KING DIAMOND - Abigail - RoadrunneR Records 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Step into the gothic world of Abigail with eerie artwork fierce production and a legendary concept that redefined metal storytelling

Large Album Front Cover Photo of KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR

This is the first release of Abigail with the photo of Andy La Roque on the right hand side of the album back cover."Abigail" is the second "King Diamond" album and their first concept album. It was released in 1987 on Roadrunner Records.

This album "KING DIAMOND - Abigail OIS" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Album Description:

Released in 1987 by Roadrunner Records, "Abigail" marked a significant milestone for the legendary heavy metal band King Diamond. As their second studio album and their first venture into the realm of concept albums, "Abigail" showcased the band's unique blend of theatricality, powerful vocals, and dark storytelling.

The Album Cover and Packaging:
The vinyl LP edition of "Abigail" presents a visual feast for fans and collectors alike. Featuring the captivating artwork and design of Studio Dzyan, helmed by the talented Thomas Holm and Torbjorn Jorgenson, the cover art immediately sets the eerie tone for the album. The intricate details and dark imagery draw the viewer into the haunting world King Diamond has crafted within the album's songs.

The album's back cover is noteworthy for its inclusion of a photo of Andy La Roque on the right-hand side. This simple addition provides a personal touch and further connects the listener to the musicians behind the music. Additionally, the album includes a custom inner sleeve adorned with further artwork and photos, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the vinyl release.

The Concept and Lyrics:
"Abigail" stands out as King Diamond's first concept album, a musical journey that tells a chilling story from start to finish. The album follows the tale of a young couple, Miriam Natias and Jonathan LaFey, who inherit a mansion with a dark secret. The haunting lyrics unravel the narrative, taking listeners through a labyrinth of supernatural occurrences, possession, and chilling revelations.

King Diamond's lyrical prowess shines on "Abigail", with each track contributing to the overarching narrative. The album's protagonist, King Diamond himself, portrays multiple characters, immersing listeners in the twisted tale. From the opening track, "Funeral", to the haunting finale, "The Black Horsemen", the lyrics showcase King Diamond's ability to create vivid imagery and invoke a sense of dread and suspense.

The Creative Team:
"Abigail" owes its atmospheric sound and captivating production to the talented team behind its creation. Recorded at Sound Track Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark, from December 1986 to February 1987, the album benefited from the expertise of sound and recording engineer Roberto Falcão. Falcão's contribution ensured that the intricate musical arrangements and King Diamond's haunting vocals were expertly captured, creating a mesmerizing sonic experience.

The album's photography, credited to Jorgen Bak and Ole Lundgren, further complements the overall visual aesthetic of "Abigail". The photographs capture the essence of the band members, adding depth and personality to the album's presentation. Their skillful work enhances the connection between the musicians and the audience, inviting fans to delve deeper into the album's haunting world

Essential Album Information For: KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR

Music Genre:

Death Metal, Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

 RoadrunneR RR 9622

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1987 Made in the Netherlands

KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR Production & Recording Information

Album Packaging

This album "KING DIAMOND - Abigail OIS" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Producers:

King Diamond - Producer

Michael Denner - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Roberto Falcão- Sound Engineer

Roberto Falcãois producer and sound engineer of the first King Diamond record "No Presents for Christmas" on later "King Diamond" albums, he is guest playing the keyboards.
Recording Location:

Sound Track Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark, December 1986 until February 1987

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Studio Dzyan, Thomas Holm, Torbjorn Jorgenson

  • Thomas Holm – Illustrator (Studio Dzyan)

    The Malmö-based hand behind those saturated, midnight-blue fever dreams that made the '80s occult revival look dangerously expensive.

    Thomas Holm doesn’t just illustrate album covers; he builds the cage you're about to be locked in. Co-founding Studio Dzyan in Sweden, Holm became the aesthetic architect for King Diamond’s most claustrophobic years. When you look at the oil-painted dread of Melissa (1983) or the sulfurous glow of Don’t Break the Oath (1984), you aren't looking at 'marketing'—you're looking at a specific brand of Malmö gothic that feels wet to the touch. Between 1986 and 1990, his work on Fatal Portrait through The Eye gave the King a visual consistency that most bands trade for cheap airbrushing. There’s a density to his colors—those bruised purples and sickly jaundiced yellows—that suggests a level of patience most metal artists don't possess. Even his later pivots to Wolf or Nifelheim carry that same meticulous, old-world grime. It’s the kind of artwork that makes you handle the sleeve by the edges, half-convinced the paint might still be drying or, worse, that something inside is actually breathing. It’s a grim, beautiful standard that most modern digital renders can’t even touch.

    Thomas Holm Wiki
    • Studio Dzyan, the creative powerhouse helmed by artists Thomas Holm and Torbjörn Jörgensen, is renowned for its striking album cover designs. Their visionary artwork has graced the releases of legendary bands like Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and Spartan Warrior, blending dark atmospheres with intricate detail to define the visual identity of heavy metal’s most iconic records.

    Thorbjorn Jorgensen a Swedish illustrator and graphic designer and member/founder of the Studio Dzyan in Malmö. Thorbjorn has been working on all the artwork for the albums of Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, S.P.O.C.K, Lord Belial and many others. For the "King Diamond" and "Mercyful Fate" albums he has often been working together with "Thomas Holm".

    Photography:

    Jorgen Bak - Photographer

    Ole Lundgren - Photographer

    Öle Lundgren - photographer for the "King Diamond" albums: Abigail, Them, and "Fatal Portrait".

    Musicians on: KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR

    Band-members, Musicians:

    King Diamond - All Vocals

  • King Diamond – Vocals, keyboards

    The Danish high-priest of the falsetto, whose corpse-paint probably never quite washes off the collar.

    Before he was an icon, Kim Bendix Petersen was just another kid in Copenhagen lugging gear through the mid-70s gloom with Brainstorm and Black Rose. By the time Mercyful Fate coalesced in ’81, he’d stopped playing the part of a frontman and started inhabiting something far more unsettling. To hear that first EP is to hear a man daring the listener to laugh at his theatrics, only to realize the music is too sharp, too lethal, to be a joke. When the Fate inevitably fractured in '85—as bands built on such rigid alchemy usually do—the King simply took the candles and the bone-cross with him. His solo output didn't just 'feature' horror; it exhaled it, turning 12-inch vinyl into a physical medium for ghost stories. It’s music that smells of old velvet and cheap stage fog, anchored by a voice that shouldn't work but somehow, impossibly, does. You either buy into the ritual or you don’t, but you never forget the first time that scream hits the speakers. King Diamond Wiki

    • Michael Denner - Lead Guitar

  • Michael Denner – Guitarist (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond)

    The master of the eerie harmony; the man who proved that heavy metal solos could be as graceful as they are grim.

    Michael Denner is the reason those early Mercyful Fate records didn’t just sound heavy—they sounded *expensive.* Emerging from the same snot-nosed Brats era as his partner-in-crime Hank Shermann, Denner brought a 70s-inflected soul to the band's occult attack. While others were chasing speed, Denner was chasing the kind of vibrato that lingers in the air like incense. His tenure from '81 to '85 didn't just 'feature' guitar work; it established a twin-guitar language that redefined the genre. When the Fate first fractured, he jumped straight into the fire with King Diamond, providing the neoclassical elegance that makes Abigail (1987) feel like a Victorian ghost story rather than a standard metal record. He’s floated in and out of the fold since—rejoining for the mid-90s resurrection and occasional guest appearances—but his thumbprint is permanent. To hear a Denner solo is to hear a player who values the space between the notes as much as the notes themselves. It’s a sophisticated, slightly melancholic touch that reminds you he grew up listening to the greats before the world turned into a distortion pedal.

    • Andy La Roque - Lead Guitar

    Andy LaRocque: Swedish guitar virtuoso behind King Diamond's sound. Neo-classical shred, melodic mastery, & top-notch production skills. Dive into his legacy:

    Timi Hansen - Bass

  • Timi “Grabber” Hansen – Bassist (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond)

    The man didn't just play the bass; he attacked it with a pick-heavy rattle that became the heartbeat of Danish occult metal.

    Timi Hansen earned the name 'Grabber' for a reason. While most metal bassists of the early '80s were content to be felt and not heard, Hansen used his fingers and a relentless pick attack to carve a space for himself between the twin-guitar assault of Shermann and Denner. He was the foundational weight of Mercyful Fate during that lightning-in-a-bottle run from ’81 to ’85, providing a muscular, clattering drive that kept the band’s high-concept theatrics grounded in the gutter. When the King moved on to solo territory, Hansen was the logical choice to anchor the 1985–1987 era, his lines on Abigail pulsing with a sinister, driving urgency that feels like a pursuit. He returned briefly for the '92 reunion—a final, thunderous victory lap—before the rigors of the road took their toll. There’s a specific, trebly grit to his tone that sounds like a Rickenbacker being pushed to its breaking point. It’s a sound that is sorely missed, a reminder that in the right hands, four strings are more than enough to summon a storm.

    Timi “Grabber” Hansen Wiki
    • Mikkey Dee - Drums

    Mikkey Dee Drum legend behind Motörhead, Scorpions, King Diamond. A powerhouse of rhythm. Explore his journey

    Track-listing of: KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR

    Tracklisting Side One:
    1. Funeral 1:29
    2. Arrival 5:26
    3. A Mansion In The Darkness 4:33
    4. The Family Ghost 4:05
    5. The 7th Day Of July 1777 4:51
    Tracklisting Side Two:
    1. Omens 3:56
    2. The Possession 3:25
    3. Abigail 4:52
    4. Black Horsemen 7:39

    KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR High Resolution & Quality Photos

    The album cover art for King Diamond - Abigail shows a dramatic night scene in shades of blue and black. Two ghostly blue horses gallop forward, pulling a black carriage with two cloaked drivers wearing top hats. Yellow lanterns glow on the carriage, casting eerie light against storm clouds and bare twisted trees. The word Abigail appears in ornate gothic white lettering at the bottom.

    The cover art presents a haunting nocturnal vision dominated by stormy blue skies and looming black clouds. In the foreground, two spectral horses, painted in shimmering shades of blue, charge forward with an intensity that suggests both urgency and dread.

    Behind them, a shadowy black carriage rattles along, its wheels cutting through the darkened landscape. Two cloaked drivers sit hunched at the front, their top hats and bent postures adding to the ominous tone. The only light comes from the eerie yellow glow of two lanterns affixed to the carriage, their illumination highlighting the figures in unsettling contrast.

    To the left, gnarled, leafless trees rise against the backdrop of swirling storm clouds, creating a sense of desolation and foreboding. At the bottom, the title Abigail is etched in ornate gothic white script, anchoring the entire image in its theatrical and sinister atmosphere.

    Back cover of King Diamond - Abigail Netherlands Roadrunner vinyl LP shows portraits of band members against vivid green and blue backdrops. Michael Denner stands with a black leather jacket, King Diamond poses in theatrical makeup with fire bursting from his hand, Andy La Roque holds a blue guitar, Mikkey Dee in a studded outfit poses dramatically, and Timi Hansen leans forward gripping his bass. The track listing, credits, and Roadrunner Records logos appear in the center.

    The back cover explodes with dramatic portraits of the musicians, each set against luminous green and blue backgrounds. At the top left, Michael Denner gazes seriously while holding his guitar, clad in a sleek black leather jacket. In the center, King Diamond commands attention in his full theatrical regalia, complete with corpse paint, a blood-red cape, and an outstretched hand conjuring real flames.

    To the right, Andy La Roque strikes a dynamic pose with his electric blue guitar, his blond hair spilling wildly as he lifts one hand mid-performance. Beneath him, bassist Timi Hansen leans forward gripping his instrument, his bare chest and intense stare amplifying the energy. On the lower left, drummer Mikkey Dee stands with fists clenched, his wild hair and studded clothing radiating pure heavy metal attitude.

    Between the photos, the central block presents the complete track listing for both sides of the LP, production credits, recording details, and the Roadrunner Records logos. Together, the imagery and text create a perfect storm of fire, theatrics, and raw energy that defines the essence of Abigail.

    Custom inner sleeve of King Diamond - Abigail Netherlands Roadrunner vinyl LP features a black-and-white band photo in the center. The five band members pose together: Andy La Roque and Michael Denner stand on either side, King Diamond is centered in full makeup, flanked by Mikkey Dee and Timi Hansen. Above the photo, white text thanks families and friends for their love and support. Below, a bold message addresses fans worldwide, ending with the words STAY HEAVY.

    The inner sleeve features a striking black-and-white group photograph of the band, set within a bold black frame. At the top, in white block letters, the musicians extend heartfelt thanks to their families and friends for their unwavering love and support.

    Centered in the composition, the five members of King Diamond pose together. King Diamond himself, with trademark corpse paint, commands attention at the middle, flanked by the flamboyant presence of Mikkey Dee and Timi Hansen. On the far edges, Andy La Roque and Michael Denner complete the powerful lineup, each exuding attitude and heavy metal spirit.

    Beneath the photo, a dedicated message thanks the worldwide community of loyal fans, affectionately called “Diamond Bangers.” The sleeve closes with the bold rallying cry STAY HEAVY, cementing the band’s connection with their audience and their commitment to the heavy metal ethos.

    Custom inner sleeve of King Diamond - Abigail Netherlands Roadrunner vinyl LP showing printed lyrics of all tracks. The white background features black text blocks with song titles in bold, including Funeral, Arrival, A Mansion in Darkness, The Family Ghost, The 7th Day of July 1777, Omens, The Possession, Abigail, and Black Horsemen. Lyrics are laid out clearly in columns, with notes about guitar solos and themes. At the bottom right, main characters and credits are listed.

    This side of the inner sleeve unfolds the full lyrical journey of Abigail, printed in neat black text against a stark white backdrop. Each track title appears bolded in black blocks, anchoring the haunting verses that follow. The songs include Funeral, Arrival, A Mansion in Darkness, The Family Ghost, The 7th Day of July 1777, Omens, The Possession, Abigail, and Black Horsemen.

    The lyrics are accompanied by notations such as “Solo: Andy” or “Theme: Mike,” guiding the reader through the instrumental and vocal arrangements. This annotated presentation reinforces the concept album’s dramatic narrative, highlighting the interplay between story and musicianship.

    At the bottom right, additional notes identify the main characters of the concept: Jonathan LaFey, Miriam Natias, and Abigail herself. A disclaimer reminds readers that any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental, underscoring the theatrical and fictional nature of the album’s storyline.

    Close up of record's label KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR Side One:
    Close-up of Side One record label for King Diamond - Abigail Netherlands Roadrunner release. The label is light gray with bold red Roadrunner Records logo at the top. Text in black lists the album title Abigail and tracks Funeral, Arrival, A Mansion in Darkness, The Family Ghost, and The 7th Day of July 1777 along with timings. Catalog number RR 9622, STEMRA rights society, LC 9321 label code, and Stereo 33 rpm marking appear. Credits state produced by Roberto Falcao and King Diamond with copyright © 1987 Roadrunner Productions B.V.

    The record label for Side One of Abigail is presented in a clean light gray tone with bold red Roadrunner Records branding prominently displayed across the top. Beneath, the catalog number RR 9622, rights society mark STEMRA, and label code LC 9321 are carefully positioned, ensuring the pressing’s authenticity.

    The center lists the album title Abigail and the complete track order for Side One: Funeral (1:29), Arrival (5:26), A Mansion in Darkness (4:33), The Family Ghost (4:05), and The 7th Day of July 1777 (4:51). The text also confirms a total running time of 20:14 minutes.

    Additional credits note that all songs were written by King Diamond except where otherwise indicated, with production credited to Roberto Falcão and King Diamond. Along the lower edge, the copyright imprint © 1987 Roadrunner Productions B.V. reaffirms the release’s year and publisher, while the “Made in Holland” mark completes the details of this Netherlands pressing.

    Close up of record's label KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR Side Two:
    Close-up of Side Two record label for King Diamond - Abigail Netherlands Roadrunner release. The label is light gray with bold red Roadrunner Records logo across the top. Black text lists the album title Abigail and the tracks Omens, The Possession, Abigail, and Black Horsemen with their timings. Catalog number RR 9622, STEMRA rights society, LC 9321 label code, and Stereo 33 rpm marking are visible. Credits show production by Roberto Falcao and King Diamond with copyright © 1987 Roadrunner Productions B.V.

    The Side Two record label of Abigail is printed on a light gray background with the vivid red Roadrunner Records logo spanning the top. Just beneath, technical identifiers such as RR 9622, the STEMRA rights society, LC 9321 label code, and “Stereo 33 rpm” are prominently displayed, confirming the authenticity of this pressing.

    Centered on the label is the album title Abigail, followed by the complete Side Two track listing: Omens (3:56), The Possession (3:25), Abigail (4:52), and Black Horsemen (7:39). A total running time of 19:52 minutes is noted beneath the tracklist.

    The lower section of the label carries production credits, stating all songs were written by King Diamond except where indicated, produced by Roberto Falcão and King Diamond. Finally, the copyright imprint © 1987 Roadrunner Productions B.V. is printed along the edge, with “Made in Holland” text confirming the pressing’s origin.

    King Diamond Vinyl Discography: Iconic Album Covers and Releases

    KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Abigail Netherlands RoadrunneR 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

     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
    KING DIAMOND - Abigail released by Music On Vinyl
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

     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.

    Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP
    KING DIAMOND - Abigail II Black & White Splatter Vinyl
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Abigail II Black & White Splatter Vinyl 12" 2LP Album front cover

    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
    Updated King Diamond and Black Rose – 20 Years Ago – A Night of Rehearsal 12 inch vinyl LP album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl
    King Diamond and Black Rose – 20 Years Ago – A Night of Rehearsal (Ltd Ed)

    “20 Years Ago – A Night of Rehearsal” captures King Diamond’s early roar before Mercyful Fate. Raw and unrefined, the recording hums with basement energy — smoke, feedback, and defiance. This limited edition of 500 copies bottles the rehearsal chaos that shaped Danish heavy metal’s theatrical edge and dark charisma.

    KING DIAMOND - Conspiracy European Releases
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Conspiracy Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

     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

    Conspiracy Made in West-Germamy 12" Vinyl LP

    KING DIAMOND - The Dark Sides - Heavy Metal From Denmark 12" Vinyl LP Album
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - The Dark Sides - Heavy Metal From Denmark 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

    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
    KING DIAMOND - Fatal Portrait Netherlands Release
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Fatal Portrait Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

    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
    KING DIAMOND - No Presents for Christmas
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - No Presents for Christmas - 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl Record album front cover

    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
    KING DIAMOND - The Eye incl OIS Netherlands Release
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - The Eye incl OIS Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Record album front cover

    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
    KING DIAMOND - The Eye USA
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - The Eye USA Re-issue 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

    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
    KING DIAMOND - Them Netherlands
    Thumbnail of KING DIAMOND - Them Netherlands Release RoadrunneR 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

     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