Back in the early 80s, when hairspray was a weapon and spandex was a second skin, heavy metal wasn't just music, it was a way of life. It was loud, it was brash, and it was often accused of summoning Satan himself. In the midst of this maelstrom, a band emerged from the darkness of Copenhagen, Denmark: Mercyful Fate. With their theatrical makeup, occult imagery, and a singer whose falsetto could shatter glass, they were the epitome of heavy metal's extremes. "The Beginning" is a glimpse into the band's formative years, a collection of demos and EP tracks that laid the foundation for their later, groundbreaking albums.
Right from the opening chords of "Doomed By The Living Dead", it's clear that Mercyful Fate wasn't interested in subtlety. King Diamond's voice, a banshee wail that could pierce through any wall of sound, is front and center. The guitars, wielded by Hank Shermann and Michael Denner, are a whirlwind of riffs and solos, a relentless assault on the senses. The rhythm section, anchored by Timi Hansen's bass and Kim Ruzz's drums, is a thunderous foundation that never lets up. This is heavy metal in its purest form, raw and unfiltered.
The songs on "The Beginning" are steeped in the occult, exploring themes of witchcraft, demons, and the afterlife. King Diamond's lyrics are often macabre and disturbing, painting vivid pictures of horror and darkness. But there's also a sense of theatricality to them, a tongue-in-cheek approach that keeps the music from becoming too grim. Songs like "Curse Of The Pharaohs" and "Black Funeral" are mini-epics, filled with twists and turns, while "A Corpse Without Soul" is a relentless headbanger that never lets up.
While "The Beginning" showcases Mercyful Fate's raw talent, it's also a product of its time. The production is rough around the edges, the sound muddy and unpolished. But that's part of its charm. It captures the band's early energy and enthusiasm, before they were signed to a major label and given a more polished sound. It's a reminder that great music doesn't always need to be perfect, it just needs to be honest.
Mercyful Fate's early recordings were met with controversy. Their occult imagery and dark lyrics drew the ire of religious groups, who accused them of promoting Satanism. But the band never backed down, defending their right to artistic expression. In fact, the controversy only fueled their popularity, making them even more appealing to rebellious teenagers around the world.
"The Beginning" was recorded at various studios in Copenhagen, including Easy Sound Recording and Stone Studio. The production team was led by Henrik Lund, who would go on to produce the band's later albums. Lund's approach was to capture the band's raw energy, without sacrificing the power of their sound. While the production may not be as polished as later Mercyful Fate albums, it perfectly captures the band's early spirit.
"The Beginning" is a must-have for any Mercyful Fate fan. It's a glimpse into the band's early years, a time when they were still finding their sound and pushing the boundaries of heavy metal. It's a reminder that great music can come from anywhere, and that sometimes the most controversial bands are the ones that leave the most lasting impact. So crank up the volume, let King Diamond's voice shatter your eardrums, and experience the birth of a heavy metal legend.
