#6 Fatal Portrait (1986)
The album that started it all! Admittedly, KING DIAMOND’s debut album was a “transition” album. It sounds a lot like MERCYFUL FATE with King in full control of the songwriting. It even features three-fifths of MERCYFUL FATE – King recruited Timi Hanson (bass) and Michael Denner (guitar). Fatal Portrait does feature more theatrical elements, something King would soon master, and introduces King’s storytelling. The album is not a full concept album but some of the tracks are interrelated to create an outline of a story.
The album is not as polished as the other 1980’s KING DIAMOND albums but tracks like “The Candle” and “Halloween” are early examples of King’s greatness as a ‘solo’ artist.
Highlights: “The Candle”, “Charon”, “Lurking in the Dark”, “The Lake” (not on original album)
#5 Conspiracy (1989)
Conspiracy marked the first attempt King made at creating a sequel album. It came on the heels of 1988’s “Them” and attempts to continue it’s story. While there is a noticeable drop in the atmosphere compared to previous albums, Conspiracy begins in epic fashion. The opening tracks are among the band’s most perfectly written tracks and performed (“At the Graves” and “Sleepless Nights”). Unfortunately, the album’s flaws begin to pop up as we hit the middle section of the album. The story-line begins to struggle along, and the album is only held together by the incredible music performances.
Ultimately, Conspiracy includes some of the best songs in the band’s discography. It is also inconsistent and held back by a storyline the gets lost along the way.
Highlights: “At the Graves”, “Sleepless Nights”, “”Amon” Belongs to “Them””, “Victimized”
#4 The Puppet Master (2003)
After four straight sub-par albums, KING DIAMOND brought back a little of the vintage magic and inspiration with 2003’s The Puppet Master. While the album doesn’t quite live up to the band’s earlier masterpieces, it is no doubt a great example of King investing a lot of sincere enthusiasm into the work. The album is atmospheric, masterfully played, and has a riveting story-line that is both romantic and disturbing. There are moments when the story and the music are used so well together that I get goosebumps (a trait that always separated KING DIAMOND’s best albums).
Highlights: “The Puppet Master”, “Emerencia”, ”Blood to Walk”, “Darkness”
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