998), and 9 (1999)—before going on hiatus. During the 2000s, the band reunited occasionally, including in 2008 to re-record songs for the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica. On August 1, 2019, a more permanent reunion was announced with plans to tour and release a new album.
Reader's Guide
Mercyful Fate's significance lies in their role as pioneers of the first wave of black metal, alongside Venom and Bathory, and as a formative influence on thrash metal, death metal, and the Norwegian black metal scene. Their early albums, Melissa and Don't Break the Oath, are considered foundational extreme metal records, with Melissa cited as 'one of the first records to start to develop an extreme metal sound.' The band's satanic imagery and lyrics, rooted in LaVeyan Satanism, sparked controversy, notably landing the song 'Into the Coven' on the PMRC's 'Filthy Fifteen' list in 1985. Despite disbanding in 1985, their influence persisted, and their 1990s reunion albums maintained their cult status. The staff of Loudwire named Mercyful Fate the 35th best metal band of all time. Their legacy endures through their impact on multiple extreme metal subgenres and their continued relevance after reuniting in 2019.
Did You Know?
- Mercyful Fate's song 'Into the Coven' from Melissa was listed on the PMRC's 'Filthy Fifteen' list of objectionable songs.
- The band's debut album Melissa is cited as 'one of the first records to start to develop an extreme metal sound.'
- Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich made a guest appearance on the track 'Return of the Vampire' from the 1993 album In the Shadows.
- In 2008, the band re-recorded the songs 'Evil' and 'Curse of the Pharaohs' for inclusion in the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mercyful Fate and where did they come from?
Mercyful Fate is a Danish heavy metal band that formed in Copenhagen in 1981. They were put together by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann and are widely regarded as pioneers of the first wave of black metal.
What kind of music does Mercyful Fate play and what are their lyrics about?
Their sound blends heavy metal with first wave black metal, pulling from progressive rock and hard rock roots. Lyrically, the band centers on LaVeyan Satanism and broader occult themes.
Who are the key members of Mercyful Fate?
The founding core is King Diamond on vocals and Hank Shermann on guitar. Other notable members associated with the band include Michael Denner, Timi Hansen, and Kim Ruzz.
Why did Mercyful Fate go on hiatus and when did they come back?
The band was active from 1981 to 1985, then again from 1992 to 1999, before entering a long break that lasted until 2018. They reunited in 2019 and have remained active since.
Why is Mercyful Fate considered important in metal history?
Often grouped with Venom and Bathory, they are credited as architects of the first wave of black metal in the early-to-mid 1980s. Their work also left a lasting mark on the development of thrash and death metal, as well as on the Norwegian black metal movement that followed.
More in Danish heavy metal musical groups 1-22
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