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
In a world overrun by corporate rehashes and soulless remasters, King Diamond's 180g vinyl reissue of "The Eye" is a welcome blast of hellfire from the past. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a sonic exorcism, a chance to relive the madness of 1990 in all its audiophile glory.
For the uninitiated, "The Eye" is King Diamond's third concept album, a gothic rock opera that plunges into the depths of human depravity and emerges with a blood-soaked grin. The album tells a tale of madness and demonic possession, drawing inspiration from the horrors of the French Inquisition. It's a story as old as time, yet King Diamond manages to inject it with fresh blood and a healthy dose of his signature falsetto shrieks.
The reissue doesn't just replicate the original; it amplifies it. The 180g vinyl pressing adds a new layer of depth and clarity to the music, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the intricate details of Andy LaRocque's guitar work and the thunderous rumble of Snowy Shaw's drumming. The sound is both raw and polished, a testament to King Diamond's meticulous production and the remastering wizardry of the modern age.
Of course, no King Diamond album would be complete without controversy. "The Eye" is no exception, with its graphic lyrics and disturbing imagery sparking outrage among the easily offended. But for those of us who embrace the darkness, this is simply another facet of the album's twisted charm.
In a world of musical conformity, "The Eye" reissue stands as a defiant middle finger to the bland and boring. It's a reminder that heavy metal can be both brutal and beautiful, a sonic journey into the heart of darkness that will leave you breathless and begging for more. So crank up the volume, dim the lights, and let King Diamond's madness consume you. This is heavy metal at its finest, and it's never sounded better.
Black / Death / Thrash Metal from Denmark
Metal Blade Records 3984-15316-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1990-2014
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.
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
Flemming Rasmussen - Producer, Sound Engineer
Danish maestro Flemming Rasmussen shaped the sound of heavy metal. Metallica's thunderous albums? His work. Founder of legendary Sweet Silence Studios, he's produced icons across genres.
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).
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".
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.
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.
Below is a listing of the musicians performing on "The Eye", for each of them there is a short biography:
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: Swedish guitar virtuoso behind King Diamond's sound. Neo-classical shred, melodic mastery, & top-notch production skills. Dive into his legacy:
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: 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"
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 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.
RoadrunneR RR 9622 , 1987 , Netherlands
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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
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Conspiracy Netherlands Release 12" Vinyl LPRoadrunner RR 2455 , 1988 , Holland ( 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".
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"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 )
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