Name: Don't Break The Oath
Brand: Mercyful Fate

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

156821

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Colour

Black

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 US

Limited edition

Release date

2022-05-27

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Orchard

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

039841568219

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Mercyful Fate

Genre US

Metal

Label US

Metal Blade

Mercyful Fate is a heavy metal band from Copenhagen, Denmark. Formed in 1981 by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann, the band quickly gained recognition for their influential sound. With the "classic" line-up of King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner on guitar, Timi Hansen on bass, and Kim Ruzz on drums, Mercyful Fate released several EPs and LPs that solidified their status as one of the most influential metal bands of the early 1980s.

Known for King Diamond's blasphemous lyrics and theatrical stage presence, Mercyful Fate was often associated with the first wave of black metal. However, musically they were closer to bands like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden. In 1985, the band split as Shermann decided to pursue a more commercial direction. King Diamond embarked on a successful solo career with Denner and Hansen joining him.

The legend of Mercyful Fate continued to grow after their split. The classic line-up reunited in 1993 for a new album but without Kim Ruzz. Throughout the 1990s, they carried on while King Diamond pursued his solo career. Despite lineup changes over the years, including Michael Denner's departure in 1996 and Timi Hansen's battle with cancer until his passing in 2019, Mercyful Fate remained an iconic force in heavy metal music.

All of Mercyful Fate's potential was fulfilled on Don't Break the Oath, a doomy, gothic collection of post-Priest/Maiden black metal preoccupied with Satan and the occult. Hank Shermann and Michael Denner keep their progressive rock tendencies reigned in while still delivering plenty of the neo-classical feel that gives the music its atmosphere, and King Diamond uses his vocal range to great theatrical effect.

Don't Break The Oath

Music US