- Incl. Original Custom Inner Sleeve
"The Eye" is a concept album by King Diamond released in 1990. It continues to feature a major storyline such as other King Diamond albums, though it is told differently. It is the only King Diamond album to utilize drum programming.
In the smoldering twilight of 1990, as the hairspray fumes of the '80s gave way to the flannel-clad grunge of a new decade, King Diamond emerged from the crypt with "The Eye," a gothic rock opera that dared to gaze into the abyss of human depravity and emerge, bloodied but unbowed.
This wasn't just another heavy metal album. This was a sonic nightmare, a descent into madness and despair, and yet, within the darkness, there was a glimmer of grotesque beauty, a macabre dance of the damned that was both horrifying and exhilarating.
"The Eye" tells the story of Jonathan La Fey, a young man who stumbles upon a sinister antique shop and finds himself ensnared by a malevolent entity. The album follows La Fey's descent into madness as he battles demonic forces, his sanity unraveling with each passing moment. But it's not just the narrative that captivates listeners, the album delves into real historical events, weaving elements of the French Inquisition and the Salem Witch Trials into the story, adding a layer of chilling realism to the fantastical tale.
Musically, "The Eye" is a masterpiece of heavy metal theatrics. King Diamond's falsetto screams pierce through the darkness like a banshee's wail, while the guitars churn out riffs that are both menacing and melodic. The drum programming, a departure from the band's usual live drums, adds a mechanical, almost inhuman element to the sound, perfectly complementing the album's dark themes. The decision to use programmed drums was met with mixed reactions from fans, but it undoubtedly contributed to the album's unique and unsettling atmosphere.
The production, helmed by King Diamond himself, is crystal clear, allowing every detail of the music to shine through. The album was recorded at Dallas Sound Lab, a studio known for its work with heavy metal bands, and the result is a sonic landscape that is both expansive and claustrophobic, perfectly mirroring the emotional turmoil of the story. This attention to detail extends to the album's iconic cover art, featuring a grotesque close-up of an eye, which has become synonymous with the album's dark and disturbing themes.
"The Eye" wasn't without its controversies. The album's dark subject matter and graphic imagery drew criticism from some quarters, but for fans of King Diamond, this was simply another facet of the band's artistic vision. In fact, the album's controversial nature only served to solidify its status as a cult classic, embraced by those who appreciated its unflinching exploration of the macabre.
Death Metal, Heavy Metal
RoadrunneR RR 9346
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1990 Made in Holland
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with lyrics of the songs and portrait photos of the King Diamond band members
Roberto Falcao - Producer
King Diamond - Producer
Andy La Rocque - Producer
Flemming Rasmussen - Producer
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.
Roberto Falcao - Producer
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.
Flemming Rasmussen - Sound Engineer
Roberto Falcao - Sound Engineer
This album was recorded June-July-August 1990 at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark 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.
Orvar Thunstrom - Photography
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 - Guitars
Pete Blakk - Guitars
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 - BassHal 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 - DrumsSnowy 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. During his long musical career he has performed in many different bands, a list (in no particular order) of the bands in which "Snowy Shaw" has performed: Cans, Dark Embrace, Denner / Shermann, Dimmu Borgir, Dream Evil, Firegod, Illwill, Kee Marcello's K2, King Diamond (DNK), Loud 'n' Nasty, Mad Architect, Memento Mori, Mercyful Fate (DNK), Notre Dame, Snömannen & Hans Vänner, Snowy Shaw, Snowy Shaw and the Star-Spangled Banned, XXX.
Roberto Falcao - Keyboards
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 )
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The in yellow boxed areas highlight the text which help to identify this release of the record. These yellow boxes have been drawn on the images and are NOT on the actual label. Record Label Details: RoadrunneR RR 9346 1 LC 9321 08-030280-20-1
The in yellow boxed areas highlight the text which help to identify this release of the record. These yellow boxes have been drawn on the images and are NOT on the actual label. Record Label Details: RoadrunneR RR 9346 1 LC 9321 08-030280-20-2
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
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. Produced by Robert Falcoa and King Diamond.
Abigail released by Music On Vinyl 2014 12" Vinyl LP
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
Metal 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 LP
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
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
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
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
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
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
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