Search - Mercyful Fate :: Dead Again

Mercyful Fate - 'Dead Again' (Metal Blade)

Mike Reed | USA | 10/04/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Fairly decent 1998 CD release from the Dutch black metal merchants. Still somewhat amazed they even ever reunited awhile back as they have. Better cuts found here are the somewhat humorous "The Lady Who Cries", "Banshee", the heavy-duty "Sucking Your Blood" and the 14-minute title track "Dead Again". Some have said that every member except for Diamond puts in a full-hearted effort in the making of this record. See what you think.Line-up: King Diamond-vocals,Hank Sherman&Mike Weed-guitars,Sharlee D'Angelo-bass and Bjarne T.Holm-drums. Maybe not a classic,but certainly no sleeper either."

"Dead Again"

Tony G. | Nanuet, New York United States | 09/30/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Dead Again" is a tough album for this reviewer to critique. The legendary Mercyful Fate is up there as one of my top three favorite bands of all time and I must say that this is probably their weakest album. That being said, it still contains some truly powerful moments. "Torture (1629)" opens the album perfectly. A sinister little song about the trial and execution of a "witch". "Banshee" is an atmospheric, slower-paced number and vocalist King Diamond wails beautifully on it. The highlight of the entire album is probably "The Lady Who Cried". The song tells of a crying Virgin Mary statue that houses an evil force within. Excellent lyrics and superb instrumentals make this one a true gem. Another standout track is the highly personal "Fear", which finds Kim Bendix Petersen examining his stage persona, alter-ego King Diamond. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn't hold up quite as well. Songs like "The Night" and "Mandrake" aren't terrible, but they leave something to be desired. "Since Forever" and "Crossroads" are slightly better but there's not alot of magic or originality to them. The real bummer is "Sucking Your Blood" which sounds like nothing more than a demo, and a bad demo at that. And then we come to the title track. The band gets kudos for the experimental nature and stream of consciousness lyrical feel of it, but the tune pretty much falls flat. It's too long and rambling to have much of an effect. In conclusion, it must be said that although I consider this album to be the band's worst, it is by no means bad. To date, Mercyful Fate has never given us a subpar album. Even on the most mediocre tracks, the musicians provide us with some blistering guitar work, pounding drums and of course, marvelous vocals. To be completely honest, the worst that Fate might do is still far better than what's considered the "best" from other bands.

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May Actually Be Mercyful Fate's Best Record!

Bradley Headstone | New York | 07/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Giving you a brief rundown of where I stand, I thought "Beginning" and "Melissa" were good. I did NOT like "Don't Break the Oath." I thought "In the Shadows" defined the term 'major comeback.' "Time" was an interesting gentler side of Mr. Diamond. "Into the Unknown" was an uneven record, but it did have its moments. Well, on "Dead Again," guitarist Mike Denner was replaced with Mike Wead. (This leaves King Diamond and Hank Shermann as the only remaining original members.) While some people will obviously miss Mike Denner, Mike Wead actually fills the spot well, and the truth is, "Dead Again" may actually be Mercyful Fate's best record! This is arguably the strongest lineup Mercyful Fate had and King's vocals are in outstanding shape. 'Torture' is a powerful opener with frightening lyrics and a driving edge. 'The Night' has a dark tone made more prevalent by the guitar work. Songs of lost love are not too common on Mr. Diamond's records, but 'Since Forever' is a frighteningly well put together track that convincingly combines sorrow and rage. (On this song, the team work of Shermann and Wead is really prevalent.) 'The Lady Who Cries' is less intense, but it is still dark and haunting. On 'Banshee,' Mr. Diamond shows us yet again, that sometimes softer and more quiet = more eerie. 'Mandrake' is a good song that releases the tension for a moment. 'Sucking Your Blood' is a surprisingly frightening song that is told from the eyes of a vampire. The real terror begins with 'Dead Again.' Skillfully preceeded by some soft classical guitar, Mr. Diamond unleashes 13 minutes of different types of music unified by lyrics portraying someone wandering through different images of death, and of course Mr. Diamond's unusual talent for organization. As far as Hank Shermann and Mike Wead's guitar work, I can honestly say they may not get the kudos that Eddie Van Halen, Jim Hendrix, or Steve Vai get, but Shermann and Wead are the better guitarists. 'Fear' is an almost thrash song that follows 'Dead Again' as well as could have been expected. The record has a real intense and frightening end with 'Crossroads.' Shermann and Wead again show that this may be the best guitar tandem that King Diamond ever had. And of course King's vocals are unleashed full blast for this final track of terror. Generally, I try to understand the different opinions of others. But I honestly wonder how anyone could call this a weak record on Mercyful Fate's part. The lyrics, the music itself, King's vocals, and King's lineup, are all nothing short of phenomenal on this record. So much so, that not only is "Dead Again" arguably their best record, but it sounds like it was meant to be revenge on alternative, rapp, grunge, and sell outs. Don't be swayed by the negative revews. You will miss out on this record of intense musical terror!"