From the first Mercyful Fate album, falsetto frontman King Diamond grabbed the goat by the horns and exerted control over his bandmates. On his latest effort, he and his rotating band of metal gypsies—only guitarist Andy La Rocque remains from the original lineup—seem more focused than ever. Diamond continues his Abigail album concept, and the package features a family tree for his satanic minions to admire and gloat over. Abigail II: The Revenge tells the story of a broken household marred by the memory and presence of the stillborn Abigail La Fey; the imaginary La Fey dynasty makes for an interesting tale. Fans of King Diamond’s earlier albums—Them, The Portrait should headbang to the rapture made by the rhythm section of bassist Hal Patino and drummer Matt Thompson. And give any man credit who can weave evil tales without sounding like W.A.S.P.’s Blackie Lawless in a vacuum. KD rules.
(SN&R)