Name: Abigail
Brand: King Diamond

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

156760

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-03-29

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

39841567601

Total Cap

Artist

King Diamond

Genre GB

Metal

Label GB

Metal Blade

Metal Blade is an independent heavy metal label that was founded in Los Angeles, CA on February 1, 1982 by Brian Slagel. Over the years, Metal Blade has gained a reputation for launching the careers of numerous popular metal bands including Metallica, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, and many others.

The label has gone through various changes in its label codes and variants throughout the years. From 1982 to 1983, they used "tan labels and axe with blood stains" for most releases. However, there were exceptions such as "black labels" available only on the Metal Massacre compilation and "custom tan labels" for certain releases like Bitch's Damnation Alley.

In 1984, Metal Blade switched to using "silver labels and axe with blood stains," which were actually used only in that year. Some pressings from this period with earlier dates are actually from 1984. These silver labels were also reused in the 2016 reissues of Slayer's Show No Mercy album. Additionally, some releases sold in 1987 featured these silver labels but were likely old stock distributed in new sleeves.

King Diamond is a heavy metal vocalist from Denmark, born on June 14, 1956. He gained fame as the lead singer of Mercyful Fate and later formed his own band. Known for his falsetto vocals and theatrical stage presence, King Diamond often adorns himself with ever-changing face paint featuring inverted crosses. In his lyrics, he explores occult themes and Gothic horror stories involving haunted houses, ghosts, and possession.

In the 1980s, King Diamond faced criticism from religious and parental groups due to his image and affiliation with Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. However, he has since stated that he follows no religion at all. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, USA, King Diamond is married to Hungarian-born vocalist Livia Zita who also performs with his band and serves as his business partner.

Despite facing health issues in the late 2000s which required back surgery in 2007 and a triple-bypass in 2010, King Diamond continues to captivate audiences with his unique style. His music has influenced numerous artists within the heavy metal genre such as *Mercyful Fate*, *Halford*, *Anvil*, *Metal Church*, *Sanctuary*, *Overkill*, *Venom*, *Running Wild* and many more.

Released in 1987, Abigail is the second King Diamond album, a concept record revolving around a haunted mansion, the malevolent ghost of a stillborn child, and the tragic fate of the new owners of the property. Cloaked in dark drama and echoing the classic early horror movies for atmosphere, many fans consider this the defining King Diamond record. When King’s original band Mercyful Fate split up, having released two genre defining masterpieces Melissa’ and ‘Don’t Break the Oath’, he formed King Diamond along with guitarist Michael Denner and and bassist Timi Hansen. The line up on Abigail was completed by guitar virtuoso Andy La Roque, and drummer Mikkey Dee who later joined Motorhead.

Abigail

Music GB

Discover Abigail by King Diamond on Metal Blade label. A haunting concept album released in 1987, considered a defining record in the genre.