This version of "Conspiracy" has printed "MANUFACTURED IN THE NETHERLANDS" in the bottom right corner of the album back cover, and "MADE IN HOLLAND" printed on the label (near 3 o'clock).
Conspiracy is the concept album by King Diamond, being the second part of a story that begun on the album " Them ". It was released in 1989.
Conspiracy was the last album to feature original drummer Mikkey Dee (however, he was a studio musician at that time).
Roberto Falcao is 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.
In the vast realm of heavy metal, there are few artists as distinctive and enigmatic as KING DIAMOND. Known for his haunting falsetto vocals, theatrical stage presence, and dark lyrical themes, King Diamond has crafted a unique musical legacy. One of his standout works is the "Conspiracy" Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in 1989. This web-page delves into the intricacies of this album, exploring the contributions of key personnel such as sound engineers Roberto Falcao and Gina Immel, sound mix engineers Chris Tsangarides and Roberto Falcao, mastering engineer Howie Weinberg, as well as the album cover design and photography.
The sound engineers and mix engineers play a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of an album. Roberto Falcao and Gina Immel were involved in the production of "Conspiracy", working alongside Chris Tsangarides. Falcao, known for his expertise in capturing and enhancing the essence of metal music, brought his skillset to the album's production. Immel, equally proficient in her craft, contributed to creating the atmospheric and haunting sounds that would become the hallmark of KING DIAMOND's music.
Working in collaboration, Falcao and Immel captured the raw energy of the band's performances while ensuring the clarity and balance necessary for a captivating listening experience. Their meticulous attention to detail in capturing the nuances of each instrument and King Diamond's vocal acrobatics resulted in a rich and dynamic sonic tapestry.
Sound Mix Engineer Chris Tsangarides, renowned for his work with bands like Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy, brought his expertise to "Conspiracy". Tsangarides' experience in crafting powerful and cohesive mixes elevated the album's sound to new heights. Through his skilled manipulation of individual elements, he managed to strike a perfect balance between the driving guitars, thunderous drums, and King Diamond's haunting vocals.
Once the sound engineers and mix engineers had completed their work, the album was handed over to mastering engineer Howie Weinberg. Known for his exceptional mastering skills, Weinberg added the final touch to "Conspiracy". Mastering involves the careful enhancement of sound dynamics, ensuring that the album sounds consistent across different playback systems.
Weinberg's mastering work on "Conspiracy" brought out the nuances of the performances, amplifying the album's chilling atmosphere and allowing it to shine on various audio platforms. His expertise in creating a polished final product made the album sonically cohesive, enhancing the overall listening experience.
In addition to its aural brilliance, "Conspiracy" features captivating album cover design and artwork. Studio Dzyan, led by artists Thomas Holm and Thorbjorn Jorgenson, contributed their talents to create an evocative visual representation of the album's themes. The cover design serves as a portal into the macabre world that lies within the grooves of the vinyl LP.
To capture the essence of KING DIAMOND's enigmatic presence, Krasner/Trebitz and Alex Solca were responsible for the album's photography. Krasner/Trebitz, renowned photographers in the music industry, captured the band in their dark and atmospheric glory. Alex Solca, the band's dedicated photographer, provided intimate shots of the band members, allowing fans a glimpse into their mysterious personas.
Heavy Metal / Death Metal
RoadrunneR Records RR 9461-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1989 Manufactured in Netherlands and Made in Holland
This album comes with custom inner sleeves which contain production details, tracklisting, musician information,, artwork
Roberto Falcao - Producer
Roberto Falcao is producer and sound engineer since the first King Diamond record "No Presents for Christmas" on this and other "King Diamond" albums, he is producer, sound engineer and guest performer on the keyboards.
King Diamond - Producer
Danish metal legend King Diamond. Shocking makeup, chilling falsetto vocals, and dark, theatrical concepts. A true master of horror-infused heavy metal. Explore his world
Andy LaRocque - Producer
Andy LaRocque: Swedish guitar virtuoso behind King Diamond's sound. Neo-classical shred, melodic mastery, & top-notch production skills. Dive into his legacy:
Roberto Falcao - Sound Engineer, Sound Mix Engineer
Gina Immel - Sound Engineer
Chris Tsangarides - Sound Mix Engineer
Christopher Andrew Tsangarides, known as Chris Tsangarides, was a British record producer, sound engineer, and mixer, who left an indelible mark on the heavy metal and hard rock music scenes. Born on 17 August 1956, in London, England, Tsangarides displayed a passion for music from an early age. His talent and dedication would propel him to become one of the most sought-after producers in the industry.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Tsangarides rose to prominence due to his exceptional work with numerous heavy metal bands, earning him a reputation for producing albums of exceptional quality. His collaborations included notable acts such as Judas Priest, Anvil, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, Helloween, Angra, Anthem, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tygers of Pan Tang.
One of Tsangarides' breakthrough moments came in 1982 when he produced Anvil's iconic album "Metal on Metal." This release showcased his ability to capture the raw energy and power of the heavy metal genre. Following this success, Tsangarides went on to produce Thin Lizzy's acclaimed final studio album, "Thunder and Lightning," released in 1983. The album's dynamic sound and memorable tracks solidified Tsangarides' position as a top-tier producer.
In 1990, Tsangarides achieved a Grammy nomination for his work on Judas Priest's album "Painkiller," which showcased his expertise in capturing the band's ferocious sound. Throughout this period, Tsangarides collaborated with other influential artists, including Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Helloween, Y&T, Tygers of Pan Tang, Anthem, Sinner, King Diamond, Ian Gillan, and Bruce Dickinson, whose solo album "Tattooed Millionaire" he produced in the same year.
Tsangarides' distinctive style and meticulous attention to detail contributed to the success of many classic albums. His ability to capture the essence and energy of heavy metal made him a favorite among bands and musicians seeking a powerful and dynamic sound. His production work was marked by an emphasis on capturing the live performance, resulting in albums that resonated with fans and stood the test of time.
Tragically, Chris Tsangarides' career was cut short when he passed away on 7 January 2018, at the age of 61. However, his contributions to the heavy metal and hard rock genres continue to be celebrated and appreciated by fans and fellow musicians alike. Tsangarides left an enduring legacy as a Grammy-nominated producer, sound engineer, and mixer, whose work forever shaped the sound of heavy metal and solidified his status as a true legend in the music industry.
King Diamond - Sound Mix Engineer
Howie Weinberg- Mastering Engineer
Howie Weinberg is a highly renowned and respected mastering engineer in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and quality of numerous iconic albums. Born on 14 September 14, 1953, in New York City, Howie's passion for music began at a young age.
In the early 1970s, Weinberg embarked on his journey into the music industry, starting as an assistant engineer at Masterdisk, a leading mastering studio in New York City. Under the guidance of accomplished engineers like Bob Ludwig and Greg Calbi, Howie honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of artists and genres.
Throughout the 1980s, Weinberg emerged as a prominent figure in the industry, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mastering. His ability to enhance the sonic qualities of recordings and optimize their playback on various formats made him highly sought after by both established and emerging artists.
One of the pivotal moments in Howie Weinberg's career came when he collaborated with renowned producer Rick Rubin on the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill" in 1986. The success of the album further solidified Howie's reputation as an exceptional mastering engineer. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rubin, and they worked together on a string of influential albums, including releases by Slayer, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash.
Weinberg's remarkable talent for mastering became evident in his ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision while adding his expertise to create a polished and dynamic final product. His work on Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" in 1991 is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in a recording, with his mastering contributing to the album's raw energy and sonic impact.
Over the years, Howie Weinberg has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands from various genres, including U2, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. His discography boasts an extensive list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the most influential mastering engineers of his time.
In 1995, Howie Weinberg opened his own mastering studio, Howie Weinberg Mastering, in Los Angeles. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the mastering process, the studio became a go-to destination for artists seeking the highest level of audio quality for their projects.
Throughout his career, Weinberg has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Grammy nominations and wins for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is highly respected by his peers and has been a mentor to many aspiring mastering engineers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation.
Howie Weinberg's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate the sonic experience of countless albums have solidified his position as a true master of his art. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for music continue to shape the industry and inspire generations of mastering engineers to strive for excellence.
This album was recorded and mixed at: Rumbo Recorders, Canoga Park, CA
Studio Dzyan, Thomas Holm, Thorbjorn Jorgenson
Thomas Holm started his career as art designer in the early 1980's and has done the album covers for bands like: Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Spartan Warrior, Dark Heart. Torbjorn Jorgensen a Swedish illustrator and graphic designer and member/founder of the Studio Dzyan in Malmö. Torbjorn 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.
Krasner/Trebitz - Photographer
Krasner / Trebitz Photography are a photography company comprised of Bob Krasner and Debra Trebitz, photographing bands like: King Diamond, Crimson Glory, Banshee, Scorpions, Doctor Nerve.
Alex Solca - Band photographter
Alex Solca is a renowned music photographer celebrated for capturing the raw energy and iconic essence of Heavy Metal legends through his striking and timeless imagery.
King Diamond - Vocals, Keyboards
Danish metal legend King Diamond. Shocking makeup, chilling falsetto vocals, and dark, theatrical concepts. A true master of horror-infused heavy metal. Explore his world
Andy LaRocque - Guitar
Andy LaRocque: Swedish guitar virtuoso behind King Diamond's sound. Neo-classical shred, melodic mastery, & top-notch production skills. Dive into his legacy:
Pete Blakk - Guitar
Pete Blakk: Swedish shredder known for his work with King Diamond. His riffs and solos defined a heavy metal era. "Learn more about him"
Hal Patino - Bass
Hal Patino: American bassist who fueled the sound of Danish heavy metal giants Geisha and King Diamond. His powerful basslines are a hallmark of their iconic albums. "Learn about him"
Mikkey Dee - Drums
Micael Kiriakos Delaoglou alias Mikkey Dee started his long career in 1985 with King Diamond, switched to Dokken in 1990, followed by Motorhead and Scorpions today.
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Conspiracy by King Diamond" Record Label Details: RoadrunneR RR 9461 1
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.
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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.
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"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
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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