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Abigail II is pressed on Black and White Splatter Vinyl is the album by King Diamond and is plotwise a successor to the 1987 album Abigail. The cover art was done by Travis Smith, Metal Blade Records
In the blood-soaked world of heavy metal, few figures cast a shadow as long and sinister as King Diamond. With a voice that swoops and soars like a banshee on the wind, and a penchant for gothic horror theatrics that would make Alice Cooper blush, he's carved a niche for himself as the genre's resident macabre maestro. And with "Abigail II: The Black & White Splatter Vinyl," he's once again conjured a sonic nightmare that's equal parts chilling and thrilling.
This ain't your mama's heavy metal, folks. This is the kind of music that crawls from the crypt, dripping with atmosphere and dread. "Abigail II" is a concept album that delves deep into the twisted tale of the first "Abigail," resurrecting the tormented spirits of the past and plunging them into a new vortex of terror. Fans have been raving about the album's intricate storytelling, with each song serving as a chapter in a larger, horrifying narrative.
Musically, it's a heady brew of heavy metal thunder and gothic rock grandeur. King Diamond's signature falsetto wails pierce through the dense instrumentation like shards of glass, while the guitars churn and chug with a monstrous intensity. There are moments of haunting melody, where the music takes on an almost operatic quality, but these are quickly shattered by bursts of pure sonic aggression. The album's dynamic shifts between aggression and melody have garnered much discussion among fans, some praising its unpredictability while others yearning for a more straightforward approach.
The album was forged in the fires of the famed Dallas Sound Lab, a studio known for its work with heavy metal legends like Pantera and Slayer. The production team, led by King Diamond himself, captured the raw energy of the band's performance while layering on a thick coat of sonic grime that perfectly complements the album's dark themes. The production quality has been a point of contention, with some fans finding it muddy and others appreciating its raw, unpolished sound.
"Abigail II" is a feast for the senses, a macabre masterpiece that will leave you breathless and begging for more. Whether you're a die-hard fan of King Diamond or a newcomer to his twisted world, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression. The album's divisive nature has sparked heated debates online, with fans passionately defending their opinions on everything from the album's musical direction to its lyrical content.
Just be sure to keep the lights on and the crucifix close at hand. You never know what horrors might be lurking in the shadows.
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Music Genre: Danish Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "KING DIAMOND - Abigail II B/W Splatter Vinyl" was produced by: Kol Marshall, King Diamond , Andy Laroque Sound Engineers: Kol Marshall, J.T. Longoria Record at Nomad Recording Studio, Dallas, Texas during May to September 2001 Additional Recording: Los Angered Recording, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Los Angered was a Swedish studio, located in Angered, near Gothenburg.
Owned and run by Andy LaRocque from 1995 to 2007
Mastered by: Kol Marshall, King Diamond Album cover design: Travis Smith |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Metal Blade Records – 3984-14379-1 |
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Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
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Media Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram |
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Year & Country: 2012 Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KING DIAMOND - Abigail II B/W Splatter Vinyl |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "KING DIAMOND - Abigail II B/W Splatter Vinyl" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "KING DIAMOND - Abigail II B/W Splatter Vinyl" is:
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The front cover of "Abigail II: The Revenge" by King Diamond features a dark and atmospheric illustration set in a gothic horror theme. The background consists of a massive, eerie mansion with pointed rooftops and tall, narrow windows, partially obscured by fog. Lightning bolts streak across the stormy night sky, casting an ominous glow over the entire scene.
In the foreground, a mysterious young woman with long black hair and a pale complexion stands before a tall, intricate wrought-iron gate. She is wearing an old-fashioned, shimmering golden dress, evoking a ghostly presence. Her right hand holds a glowing lantern, illuminating her face and the path ahead, while her left hand is slightly extended as if hesitating to step forward.
Opposite her, at ground level, a small teddy bear clutches another lantern, its tiny light flickering in the darkness. The bear's pose and eerie glow add an unsettling, supernatural touch, suggesting something beyond the ordinary. The pathway leading up to the gate is covered in dry, lifeless grass, reinforcing the album’s dark, foreboding themes.
The title "Abigail II: The Revenge" is elegantly styled across the center of the cover, with the word "Revenge" written in blood-red letters. At the top, the distinctive King Diamond logo is prominently displayed, enhancing the album’s branding. In the bottom left corner, the Metal Blade Records emblem, featuring a skull and crossed bones, marks this special release, commemorating the label’s 30th anniversary (1982-2012).
The artwork was created by Travis Smith, known for his hauntingly detailed and evocative metal album covers. This striking illustration perfectly captures the eerie and sinister atmosphere of the album’s chilling storyline, making it a visual masterpiece that complements King Diamond’s signature horror-themed concept albums.
The back cover of "Abigail II: The Revenge" by King Diamond continues the album's eerie, horror-themed visual aesthetic. The background portrays a haunting, desolate landscape bathed in an ominous, dim glow. Twisted, barren tree branches arch over the path like skeletal fingers, framing the silhouette of a mysterious, ghostly figure.
The figure appears distant and faceless, draped in shadow, with long, flowing hair. The ethereal light surrounding it adds an unsettling, supernatural element, reinforcing the album’s ghostly narrative.
The left side of the cover prominently displays the full tracklist, divided into four sides (A, B, C, D), listing songs such as "Spare This Life," "The Crypt," and "Mommy." Each title is printed in white gothic-style font, standing out against the dark background.
At the bottom of the cover, the album’s production credits list King Diamond, Andy LaRocque, and Kol Marshall as producers, with recording locations specified as Nomad Recording Studio (Dallas, Texas) and Los Angered Recording (Gothenburg, Sweden). The Metal Blade Records logo, featuring a skull and crossbones, is prominently displayed as a mark of authenticity.
The cover art perfectly encapsulates the sinister, gothic atmosphere of "Abigail II: The Revenge," visually enhancing the chilling themes explored in the album’s narrative.
RoadrunneR RR 9622 , 1987 , Netherlands
First release of Abigail the photo of Andy La Roque on the right hand side of album back cover."Abigail" is the second "King Diamond" album and their first concept album, 1987 Roadrunner Records.
Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR 12" Vinyl LP
Music on Vinyl MOVLP1238 , 2014 , Made in EU
Audiophile High Quality release of King Diamond album "Abigail". Released in 2014 on the record label "Music on Vinyl" with catalognr: MOVLP1238. Produced by Robert Falcoa and King Diamond.
Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP
Metal Blade Records – 3984-14379-1 , 2012 , Germany
Abigail II pressed ob Black and White Splatter Vinyl is the album by King Diamond and is plotwise a successor to the 1987 album Abigail. The cover art was done by Travis Smith, Metal Blade Records
Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP
Metal Blade Records /Archaic Temple Productions Treasure 003 , 2004
This album "KING DIAMOND AND BLACK ROSE - 20 Years Ago - A Night Of Rehearsal" In fact it is a rehearsal tape of a pre-Mercyful Fate band featuring King Diamond on vocals, named Black Rose.
20 Years Ago - A Night Of Rehearsal 12" VINYL LP
RoadrunneR Records RR 9461-1 , 1989 , Netherlands
"Conspiracy" is the concept album by King Diamond, being the second part of a story that begun on the album "Them". This is the Dutch ( The Netherlands ) pressing andwas released in 1989.
Conspiracy Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP
Roadrunner RR 2455 , 1988 , Holland ( The Netherlands )
"The Dark Sides" A rare 6 track vinyl EP by King Diamond. It was produced by: King Diamond, Roberto Falcao. This web-page has detailed information on each of the tracks on this vinyl record.
The Dark Sides - Heavy Metal From Denmark
RoadrunneR RR 9721 , 1985 , The Netherlands
"Fatal Portrait" the debut album by Danish heavy metal band "King Diamond". Released in 1986 on Roadrunner Records. Listed are the difference of the first release "Fatal Portrait" and re-releases.
Fatal Portrait Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP
Roadrunner Records RR 125485 , 1985 , The Netherlands
"No Presents for Christmas" the first record released by King Diamond band and is released 1985. The track is later made available as a bonus track on one of the later re-issues of "Fatal Portrait".
No Presents for Christmas - 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl Record
RoadrunneR RR 9346 , 1990 , Holland ( The Netherlands)
"The Eye" a concept album by King Diamond released 1990. It continues to feature a major storyline such as other albums, though it is told differently. It is the only album with drum programming.
The Eye incl OIS Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP
Metal Blade Records 3984-15316-1 , 1990-2014 , USA
This is an re-issue of King Diamond's album "The Eye" pressed on 180 grams audiophile vinyl "The Eye" a concept album by King Diamond released 1990. It continues to feature a major storyline
The Eye USA Metal Blade Records Re-issue 12" Vinyl LP
RoadrunneR RR 9550 1 , 1981 , Holland ( The Netherlands )
This album "Them" is the third album recorded by the Danish Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal singer: "King Diamond". This release has been Manufactured in The Netherlands and Made in Holland
Them Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP