KING DIAMOND - The Eye USA Re-issue 12" VINYL LP ALBUM

 This is an re-issue of King Diamond's album "The Eye" pressed on 180 grams audiophile vinyl

"The Eye" is the third concept album by "King Diamond" , in this album the story is being told from a different viewpoint. The main parts of the stories told on this album are true, and took place during the French Inquisition, 1450-1670.

This marked the first King Diamond album without Mikkey Dee recording the drums. The drummer on this album was Snowy Shaw

 

Album Front Cover Photo of KING DIAMOND - The Eye

Essential Album Information For: KING DIAMOND - The Eye

Music Genre:

Black / Death / Thrash Metal from Denmark

Label & Catalognr:

Metal Blade Records 3984-15316-1

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1990-2014

KING DIAMOND - The Eye Production & Recording Information

Album Packaging

This album includes a black and white custom inner sleeve with portrait photos of the musicians in King Diamond band and lyrics of all the songs on this record.

Producers:

Roberto Falcao - Producer

 Roberto Falcao is producer and sound engineer since the first King Diamond record "No Presents for Christmas" on later "King Diamond" albums, often he is guest playing the keyboards.

King Diamond - Producer

Andy La Rocque - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Flemming Rasmussen - Producer, Sound Engineer

  Flemming Rasmussen a Danish music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry since the early 1980s. He is best known for his work with the heavy metal band Metallica, for which he produced and engineered several albums including "Ride the Lightning" (1984) and "Master of Puppets" (1986).

Rasmussen got his start in the music industry as an engineer and producer at the legendary Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. He went on to work with several other prominent bands and artists, including Blind Guardian, Morbid Angel, and Rainbow.

In addition to his work with Metallica, Rasmussen is also known for his collaborations with other heavy metal and rock bands, such as Savatage, Mercyful Fate, and The Scorchers. He has received recognition for his contributions to the music industry and is considered to be one of the top producers and engineers in the heavy metal genre.

Overall, Flemming Rasmussen is a talented and experienced music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the heavy metal genre through his work with some of the biggest and most influential bands in the history of the genre.

Recording Location:

This album was recorded June-July-August 1990 at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark

 SWEET SILENCE STUDIO is a Danish music recording music in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is owned by Freddy Hansson and Flemming Rasmussen (producer of Metallica albums).

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Jorgen Bak - Cover Art, Photography

Thomas Holm - Artwork artist

 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. For the "King Diamond" and "Mercyful Fate" albums he has often been working together with "Thorbjorn Jorgensen".

Thorbjorn Jorgensen - Artwork artist

 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:

Alex Solca - Photography

Alex Solca is an esteemed photographer who has made an indelible mark in the world of music photography, particularly in the realm of Heavy Metal. With several decades of experience capturing the raw energy and captivating essence of numerous renowned bands, Solca has become an iconic figure in the industry.

Born with an innate passion for both music and visual arts, Alex Solca embarked on his photographic journey at an early age. Growing up in a vibrant cultural scene, he was drawn to the rebellious and powerful nature of Heavy Metal music. This fascination led him to combine his two passions, giving birth to a career that would redefine music photography.

Solca's work with Heavy Metal bands spans a vast array of genres, from classic and progressive rock to thrash and death metal. His distinctive style is characterized by an ability to freeze moments in time, capturing the essence of the music and the emotions it evokes. Through his lens, Solca has managed to immortalize the larger-than-life personalities of some of the most iconic bands and musicians in the history of Heavy Metal.

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Over the years, Solca has had the privilege of photographing a multitude of legendary acts, including Journey, Dio, Alice Cooper, Fates Warning, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Vasco Rossi, Glenn Hughes, Jeff Blades, Jeff Scott Soto, Danzig, Lee Rocker, Reo Speedwagon, Machine Head, Tower of Power, B'Z, Skinlab, Gotthard, Dave Weckl, Kyuss, Christopher Cross, and countless others. His body of work serves as a testament to his versatility and enduring passion for the art form.

Beyond his technical skills, Solca possesses a unique ability to connect with the musicians he photographs. He understands their passion, their struggles, and their desire to express themselves through their music. This empathetic approach allows him to capture moments that not only showcase the artists' stage presence but also reveal their vulnerability and humanity.

Alex Solca's photographs have graced the pages of prestigious music magazines, album covers, and concert posters worldwide. His images have become synonymous with the spirit of Heavy Metal, influencing generations of aspiring photographers and leaving an indelible mark on the genre's visual history.

While Heavy Metal remains his primary focus, Solca's portfolio extends beyond the genre. He has also explored other musical realms, capturing the essence of jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll icons. His ability to adapt his style to different genres demonstrates his versatility and artistic range.

Throughout his illustrious career, Alex Solca has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to music photography. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, preserving the spirit and energy of Heavy Metal for future generations to experience.

As the music industry evolves, Alex Solca remains at the forefront, capturing the ever-changing landscape of Heavy Metal and other genres. With his keen eye, unwavering passion, and decades of experience, he continues to redefine the boundaries of music photography, leaving an enduring legacy that will forever be etched in the world of rock history.

Orvar Thunstrom - Photography


Musicians:

Below is a listing of the musicians performing on "The Eye", for each of them there is a short biography:

  • King Diamond - Vocals, keyboards

    Kim Bendix Petersen, better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a legendary Danish heavy metal musician whose haunting vocals and captivating stage presence have made him an icon in the world of metal. Renowned for his extensive vocal range and his distinctive use of falsetto, King Diamond has left an indelible mark on the genre with his dark and atmospheric compositions. With a career spanning several decades, he has fronted various bands, including Mercyful Fate and his eponymous band, King Diamond, solidifying his status as a true master of metal.

    Born on 14 June 1956, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kim Bendix Petersen was introduced to music at a young age. Influenced by classic rock and early heavy metal acts, he embarked on his musical journey in 1974 as a guitarist for the band Brainstorm. However, it was his transition to vocals and the formation of the band Black Rose in 1979 that marked a turning point in his career. The emergence of King Diamond's powerful voice and his ability to reach soaring high notes set him apart from other vocalists of the time, establishing his signature style that would define his future endeavors.

    In 1980, King Diamond joined forces with Hank Shermann to form Mercyful Fate, a band that would become a prominent figure in the burgeoning metal scene. With their occult-inspired lyrics and intricate song structures, Mercyful Fate carved a niche for themselves, attracting a dedicated following. King Diamond's eerie vocal delivery, characterized by his piercing falsetto, added an element of darkness and mystique to the band's music, earning them a reputation as one of the most influential acts in the genre.

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    During his time with Mercyful Fate, King Diamond released several highly acclaimed albums, including "Melissa" (1983), "Don't Break the Oath" (1984), and "In the Shadows" (1993). These albums showcased his unique vocal prowess and his ability to convey chilling narratives with his lyrics. King Diamond's theatrical stage presence, complete with elaborate makeup and costumes, further enhanced the band's live performances, creating an immersive experience for fans.

    In 1985, King Diamond embarked on a solo career, forming his eponymous band. With a focus on storytelling and concept albums, King Diamond continued to captivate audiences with his gothic horror narratives. His solo albums, such as "Abigail" (1987), "Them" (1988), and "The Eye" (1990), demonstrated his ability to create intricate musical compositions that were both musically impressive and emotionally evocative. King Diamond's haunting falsetto served as the perfect vehicle for his dark tales of madness, ghosts, and the supernatural, solidifying his status as a master of macabre storytelling.

    Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, King Diamond released a series of successful albums, including "The Puppet Master" (2003) and "Give Me Your Soul...Please" (2007). His dedication to crafting concept albums that transported listeners into his twisted worlds remained unwavering, cementing his reputation as a true visionary in the metal genre. King Diamond's influence on subsequent generations of musicians cannot be overstated, as his unique vocal style and theatrical approach have inspired countless artists in the realm of heavy metal.

    In addition to his musical contributions, King Diamond's longevity and unwavering dedication to his craft are testament to his enduring impact on the metal scene. His ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic vision has allowed him to remain relevant and revered throughout the years. King Diamond's live performances, complete with his mesmerizing stage presence and unwavering vocal delivery, continue to draw fans from all corners of the globe, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his dark and haunting melodies.

    Kim Bendix Petersen, known to the world as King Diamond, has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. His powerful falsetto, coupled with his penchant for storytelling and his mesmerizing stage presence, have solidified his status as one of the most influential and iconic figures in metal history. As he continues to create music and enthrall audiences with his chilling tales, King Diamond's legacy as the master of metal's haunting melodies remains intact, forever etched in the world of heavy metal history.

  • Andy LaRocque - Guitars

      Anders Allhage mostly known under the alias: " Andy LaRocque " and is best known as guitarist with King Diamond. He started his musical career in the Swedish "Swedish Beauty" aka "Swedish Erotica" and E.F. Band he moved in 1985-1986 to play with the "King Diamond" band.

      LaRocque started playing guitar at the age of 11 and was heavily influenced by hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. He formed his first band, Black Rose, in the early 1980s and later joined forces with King Diamond to form the band Mercyful Fate. After several years with Mercyful Fate, LaRocque and King Diamond formed the eponymous band King Diamond in 1985.

      Throughout his career, LaRocque has been known for his intricate and technical guitar playing, which has earned him a reputation as one of the top guitarists in the heavy metal genre. He has also been involved in the production of many of King Diamond's albums, as well as albums by other artists in the heavy metal and hard rock genres.

      Overall, Andy LaRocque is regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists in the heavy metal genre, and his contributions to the genre have earned him a place in the world of heavy metal history.

  • Pete Blakk - Guitars

      Pete Blakk a guitarist with many years of experience by playing in Danish and Swedish Heavy Metal bands. After the Geisha band split-up he joined "King Diamond" followed by "Blakk Totem"

  • Hal Patino - Bass

      Hasse "Hal" Patino (bass, guitars) is one of the cornerstones of the development of Heavy Metal from Denmark. He performed as Hasse "Hal" Patino in the band " Maltese Falcon ", before joining Geisha in 1988. After the split of Geisha he went together with Pete Blakk to join the King Diamond band.

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  • Snowy Shaw - Drums

     Snowy Shaw is a musician mainly drums, who started his career in 1989 by joining the King Diamond's band during their North America tour. In 1990 Snowy Shaw played drum pads on King Diamond's The Eye album.

  • Roberto Falcao - Keyboards

    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.

Tracklisting:
  1. Eye of the Witch 3:47 (Diamond)
  2. The Trial (Chambre Ardente) 5:13 (Diamond)
  3. Burn 3:42 (Diamond)
  4. Two Little Girls 2:41 (Diamond)
  5. Into the Convent 4:47 (LaRocque - Shaw)
  6. Father Picard 3:19 (Blakk)
  7. Behind these Walls 3:45 (Diamond)
  8. The Meetings 4:31 (LaRocque)
  9. Insanity 3:00 (LaRocque)
  10. 1642 Imprisonment 3:31 (LaRocque)
  11. The Curse 5:42 (Diamond)

KING DIAMOND - The Eye High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of KING DIAMOND - The Eye
Front Cover Photo Of KING DIAMOND - The Eye

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Photo of the custom inner sleeve KING DIAMOND - The Eye
Photo of album back cover KING DIAMOND - The Eye
Photo of the custom inner sleeve KING DIAMOND - The Eye
Photo of album back cover KING DIAMOND - The Eye
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