Fatal Portrait - King Diamond

The first 'solo' album from Mercyful Fate frontman King Diamond ends up being a comparatively modest effort to highlight the whole band's abilities, lacking much of the over-the-top showmanship and camp horror aesthetic of the King's subsequent works. While it isn't as technically proficient or tight as its successor 'Abigail,' this is still a noteworthy release that stands out in the often indistinguishable King Diamond discography. Recorded in 1986, the production is a little weak, which lessens the impact of many of Andy LaRoque's guitar riffs but also adds an enjoyable echoed effect to King Diamond's high wailing vocals. Only a select few songs on here ...  Read the complete review