Mercyful Fate

Mercyful Fate is a heavy metal band from Copenhagen, Denmark, formed in 1981. The group begins with members drawn from Hank Shermann’s band Brats and King Diamond’s band Black Rose, and its early line-up also includes Michael Denner and bassist Timi Grabber. The band remains active and has a long history of line-up changes, with King Diamond on vocals and Hank Shermann on guitar as central figures.

Early years

In early 1981, Mercyful Fate helps Michael Denner with demos for his band Danger Zone before the musicians realise they work well together as a group. The first concerts and demos from 1981 survive, including the band’s first show, “Sabbath of all witches”. Kim Ruzz eventually becomes the drummer after a period of changing players.

In early 1982, the band contributes to the Ebony Records sampler Metallic Storm. Later that year it records its first official release, the Mercyful Fate EP, issued on the Dutch label Rave On. The music on this release is noted for its dark and heavy style, and it later becomes influential on black metal.

Albums and style

Mercyful Fate releases Melissa in 1983 and Don't Break the Oath in 1984. These records are widely regarded as classics in both power metal and black metal. The band’s early material is associated with heavy metal and with a theatrical, occult image. The title track “Melissa” also connects to a recurring figure in the group’s lyrics and artwork.

After touring in support of Don't Break the Oath, the band plays in the United States for the first time. In April 1985, King Diamond leaves due to creative differences with Hank Shermann. Diamond then forms a new band under his own name with Michael Denner and Timi Hansen, while Shermann later forms Fate, which moves in a more AOR direction.

Reformation and later recordings

Mercyful Fate reforms in July 1992 and signs with Metal Blade Records. The reunion line-up includes the original members apart from Kim Ruzz, who is replaced by Morten Nielsen. The first album of the reunited band, In the Shadows, appears in 1993 and includes a re-recording of “Return of the Vampire” with Lars Ulrich of Metallica playing on the track.

Over the following years the band releases four more albums, with 9 as the last in that run. The line-up changes again: Michael Denner is replaced by Mike Wead, Nielsen is replaced by Snowy Shaw, Shaw is then replaced by Bjarne Holm, Timi Hansen leaves and is replaced by Sharlee D’Angelo, and later Joey Vera fills in on bass for live work. King Diamond later puts Mercyful Fate on hold while continuing his solo career.

Members and later activity

The band’s membership has included King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Kim Ruzz, Timi Hansen, Morten Nielsen, Snowy Shaw, Bjarne T. Holm, Mike Wead, Sharlee D’Angelo, Joey Vera, Becky Baldwin, Benny Petersen, Ole Beich and Nick Smith. In 2019, after Hansen’s illness and death, Vera becomes the full-time bassist. Becky Baldwin later fills in on bass for live performances. The group returns to the stage in 2022 with its first live show since 1999 and introduces a new song, “The Jackal of Salzburg”.

Mercyful Fate and black metal

Mercyful Fate’s early recordings are often linked to the development of black metal because of their aggressive sound and lyrical themes. Alongside other early acts, the band is frequently cited as part of the genre’s formative background, while remaining rooted in heavy metal.

“Melissa” in the band’s work

The name “Melissa” recurs in Mercyful Fate’s songs and imagery. It refers to a skull that King Diamond carries on stage and to a fictional dead witch appearing in three songs. The figure appears in the title track of Melissa, in “Come to the Sabbath” on Don't Break the Oath, and again in “Is That You, Melissa?” on In the Shadows.