#3 The Eye (1990)
The Eye is probably the KING DIAMOND album with the most divided opinions. Critics mostly hated it (example: All Music gave it 2 stars) but fans mostly love it.
Critics point to all of the trouble surrounding the album. It was plagued by a dispute with the band’s record label, which kept The Eye from becoming as successful as it deserved to be – fallout with the label meant no tour to support the album. Long-time drummer Mikkey Dee also left the band prior to recording the album. The album also used keyboards and electronic drums heavily, which critics did not agree with.
Fans, on the other hand, find a lot of these changes give The Eye a unique flavor. Personally, I believe it is one of the most consistent KING DIAMOND albums from start to finish. The story is taken more seriously than previous albums – likely because it is primarily based on true events during the french inquisition. The music also matches the serious attitude. The tracks are heavy, melodic, memorable, and also catchy in many cases. I think of The Eye as the most accessible of all KING DIAMOND albums.
Highlights: “Eye of the Witch”, “The Trial (Chambre Ardene)”, “Burn”, Behind These Walls”, “1642 Imprisonment”
#2 Abigail (1987)
Abigail only at #2?! How dare I do that! The album is widely recognized as King Diamond’s solo masterpiece, and is without question one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all-time. That said, it comes in just behind the bands follow-up album “Them”. In many respects these albums are on a similar level – Abigail is actually superior in many respects. The Abigail story-line is iconic and the atmosphere is so dense you can almost feel it through the speakers. No other album in music history has reached a feeling this tangible.As for the music, there are no weak spots here, either. Each and every track nears perfection in it’s own right with versatile instrumentation that borders on progressive metal. Abigail deserves its spot as one of the greatest concept albums/metal albums/etc, but is still beat out by one other album.
Highlights: I recommend listening from start to finish to fully immerse yourself. Personal favorites are “Arrival”, “The 7th Day of July 1777”, “Omens”, and “Black Horsemen”
#1 “Them” (1988)
“Them” was my introduction to KING DIAMOND. When I first heard “Out From the Asylum”, the theatrical and atmospheric introduction, at age ten, I was both terrified and fascinated.
“Them” takes everything the band did on Abigail and turns up the dial. The album is heavier, scarier, campier, and the instrumentation is more complex and interesting. The storytelling is also more dynamic – its filled with character voices and theatrical interludes. There is definitely an argument to be made for Abigail to be in the top spot but “Them” wins based on my personal preference. Why? Experience it for yourself and you’ll see! Throw in some headphones, turn off the lights, sit back, and enjoy the scares, thrills and goosebumps of this auditory journey.
Highlights: Again, just listen to the entire album for full effect. This is like picking my favorite kid but I’ll go with “The Invisible Guests”, “Tea”, “Bye, Bye Missy”, “The Accusation Chair”, and “’Them’” (still scares me every time).
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