MERCYFUL FATE - RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE 12" Vinyl LP Album

This album "MERCYFUL FATE - 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 released in 1992 by Roadrunner Records RR 9184.

 

High Resolution Photo of MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire

Mercyful Fate's 'Return of the Vampire': Unearthing the Roots of a Metal Revolution
Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal, few bands cast as long and influential a shadow as Denmark's Mercyful Fate. With their theatrical stage presence, King Diamond's operatic vocals, and a sound that blended classic metal with elements of the occult and the macabre, they carved out a unique niche in the genre's landscape. 'Return of the Vampire', a compilation of early demo tracks released in 1992, offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's formative years, revealing the raw energy and unbridled ambition that would ultimately propel them to legendary status.

Released at a time when Mercyful Fate was already a well-established force in the metal world, 'Return of the Vampire' served as a reminder of their humble beginnings. The album's tracks, recorded between 1980 and 1981, showcase a band still finding its footing, experimenting with different sounds and styles while laying the groundwork for the groundbreaking albums that would follow.

The production, while rough around the edges compared to the band's later releases, captures the raw intensity and unpolished energy of their early performances. Recorded at various studios in Copenhagen, including Stone Studio and M-M Sound, the album's sound is a testament to the DIY spirit that permeated the early 80s metal scene.

Musically, 'Return of the Vampire' is a treasure trove for fans of Mercyful Fate's signature sound. The album features early versions of classic tracks like "Burning the Cross" and "Curse of the Pharaohs," showcasing the band's evolving songwriting prowess and King Diamond's already impressive vocal range. The twin guitar attack of Hank Shermann and Michael Denner is as fierce and intricate as ever, while the rhythm section of Timi Hansen and Kim Ruzz lays down a solid foundation for the band's sonic onslaught.

Lyrically, the album explores themes that would become synonymous with Mercyful Fate's music: the occult, black magic, and the darker side of human nature. King Diamond's storytelling is already in full effect, painting vivid pictures of ancient rituals, demonic possession, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

While 'Return of the Vampire' may not have garnered the same level of controversy as some of Mercyful Fate's later releases, it still courted its share of criticism from conservative groups who objected to the band's dark imagery and lyrical themes. However, for fans of the band, the album was a welcome addition to their discography, offering a glimpse into the creative process that fueled their rise to prominence.

In retrospect, 'Return of the Vampire' is more than just a collection of demo tracks; it's a historical document, capturing a pivotal moment in the evolution of one of heavy metal's most influential bands.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire" was produced by: Mercyful Fate

This album was recorded live in the studio, with the exception of solos and vocals which were overdubbed

Guest musician was "Lars Ulrich (Metallica) on the track "In the Shadows"

Record Label & Catalognr:

Road Runner RR 9184

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1992
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • King Diamond - Vocals

    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

  • Hank Shermann - Guitar, bass

    Rene Krollmark 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"

  • Benny Petersen - Guitar

    Benny Petersen - Guitar player from Denmark who has played guitar in some of Denmark's best Hard Rock / Heavy Bands, lile: Evil, Mercyful Fate, Pretty Maids and several others.

  • Michael Denner - Guitar

    Michael Denner: Mercyful Fate's guitar master. Iconic melodies, wicked solos, his riffs shaped heavy metal history. Explore his legacy

  • Timi Hansen - Bass

    Timi "Grabber" Hansen: Mercyful Fate's bass legend. His powerful grooves shaped the sound of 80s heavy metal. Remember his legacy

     

  • Kim Ruzz - Drums

    Kim Ruzz ( real name: Kim Thyge Jensen) has been playing drums from 1981-1985 in the Danish Thrash metal band: " Mercyful Fate".

     

  • Carsten Volsing - Guitar

    Carsten van Der Volsing (real-name: Carsten Falkenlind Volsing) is from Copenhagen, Denmark and has played guitar in the bands: Brats and "Mercyful Fate".

  • "Old" Nick Smith - drums

    "Old" Nick Smith plays with the "Danger Zone" band on their first two demo recordings, as well with "Mercyful Fate" on their first two demo recordings.

  • Jan Musen - drums

    Jan Musen (Real-name: Jan Lindblad) born in 1960 Copenhagen, Denmark, drummer with "Mercyful Fate" during 1981.

Complete Track-listing of the album "MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire"

The detailed tracklist of this record "MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Burning the Cross" – 8:49 (music by Benny Petersen)
  2. "Curse of the Pharaohs" – 4:27
  3. "Return of the Vampire" – 4:50
  4. "On a Night of Full Moon" (music by Michael Denner, Shermann) – 6:40
  5. "A Corpse without Soul" – 8:11
  6. "Death Kiss" – 5:53
  7. "Leave My Soul Alone" (music by Denner) – 3:21
  8. "M.D.A." (Mission: Destroy Aliens) (music and lyrics by Denner) – 4:20
  9. "You Asked for It" – 4:13
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire"

High Resolution Photo of MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire  

High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo of MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire  

High Resolution Photo of the Record's label  

High Resolution Photo of MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire  

High Resolution Photo of the Record's label  

High Resolution Photo of MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire  

 

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.