By: Michael Drukarsh - If you are one of the lucky ones to hit 1980 as a preteen, then you were lucky enough to spend your teen years listening to some of the best, most innovative, creative, politically incorrect, party music ever created.
Genre defining albums such as Venom's "Black Metal", Ozzy Osbourne's "Diary of a Madman ", AC/DC's "Back in Black" and Metallica's "Master of Puppets " were all released in the early to mid 80s. These albums, along with countless others help define what would later be defined as the "Decade of Decadence ".
On September 7, 1984, Mercyful Fate released their sophomore album "Don't Break the Oath". To honor the 40th anniversary (yes, 40) of this incredible moment in heavy metal history, "Don't Break the Oath " will be released November 1st as a special ruby red vinyl repress on Metal Blade Records.
Mercyful Fate's "Melissa" is considered by many to be one of the greatest debut albums ever for a heavy metal band so there was a lot of pressure and expectations when trying to follow that up. Thankfully, "Don't Break the Oath" delivers, and then some!
With his satanic face paint and a four octave vocal range, lead vocalist King Diamond brought a look and vocal approach that helped Mercyful Fate stand out from the rest and "Don't Break the Oath” cemented the band’s place as heavy metal innovators and influencers.
With better production quality than their debut, and featuring tracks such as "The Oath", "Gypsy ", and "Come to the Sabbath", King's storytelling and the band's musical talents are in your face and blowing out your ear drums!
Comments Metal Blade founder and CEO Brian Slagel: "We're here to celebrate the anniversary of one of the most legendary albums of all-time: MERCYFUL FATE's 'Don't Break The Oath'. At Metal Blade, we're extremely honored and happy to be repressing the album on vinyl and the band will be celebrating the anniversary by releasing a whole bunch of really cool merch. So, check it out, go get the repressing, and enjoy and celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Don't Break The Oath'!"
Find pre-orders at metalblade.com/mercyfulfate.
"Don't Break The Oath" Track Listing
Side A:
01. A Dangerous Meeting
02. Nightmare
03. Desecration Of Souls
04. Night Of The Unborn
Side B:
01. The Oath
02. Gypsy
03. Welcome Princess Of Hell
04. To One Far Away
05. Come To The Sabbath
MERCYFUL FATE recording lineup on :
King Diamond - vocals, keyboard, harpsichord
Hank Shermann - guitars
Michael Denner - guitars
Timi Hansen - bass
Kim Ruzz - drums
release date: November 1, 2024
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