Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath
Release: 1984Label: Roadrunner Records
Anders: The amazing quintet of King Diamond, Hank Sherman, Michael Denner, Timi G. Hansen and Kim Ruzz, also known as Mercyful Fate did in 1984 release, their perhaps most influential album "Don't Break The Oath". It can be argued if that or the debut album "Melissa" is the most classic and influential, though my fave of the 2 has always been the one reviewed here, though someday we'll might look back and return to "Melissa", which also is an album that can't be ignored by any means.
It is seldom that one will come across a band like Mercyful Fate, a band that has inspired as many bands as they have, ranging from classic heavy metal, to the most extreme and raw black metal and all you can think of in between. The theatrical madness and dark atmospheres displayed by the band, have been an inspirational source for many bands. Even though Mercyful Fate is pretty straight forward heavy metal in its basics, the band incorporates a lot of elements, which adds a dark and mysterious atmosphere and which keeps the listeners attention upheld throughout the albums. It is not the same amount of theatrical madness as King Diamond carries out in his other band King Diamond, it is more subtle in Mercyful Fate, but still a big part of their musical world and the atmosphere the band invokes.
This album contains classics as 'A Dangerous Meeting', 'Nightmare', 'Desecration Of Souls', 'Gypsy' and 'Come To The Sabbath', tracks that have burned themselves into the minds of most metal fans and tracks that are clearly visible on the heavy metal sky. The killer guitar work from Sherman and Denner, great catchy riffs, and even better solos, always enjoyable to follow the 2 gentlemen and their play. The huge bass from Timi G. Hansen is great as well, great lines keeping the rhythm in awe, and the bass is really well-placed in the mix and can be heard all the time, and that is more than justified by the sounds of it. The drumming is all from straight forward and punishing and more laid back and supportive.
The force and most recognizable feature of Mercyful Fate have always been the vocals from Kim "King Diamond" Bendix. The amazing falsetto, which for some acquire some time to get used to, and for others just hits the nail from the start. The alternation between the normal singing, the falsetto and the different whispers King Diamond utilizes, makes the perfect match for the blazing, yet atmospheric heavy metal the band delivers, and the vocals adds the unique touch that does that Mercyful Fate never can be copied or outdone.
This amazing album turned many heads back in 1984 when it was released, though just as many are getting the same surprise and impact on their souls, when they hear the album this very day. The music is immortal and live as strong 22 years after it was made and recorded, as it did back then, and that is quite impressive, and this day I still get thrilled and get goose bumps all over when I listen to it. This is a must for every fan of metal, be it heavy, black or thrash. And use a lot of time on the bit underrated track 'Night Of The Unborn', my immense Mercyful Fate fave if I had to choose one. It has it all, great guitarplay, killer solos, a guitar duel, an amazing vocal performance, superb bass, good drumming and a dark and eerie atmosphere, such a complete track. But damn how is it hard to choose just one favourite…
Johell: For sure this is an all time classic of Mercyful Fate along with the "Melissa" album. I had to dig in my vinyl collection to have a listen to "Don't Break The Oath" and I must say that it's still a very good album, which originally was released in 1984 on Roadrunner Records.
Side 1 on this vinyl contains classic metal tracks like 'Nightmare', 'Desecration Of Souls', but I at least today, prefer the second side with cool tracks like 'The Oath' and 'Gypsy' which was covered later by Emperor and the great 'Come To The Sabbath'.
This album contains killer riffs, cool inspired solos, dark atmospheres, high energy and of course the unique voice of King Diamond and his evil lyrics. All the compositions are interesting and the production is not bad at all, compared to today’s standard.
Yes, it's a classic, but I hadn't listened to that album for many years now, so it was in a way refreshing to have a listen to it today and remember the good headbanging I had with my friends together with this album.
AvNatten: Mercyful Fate. The name rolls smoothly off your tongue and brings a smile to ones face. Without the almighty Mercyful Fate the world of metal would not be as we know it. The band was formed in Copenhagen Denmark in 1981 and since then they have become one of the most influential bands of all time. The paths for many genres to come was carved out due to Mercyful Fate's atmosphere, darkness, and King Diamond's wailing and growling.
Mercyful Fate's frontman, King Diamond, is a true vocal innovator. There has not been anyone like him before and there will never be anyone who can truly match his talents, an incredible story teller as well, his lyrics deal with the mysterious, occult, and just plain evil. His voice is multi faceted and can go from an ear piercing falsetto to a guttural growl within mere seconds. King's delivery is haunting to say the least but still he manages to throw in quiet a few catchy vocal patterns that will stick in your head. The astounding and impressive guitar duo of Hank Sherman and Michael Denner drives the music forth with galloping rhythms. Their twin guitar attacks dazzle with great leads and solos which gave the songs the musical power and energy that they needed.
As soon as the disc kicks off the opening riff of 'A Dangerous Meeting', it runs right over you and builds up to a peak where King can unleash his lethal vocals. The track 'Nightmare' got its inspiration from a dream that King Diamond once had. The pounding bassline played by Timi Hansen helps to propel the intensity of this track and Kim Ruzz' drums are all over the place yet the two hold the rhythm section down firmly. 'Night Of The Unborn' Showcases King at his shrieking best unleashing his falsetto wails to new extremes throughout the entire track. Honestly every track on this disc is a killer one in my mind, there are so many things going on within each track that you can become enraptured in the stories King Diamond tells. Atmosphere is a key word within these tales, the intro for 'The Oath' drips with atmosphere as creepy sound effects are played alongside a storm that is brewing, and then the organ kicks in and a voice is heard... a voice that can only be up to something evil, you can feel the mist rise up around you and then insane laughter erupts. This track has a creepy feeling throughout, even the guitars have a blasphemous feel as they churn out the riffs and squeal out in pain as tremolo effects are used.
Tordah: "Don't Break The Oath" is one of my all time favorite releases, their other material as well as King Diamond's solo efforts truly captivate me. This is definitely a "must own" album for all metal heads that are into the darker more atmospheric side of music. I believe their is something on "Don't Break The Oath" that almost everyone can enjoy.
"Don't Break The Oath" is the second Mercyful Fate album, after the excellent debut "Melissa" only one year earlier. The band continues in the same vein bringing quality heavy metal tunes that deals with horror themes and the occult. King Diamond is a living legend by now and his unique vocals are without doubt one of the biggest reasons why Mercyful Fate and his solo-career have been so successful. He usually sings with a very high-pitched voice and his range is quite impressive. He can do rougher low-pitched vocals just as easily as the high-pitched ones and everything in between.
One of the things I really appreciate with this album besides King's vocals, is the fact that you can actually hear the bass-lines pretty well if you listen closely. Groovy. The guitar-work is solid and there's plenty of good riffs and solos to be found. Personally, I prefer "Melissa" over this album but that doesn't mean that "Don't Break The Oath" is bad. It's just more of the same. Though I think King's vocals are better here and offer more variation than on "Melissa". It's hard to pick out a favorite track when there's so many good ones. The only track I don't care much for is 'Gypsy'. I've never heard a metal song that contained the word "gypsy" that I liked and I doubt I ever will. It's a good album nonetheless with catchy songs and good musicianship. Well worthy of the classic status.
Deek: Yet another band and album I've been meaning to check out yet never really had until this classic review. Strange, huh? Well, even being part of the PMRC's Filthy Fifteen (though the specific song, 'Into the Coven', wasn't from this album), this band has become one of the most respected in the metal world (hell, the PMRC debacle may have even helped with that). Anyway, I love the opener, 'A Dangerous Meeting'; it's fantastic. 'The Oath' is a really good epic song. 'Night Of The Unborn' is a great rocker. And 'Come To The Sabbath' is a great closer to the album. Outside of those songs, none of them really catch my ear, but that doesn't mean I can't hear why this is a classic. King Diamond flawlessly goes from the high pitched scream to the medium singing voice and back again, giving a great effect. The whole album has such a clean and complete sound, you could say. Although I do prefer the single songs that are off "Melissa" more, this album is still worthy of its classic status.
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