MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa Netherlands 12" LP Album Vinyl

- This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Album cover of Mercyful Fate’s 1983 release, Melissa. The artwork features a dark, demonic skull with curved horns, its eyes and mouth glowing with eerie red light that streaks across the image. The band’s name appears in yellow gothic-style font in the top left corner, while the album title, Melissa, is written in blood-red script at the bottom. The background fades from black to a murky yellow, enhancing the sinister and occult atmosphere.

The Netherlands release of"Melissa" by Mercyful Fate, the debut album of the Danish metal band, reverberates on a 12" LP Vinyl Album. Released in 1983 in Holland, this album stands as a foundational work in the metal genre. Produced by Henrik Lund, "Melissa" showcases Mercyful Fate's unique blend of occult themes, theatricality, and powerful music. This Netherlands release adds a distinct touch to the album's legacy, making it a prized possession for collectors and fans of Mercyful Fate's influential contribution to heavy metal.

Melissa: Mercyful Fate’s Dark Masterpiece That Shaped Heavy Meta
- The 1983 album that blended occult themes, haunting

The 1983 Mercyful Fate album Melissa is a landmark release in the history of heavy metal music. The album's dark, occult-inspired lyrics and haunting melodies have earned it a place as a classic of the genre.

The album opens with the track "Evil", which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its eerie keyboard intro and driving guitar riff. The following tracks, including "Curse of the Pharaohs" and "Into the Coven", continue the dark and menacing atmosphere, with King Diamond's haunting vocals and the band's heavy instrumentation creating an unforgettable listening experience.

One of the most notable aspects of Melissa is the band's use of occult themes in their lyrics. Songs like "Satan's Fall" and "Black Funeral" deal with themes of demonic possession and satanic ritual, which caused controversy at the time of the album's release. The band's use of occult imagery and themes has become a signature element of their music and has influenced countless heavy metal bands in the years since.

Melissa has been cited as a major influence on the heavy metal genre, particularly on the emerging black metal scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The album's use of occult themes and dark imagery paved the way for bands like Venom and Bathory to incorporate these elements into their own music. King Diamond's distinctive vocal style and the band's intricate guitar work have also influenced a generation of metal musicians.

Melissa Netherlands Release - Collector Information
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This section contains detailed information to be able to uniquely identify this particular version/release of the album MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond

Melissa is the debut studio album by Danish heavy metal band Mercyful Fate, released on 30 October 1983. It was the first album released by Roadrunner Records. This was also the first Mercyful Fate effort to get an official release in the United States through Megaforce Records, as the self-titled EP was a highly sought after import, and the BBC sessions were only available on bootleg tapes.

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve (OIS), with on one side the band-photo and the other has the lyrics of all the songs.

Barcode: This album has NO Barcode

Rights Society: STEMRA

Label Code: This album has NO Label Code

Music Genre:

  Danish Black / Thrash Metal  

Album Production Information:

The album: "Mercyful Fate Melissa NL King Diamond" was produced by: Henrik Lund, Roadster Music

Henrik Lund (Music Producer, Sound Engineer) founded Easy Sound Studio with his brother, Niels Erik Lund (Producer, Sound Engineer). He played a key role in shaping Danish heavy metal, producing numerous albums, including several by Mercyful Fate. His work helped define the sound of Denmark’s metal scene, making Easy Sound Studio a crucial part of its history.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Jacob J Jorgenson

Jacob J. Jorgenson is a sound engineer from Denmark and has engineered several records of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond.

This album was recorded at: Easy Sound Recording Copenhagen, July 1983

Easy Sound Studios a Danish recording studio established in 1974 by brothers Henrik Lund and Niels Erik Lund in the basement of their parents villa in Hellerup, a northern suburb to Copenhagen. In 1982 it was moved to central Copenhagen, into the premises of former movie theater Triangel Teatret on Østerbrogade 70 where it became the largest recording studio for rock music in Europe.

Album cover design: Thomas Holm, Studio Dzyan

Thomas Holm, the mastermind behind King Diamond’s most haunting album covers, defined the band’s chilling aesthetic during the late 1980s. His eerie, intricate artwork for Abigail (1987), Them (1988), and Conspiracy (1989) set the standard for horror-infused metal visuals, blending dark fantasy with gothic horror. His legacy lives on through these iconic designs.

Album cover photography: Thomas Grondahl

Thomas Grondahl is a Danish photographer and has been working for the album covers of the bands: Mercyful Fate, Geisha

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Roadrunner RR 9898

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

  1983 Made in Holland  
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • King Diamond - Vocals
    King Diamond (born Kim Bendix Petersen) emerged in the 1980s as a pioneering force in heavy metal. Fronting Mercyful Fate and later his solo band, his piercing falsetto and occult storytelling redefined the genre. Albums like Melissa (1983) and Abigail (1987) cemented his legacy as a theatrical metal visionary. Explore the World of King Diamond.
  • Hank Shermann - Guitars
    Rene Krolmark is from Denmark and was born in 1958. He is also known under the aliases Hank De Wank, Hank Shermann started his musical career as guitar player in 1977 with a band called Brats, this was followed by "Danger Zone", "Mercyful Fate", Fate, Lavina, "Zoser Mez"
  • Michael Denner - Guitars
    Michael Denner, a Danish heavy-metal guitarist, is best known for his work with Mercyful Fate and King Diamond bands, where his intricate solos and dark, melodic riffs helped define the band’s occult-laced sound. Playing on classics like Melissa (1983) and Don’t Break the Oath (1984), his contributions shaped heavy metal’s evolution.
  • Timi "Grabber" Hansen - Bass
    Timi “Grabber” Hansen (5 October 1958 – 4 November 2019) was a Danish bassist best known for his work with Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. His thunderous bass lines helped define the band’s dark, heavy sound, influencing generations of metal musicians. A key figure in the early black metal scene, his legacy remains strong. Learn more about Timi Hansen.
  • Kim Ruzz - Drums
    Kim Ruzz (born Kim Thyge Jensen) was the drummer for Mercyful Fate on their first three releases, helping shape the band’s early black metal sound. His stage name was inspired by Rush, his favorite band. After Mercyful Fate disbanded in 1985, Ruzz stepped away from drumming and later relocated to the United States.
Complete Track-listing of the album "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond"

The detailed tracklist of this record "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond" is:

    Track-listing:
  1. Evil 4:45
  2. Curse of the Pharaohs 3:57
  3. Into the Coven 5:11
  4. At the Sound of the Demon Bell 5:23
  5. Black Funeral 2:50
  6. Satan's Fall 11:23
  7. Melissa 6:40
Album cover of Mercyful Fate’s 1983 release, Melissa. The artwork features a dark, demonic skull with curved horns, its eyes and mouth glowing with eerie red light that streaks across the image. The band’s name appears in yellow gothic-style font in the top left corner, while the album title, Melissa, is written in blood-red script at the bottom. The background fades from black to a murky yellow, enhancing the sinister and occult atmosphere. https://vinyl-records.nl

The album cover of Melissa by Mercyful Fate is a striking and sinister piece of heavy metal artwork. It features a dark, demonic skull with long, curved horns, its eyes and mouth glowing with an eerie, red light that seems to streak across the image like a phantom mist. The skeletal figure has jagged teeth, and its ominous presence is enhanced by the black, shadowy background that fades into a murky yellow hue.

The band’s name, Mercyful Fate, appears in an old English-style yellow font in the top left corner, adding a classic and ominous touch to the artwork. The album title, Melissa, is scrawled in a blood-red, gothic-style script in the lower left corner, blending seamlessly with the red streaks that emanate from the skull.

The overall aesthetic of the cover perfectly encapsulates the album’s dark and occult themes, evoking a sense of malevolence and mysticism that would become a hallmark of the band’s sound. The contrast between the blackened bones, the fiery red elements, and the aged, yellowish background creates a haunting visual that stands as one of heavy metal’s most iconic album covers.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond"
Back cover of Mercyful Fate’s 1983 album Melissa. The design features a black background with the band’s name in large white gothic-style font at the top left. A red-bordered tracklist box in the center lists the album’s songs. Below, five red-framed photos depict band members: Kim Ruzz (drums), Hank Shermann (lead guitar), King Diamond (vocals), Michael Denner (lead guitar), and Timi Grabber (bass). To the right, red-bordered text provides recording credits, acknowledgments, and management details. The cover maintains a dark and ominous aesthetic, reinforcing the album’s occult themes. https://vinyl-records.nl

The back cover of Melissa by Mercyful Fate maintains the album’s dark and sinister aesthetic while providing essential details about the release. The background is predominantly black, with the band’s name, Mercyful Fate, displayed in large, gothic-style white font at the top left.

In the center, a red-bordered tracklist box outlines the songs on Melissa.

Below the tracklist, there are five red-framed performance photos of the band members:

• Kim Ruzz (Drums) – Captured behind his drum kit, focused in action.

• Hank Shermann (Lead Guitar) – Playing his Fender Stratocaster with intensity.

• King Diamond (Lead and Backing Vocals) – Holding a crucifix in one hand, surrounded by candlelight, enhancing the occult atmosphere.

• Michael Denner (Lead Guitar) – Pictured in a classic rock stance, gripping his guitar.

• Timi Grabber (Bass) – Shirtless, playing his bass with a raw and energetic expression.

To the right of the tracklist, red-bordered text provides recording details, credits, and acknowledgments. The album was recorded at Easy Sound Recording, Copenhagen, in July 1983, produced by Henrik Lund, and engineered by Jacob J. Jørgensen. The cover artwork is credited to Thomas Holm/Studio Dzyan, and Thomas Grønhøj handled the photography.

Additionally, the cover contains a list of personal thanks from each band member, as well as management and merchandise information for Mercyful Fate Coven in Denmark. The bottom section includes distribution details from Roadrunner Productions B.V., along with a mention of the availability of the Mercyful Fate 4-track 12” Rave on Records release.

The overall design of the back cover complements the ominous and theatrical nature of the album, reinforcing its status as a classic in the heavy metal genre.

Inner Sleeve   of "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond" Album
Black-and-white photograph on the custom inner sleeve of Mercyful Fate’s 1983 album Melissa. The image features the five band members posing outdoors against a large tree, exuding a dark and rebellious aura. From left to right: Kim Ruzz (drums) with long hair and an open jacket, Hank Shermann (lead guitar) with an intense gaze, Michael Denner (lead guitar) in a black-and-white jacket, King Diamond (vocals) wearing sunglasses, an inverted cross earring, and a leather jacket, and Timi Grabber (bass) shirtless under a vest with aviator sunglasses and wild hair. The high-contrast lighting enhances the moody and gothic feel of the image. https://vinyl-records.nl

The custom inner sleeve of Melissa features a black-and-white photograph of the members of Mercyful Fate, captured in a moody, candid setting. The band is positioned outdoors, leaning against a large tree, exuding an aura of mystery and rebellion. Each member has a distinct expression, ranging from intense to detached, reinforcing the band’s dark and enigmatic image.

• Kim Ruzz (Drums) – On the far left, with long, slightly disheveled hair, wearing an open jacket that reveals part of his chest, giving off a relaxed yet brooding presence.

• Hank Shermann (Lead Guitar) – Next to Ruzz, with a slightly unshaven face and intense gaze, dressed in a dark jacket with a partially unbuttoned shirt, embodying the raw energy of the band’s music.

• Michael Denner (Lead Guitar) – Centered, with a calm and composed expression, wearing a black-and-white jacket over a striped shirt, adding a subtle contrast to the otherwise dark attire.

• King Diamond (Vocals) – Positioned in the upper right, unmistakable with his signature mustache, sunglasses, and inverted cross earrings. His leather jacket and layered necklaces reinforce his occult stage persona.

• Timi Grabber (Bass) – On the lower right, shirtless under a vest, wearing aviator sunglasses and sporting wild, windswept hair, capturing the rebellious, untamed energy of early ’80s heavy metal.

The overall composition of the photograph is stark and dramatic, with high contrast lighting that enhances the moody, almost gothic feel. The black-and-white aesthetic adds a timeless quality to the image, making it a fitting visual representation of Melissa’s dark themes and pioneering heavy metal sound. The bottom right corner of the sleeve contains the catalog number RR 9898 and the photographer credit Thomas Grønhøj, reinforcing the album’s meticulous attention to detail.

Photo of "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond" Album's Inner Sleeve  
High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #2 of MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond" 12" LP Record Label - Side One:
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of "MERCYFUL FATE Melissa NL King Diamond" 12" LP Record Label - Side Two:
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa https://vinyl-records.nl

 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 ).

The MERCYFUL FATE Vinyl Discography and Album Cover Gallery

MERCYFUL FATE - The Beginning
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - Beginning with King Diamond 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

RoadrunneR RR 9603   , 1987 , Holland / The Netherlands

The definitive collector's addition to the Mercyful Fate Catalogue featuring the band's official pre-Melissa recordings - The legendary Rave-On sessions (Fully re-mastered) The BBC "Friday Rock Show"

The Beginning 12" Vinyl LP
MERCYFUL FATE - Don't Break The Oath
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - Don't Break The Oath 12" Vinyl LP Record album front cover

 RoadrunneR RR 9835 , 1984 , Made in Holland ( The Netherlands)

"Don’t Break the Oath" isn’t just an album—it’s a blood pact sealed in fire. Mercyful Fate, led by the inhuman wail of King Diamond, pushed heavy metal into the abyss with this 1984 masterpiece. Riffs slash like ritual daggers, drums pound like a death march, and every lyric drips with infernal menace. This is where the genre’s shadows deepened, where metal stopped playing dress-up and embraced true darkness.

Don't Break The Oath 12" Vinyl LP
MERCYFUL FATE - Live From The Depth Of Hell
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - Live From The Depth Of Hell 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

Satan's Nightmare SN1002 , 1984 , UK ( United Kingdom )

This album "MERCYFUL FATE From the Depth of Hell" is an unofficial (bootleg record) album of this band of Mercyfull Fate. Title on the front cover and record's label are slightly different.

Live From The Depth Of Hell 12" Vinyl LP
MERCYFUL FATE - Live From The Depth Of Hell Red Vinyl
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - From The Depths Of Hell Red Vinyl 12" LP Album album front cover

Satan's Nightmare SN 1002 , 2013

This album is an unofficial (bootleg) album of this band Mercyfull Fate. Limited to 500 copies reissue on red vinyl. Classic and ultra hard to find semi official Mercyful Fate fan club recordings.

Live From The Depth Of Hell Red Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP
MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa (International Releases)
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa Bernett France 1983 12" LP ALBUM VINYL album front cover

Bernett Records SB 18011 , 1984 , France

Melissa isn’t just a debut—it’s a declaration of war. Mercyful Fate, led by King Diamond’s banshee wail, tore open the gates of hell with this 1983 masterpiece. Henrik Lund’s production gave the record a raw, sinister edge, while Hank Shermann and Michael Denner’s twin guitars carved out the blueprint for black metal. Dark, theatrical, and utterly relentless, Melissa is where metal learned to stare into the abyss.

- Melissa French Release Melissa Canadian Release Melissa Netherlands Release
MERCYFUL FATE - Return Of The Vampire Compilation
Thumbnail of MERCYFUL FATE - Return Of The Vampire Compilation 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

RoadrunneR RR 9184 , 1992 , Holland ( The Netherlands )

"Return of the Vampire" is the compilation album of rare demo tracks by Mercyful Fate recorded before their first, official release in 1982. It is also released in 1992 by Roadrunner Records RR 9184.

Return Of The Vampire Compilation 12" Vinyl LP
Rave-On Hits Hard Mercyful
Thumbnail of VARIOUS ARTISTS - Rave-On Hits Hard Mercyful Fate 12" LP Vinyl Record album front cover

Rave-On Records RLP-011 , 1985 , Netherlands

This album "VA Rave-On Hits Hard" includes tracks by the bands: Mercyful Fate , Astaroth, H-Bomb, Crossfire, Evil, H-Bomb, Gilgamasj, Sortilege. It was produced by Stefan Rooyackers, Jac Hustinx.

Rave-On Hits Hard Mercyful Fate 12" Vinyl LP

The King Diamond Band Vinyl Discography and Album Cover Gallery