- Step into the gothic world of Abigail with eerie artwork fierce production and a legendary concept that redefined metal storytelling
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
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
Death Metal, Heavy Metal
RoadrunneR RR 9622
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1987 Made in the Netherlands
This album "KING DIAMOND - Abigail OIS" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
King Diamond - Producer
Michael Denner - Producer
Roberto Falcão- Sound Engineer
Sound Track Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark, December 1986 until February 1987
Studio Dzyan, Thomas Holm, Torbjorn Jorgenson
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".
Jorgen Bak - Photographer
Ole Lundgren - Photographer
King Diamond - All Vocals
Michael Denner - Lead Guitar
Andy La Roque - Lead Guitar
Timi Hansen - Bass
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 LPMusic 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 LPMetal 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 LPMetal 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 LPRoadrunneR 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.
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 DenmarkRoadrunneR 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 LPRoadrunner 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 RecordRoadrunneR 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 LPMetal 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 LPRoadrunneR 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