Mercyful Fate

Mercyful Fate was originally formed in Copenhagen in the spring of 1981,{{cite book|title=Dansk rockleksikon|editor=Bille, Torben|publisher=Politikens Forlag|year=2002|isbn=87-567-6525-8|edition=1st|page=314|language=da|quote=Dannet foråret 1981 i København. [English: Formed in the spring of 1981 in Copenhagen.]}} following the dissolution of the band Brats. Brats were a punk/metal band, featuring future Mercyful Fate members, vocalist King Diamond, and guitarists Hank Shermann and Michael Denner.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghf8cVMstBM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ghf8cVMstBM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond interviewed in 1997. |date=January 19, 2009 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}} After two studio albums and several line-up changes (including the addition of Diamond and the departure of Denner), Diamond and Shermann began writing new material that was much heavier than any of Brats' previous work. The band's record label CBS was not pleased with the material, and demanded they stop singing in English and become more commercial. As a result, Diamond and Shermann quit the group and went on to form Mercyful Fate. Former Rock Nalle bassist Ole Beich (later of L.A. Guns and Guns N' Roses) briefly joined the band around this time.{{cite web|url=https://www.jv.dk/esbjerg/Esbjergs-stoerste-rockstjerne-havde-en-destruktiv-djaevel/artikel/2197991|title=Esbjergs største rockstjerne havde en destruktiv djævel|date=January 2, 2016}} After several line-up changes and semi-professional demo tapes, Mercyful Fate released their self-titled EP in 1982.Björn Thorsten Jaschinski: Seziertisch. In: Rock Hard, no. 282, November 2010, p. 28. This line-up, consisting of King Diamond, Hank Shermann, bassist Timi Hansen, drummer Kim Ruzz and guitarist Michael Denner.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-mercyful-fate/ |title=Mercyful Fate at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020100924/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-mercyful-fate/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

In July 1983, Mercyful Fate recorded their debut album at Easy Sound Recording in Copenhagen.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-melissa/ |title=Melissa at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020100828/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-melissa/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Entitled Melissa, the album was produced by Henrik Lund and released on October 30, 1983 through Roadrunner Records. Melissa has been referred to as "one of the first records to start to develop an 'extreme metal' sound" and was major influence on the then-emerging thrash metal, death metal and black metal genres.{{cite web|url=https://thisdayinmetal.com/feature/versus-melissa-vs-abigail/|title=VERSUS: Melissa vs. Abigail|website=thisdayinmetal.com|access-date=5 July 2024|date=24 May 2024}} The character of Melissa, a witch who was burned at the stake, appears for the first time on the eponymous debut album and intermittently throughout the band's later work.{{cite news |title=The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever |url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-50-most-evil-songs-ever/ |access-date=July 20, 2019 |publisher=Kerrang!}} One of the album's tracks, "Into the Coven", received particular attention two years later, when it was listed by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) as one of their "Filthy Fifteen" songs due to its perceived occult content. King Diamond was, in reality, interested in LaVeyan Satanism, which he called "a life philosophy" and stated that it had nothing to do with the Devil of Abrahamic religions.{{cite book|title=Heavy Metal – 40 år med hård rock |author=Rasmussen, Jens|publisher=Informations Forlag|year=2010|isbn=978-87-7514-2590|edition=1st|page=138|language=da|quote=LaVey, som også var en ironisk mand, skabte en livsfilosofi, der ikke havde noget med religion at gøre, hvor der fandtes én Gud, der sagde, hvordan man skulle gøre [...] Ordet 'satanisme' skulle måske aldrig have været sat på den livsfilosofi, for det har kun givet grund til misforståelser og har ikke noget at gøre med kristendommens 'Satan', som er ét stort negativt fortegn. De 'satanistiske' tekster i Mercyful Fate gav os chancen for at forklare os på mange områder, men på samme tid gav de også anledning til en masse misforståelser. [English: LaVey, who was also a man given to irony, created a life philosophy, which had nothing to do with a religion that has one God, who says what one must do [...] The word 'Satanism' should perhaps never have been used to designate that life philosophy, because it has only provided grounds for misunderstandings and has nothing to do with 'Satan' of Christianity, which is one big negative characteristic. The 'satanic' lyrics of Mercyful Fate gave us the chance to explain ourselves in many ways, but they also gave the opportunity for a lot of misunderstandings at the same time.]}} After a number of concerts around Denmark, Mercyful Fate entered the studio in May 1984 to record their second studio album Don't Break the Oath, which was released on September 7, 1984.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dont-break-the-oath/ |title=Don't Break the Oath at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701225755/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dont-break-the-oath/ |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }} During the album's supporting tour, the band played the US for two months and made festival appearances in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Io9kAl76NM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1Io9kAl76NM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond - Interview |date=May 19, 2009 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 8, 2012}}{{cbignore}} Despite winning a cult following around the world, Mercyful Fate broke up in April 1985, due to musical differences.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mercyful-fate-mn0000343954 |title=Mercyful Fate |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=December 8, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a89uYy8su2k | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610214019/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a89uYy8su2k| archive-date=2014-06-10 | url-status=dead|title=King Diamond interviewed on the Music Box |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 8, 2012}} Guitarist Hank Shermann wanted the band to move to a more commercial sound; King Diamond refused and announced his departure from Mercyful Fate, which led to the band breaking up.

After Mercyful Fate broke up, King Diamond, along with Michael Denner and Timi Hansen, formed the eponymous King Diamond band.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070127114717/http://www.covenworldwide.org/bandhistory02.php The complete biography of King Diamond] Both Denner and Hansen stayed with the group until 1987's Abigail, after which both left King Diamond. They were replaced by Mike Moon and Hal Patino, respectively, and King Diamond continued releasing albums even after Mercyful Fate had reformed. After leaving King Diamond, Denner opened up a recordshop in Copenhagen, until 1988, when he formed the band Lavina (which would later become Zoser Mez), along with former bandmate Hank Shermann.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvPWdAk1Fg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/npvPWdAk1Fg| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond - Interview 1987 |date=May 19, 2009 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} Hank Shermann had formed the hard rock band Fate in 1985, after having left Mercyful Fate.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/fate-mn0001571766 |title=Fate |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=December 9, 2012}} With Fate, Shermann released two albums: 1985's Fate and 1986's A Matter of Attitude. After leaving the band, Shermann joined-up with Michael Denner to form Lavina.

During the time Mercyful Fate were disbanded, Roadrunner Records released three Mercyful Fate compilation albums. The Beginning was released on June 24, 1987, and featured material from the band's 1982 self-titled EP, as well as rare live and studio recordings.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-beginning/ |title=The Beginning at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118073523/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-beginning/ |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |url-status=dead }} On May 12, 1992, Return of the Vampire was released, which was another compilation of rare studio recordings.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-return-of-the-vampire/ |title=Return of the Vampire at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190442/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-return-of-the-vampire/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }} On October 6, 1992, Roadrunner Records released A Dangerous Meeting, a greatest hits album under the King Diamond name, featuring material from both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/king-diamond-a-dangerous-meeting/ |title=A Dangerous Meeting at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185911/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/king-diamond-a-dangerous-meeting/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

In 1992, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen reunited to reform Mercyful Fate (drummer Kim Ruzz was replaced by Morten Nielsen).{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/mercyful-fate-band-members/ |title=Mercyful Fate - Band members |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622073012/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/mercyful-fate-band-members/ |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |url-status=dead }} The result was the band's third album In the Shadows, which was released on June 22, 1993 through Metal Blade Records.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-in-the-shadows/ |title=In the Shadows at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904032104/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-in-the-shadows/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 }} The album also featured a guest appearance by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich (a fellow Dane) on the track "Return of the Vampire". For the album's supporting tour, Morten Nielsen was replaced by King Diamond drummer Snowy Shaw, due to a knee injury Nielsen had sustained. Bassist Timi Hansen was also replaced by Sharlee D'Angelo, as Hansen did not want to take part in touring.{{cite web |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/archenemyinterv_2.htm |title=Sharlee D'Angelo Interview |publisher=About.com |access-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023202437/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/archenemyinterv_2.htm |url-status=dead }}{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} On June 27, 1994, the band released The Bell Witch, an EP of live tracks, as well as studio recordings from In the Shadows.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-bell-witch/ |title=The Bell Witch at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214012859/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-bell-witch/ |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

File:King Diamond live 1999.jpg performing with Mercyful Fate in 1999]]

On October 25, 1994, Mercyful Fate released its fourth album Time, which was recorded and mixed at the Dallas Sound Lab during May and August of that year.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |title=Time at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904031657/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead }} After the album's release, drummer Snowy Shaw was replaced by Bjarne T. Holm for the Time Tour. Holm had originally been asked to join Mercyful Fate back in 1981, but had declined due to prior commitments. The band spent January through February 1996 recording and mixing their next album Into the Unknown, which was released on August 20, 1996.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |title=Into the Unknown at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904031657/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead }} After the album's release, guitarist Michael Denner left the band and was replaced by Mike Wead. In October 1997, Mercyful Fate began recording its sixth album Dead Again at the Nomad Recording Studio in Carrollton, Texas.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dead-again/ |title=Dead Again at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215070649/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dead-again/ |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Dead Again was released on June 9, 1998. In February 1999, Mercyful Fate began recording its seventh studio album 9, which was released on June 15, 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-9/ |title=9 at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215065942/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-9/ |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

After the supporting tour for 9, Mercyful Fate was put on hiatus. King Diamond focused on his eponymous band, along with guitarist Mike Wead, who joined the group during the European House of God tour.{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/king-diamond-band-members/ |title=King Diamond - Band members |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709010035/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/king-diamond-band-members/ |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Hank Shermann and Bjarne T. Holm reunited with Michael Denner to form Force of Evil, while Sharlee D'Angelo joined the band Arch Enemy.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/Force%20of%20Evil-MN0000660617 |title=Force of Evil |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=December 9, 2012}} When asked about the current state of the band in 2008, Diamond stated that Mercyful Fate is currently "hibernating", and that "it's definitely not finished, at least in my book."{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=92517 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - KING DIAMOND: MERCYFUL FATE 'Is Definitely Not Finished, At Least In My Book' |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=July 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422014547/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=92517 |archive-date=April 22, 2008 }} In August 2008, King Diamond was asked by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich if Mercyful Fate would be willing to participate in Activision's Guitar Hero: Metallica video game.{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115135 | title = King Diamong Comments On 'Guitar Hero: Metallica' Game Inclusion | date = February 26, 2009 | access-date = December 8, 2012 | publisher = Blabbermouth.net | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301115003/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115135 | archive-date = March 1, 2009 }} Ulrich requested the original masters for two of the band's songs, so they could be used in the game. Unable to locate them, Diamond suggested to Activision the band re-record the songs, and as a result, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen and Bjarne T. Holm reunited to re-record the songs "Evil" and "Curse of the Pharaohs". King Diamond was also made into a playable character in the game.

On December 7, 2011, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen reunited onstage at Metallica's 30th Anniversary concert, at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, where they, alongside Metallica, performed the latter's "Mercyful Fate" medley from Garage Inc.{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/metallica-joined-mercyful-fate-anthrax-armored-saint-members-second-30th-anniversary-show |title=Metallica Joined by Mercyful Fate, Anthrax, Armored Saint Members for Second 30th Anniversary Show |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 8, 2012}}

On January 28, 2017, the original line-up of Mercyful Fate (minus Diamond) reunited to receive the Pioneer Prize at the Steppeulven ceremony by the Danish Association of Music Critics at the Bremen Teater in Copenhagen. This was the first time drummer Kim Ruzz appeared with the band since the 1985 split.{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2017-01-30 |title=MERCYFUL FATE Honored At Denmark's STEPPEULVEN Awards |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-honored-at-denmarks-steppeulven-awards/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}

File:Mercyful Fate (52202517675).jpg

On August 1, 2019, it was announced that Mercyful Fate would be performing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe in the summer of 2020. The band's line-up consists of King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann on guitar, Bjarne T. Holm on drums, Mike Wead on guitar and Joey Vera on bass, the latter of whom was filling in for Timi Hansen, who was battling cancer;{{cite web|author=Andrew Sacher|title=Mercyful Fate's Timi Hansen sitting out reunion tour because he's battling cancer|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/mercyful-fates-timi-hansen-sitting-out-reunion-tour-because-hes-battling-cancer/|publisher=BrooklynVegan|access-date=August 13, 2019|date=August 2, 2019}} Vera then became their full-time bass player after Hansen died on November 4, 2019, shortly after his 61st birthday.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-bassist-timi-hansen-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/|title=MERCYFUL FATE Bassist TIMI HANSEN Dies After Battle With Cancer|date=November 4, 2019|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 4, 2019}} Aside from previously released material, the band was also going to perform new songs over the course of the summer.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-to-reunite-for-appearance-at-denmarks-copenhell-festival/ |title= MERCYFUL FATE To Reunite For Summer 2020 European Festival Appearances |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019}}

In a May 2020 interview with Heavy magazine, Shermann said that he had "written six or seven songs" for the band's new album.{{cite web|url=https://heavymag.com.au/mercyful-fate-return-to-their-origins/|author=Griffiths, Dave|title=MERCYFUL FATE Return To Their Origins|website=heavymag.com.au|date=April 30, 2020 }} On June 2, 2022, Mercyful Fate performed their first live show since 1999 in Hanover as part of a European tour, where they debuted a brand new song titled "The Jackal of Salzburg".{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/king-diamond-says-mercyful-fate-will-play-new-nine-minute-song-on-upcoming-tour-its-quite-a-monster|title=KING DIAMOND Says MERCYFUL FATE Will Play New Nine-Minute Song On Upcoming Tour: 'It's Quite A Monster'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 29, 2022 |accessdate=May 29, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/av/mercyful-fate-played-their-first-show-in-23-years-and-they-sounded-fantastic|author=Kennelty, Greg|title=MERCYFUL FATE Played Their First Show In 23 Years And They Sounded Fantastic|date=June 3, 2022 |accessdate=June 3, 2022}}

On January 16, 2024, Mercyful Fate announced that they had "mutually decided to split ways" with Vera.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-parts-ways-with-bassist-joey-vera|title=MERCYFUL FATE Parts Ways With Bassist JOEY VERA|date=January 16, 2024|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=January 16, 2024}} Three days later, it was announced Becky Baldwin was the new bassist of the band, who filled in for Vera during the band's 2022 tour.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-announces-new-bass-player-becky-baldwin|title=MERCYFUL FATE Announces New Bass Player BECKY BALDWIN|date=January 19, 2024|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=January 19, 2024}} In the following month, Baldwin stated that the new Mercyful Fate album is not expected to be released before 2025, due to King Diamond's focus on his namesake band's upcoming thirteenth studio album The Institute.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-mercyful-fate-music-in-on-the-way-says-bassist-becky-baldwin|title=New MERCYFUL FATE Music Is 'On The Way', Says Bassist BECKY BALDWIN|date=February 12, 2024|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=February 12, 2024}}

Mercyful Fate were a part of the first wave of black metal, along with other groups, such as Venom, Bathory, and Hellhammer.{{cite video |last=Dunn |first=Sam |year=2005 |title=Metal: A Headbanger's Journey |type=motion picture |publisher=Seville Pictures}} Many of these groups helped establish the style upon which future black metal artists would later build. Unlike the other first-wave bands, typical elements of Mercyful Fate's style are influences from progressive rock,Götz Kühnemund: A History of Horror. In: Rock Hard, no. 282, November 2010, p. 20-27. epic 1970s hard rock, and traditional heavy metal. As many of the band's songs featured lyrics about Satanism and the occult and King Diamond was among the first black metal musicians to use the now famous corpse paint,{{cite web |url=http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/article.php?article_id=66 |title=On the Role of Clothing Styles In The Development of Metal – Part I |publisher=Metalstorm.ee |date=July 5, 2005 | access-date=December 8, 2012}} Mercyful Fate was a pioneer in developing black metal,{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r12968 |title=Mercyful Fate: Melissa - Review |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=December 9, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r12969 |title=Mercyful Fate: Don't Break the Oath - Review |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=December 9, 2012}} although their musical style was not as much an influence as that of other first wave bands. The band has also been cited as an influence on or inspiration to bands of the then-emerging death metal genre, including Death,{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/chuck-schuldiner-lust-life|title=Chuck Schuldiner: Lust for Life|website=Guitar World|date=May 13, 2009|access-date=February 6, 2021}} Morbid Angel,{{Cite web|url=http://www.deathmetal.org/article/the-craft-of-metal-2-abominations-of-desolation/|title=The Craft of Metal #2: Abominations of Desolation|website=deathmetal.org|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2021}} Obituary{{cite web|title=Donald Tardy (Obituary) interview|url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/donald_tardy_obituary.htm|website=metal-temple.com|access-date=May 31, 2021}} and Cannibal Corpse.{{cite web|title=CANNIBAL CORPSE's GEORGE 'CORPSEGRINDER' FISHER: Why I Love MERCYFUL FATE's 'Don't Break The Oath'|url=https://metaladdicts.com/corpsegrinder-why-i-love-mercyful-fates-dont-break-the-oath/|website=metaladdicts.com|date=March 23, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021}}

Mercyful Fate have been cited as a formative influence on the 1980s thrash metal scene, including three-fourths of the genre's "Big Four" – Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer.{{cite web |url=http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/Band%20History.htm |title=The History of Metallica |publisher=Metallicaworld.co.uk |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605102501/http://metallicaworld.co.uk/Band%20History.htm |archive-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}{{cite magazine |last=Weiderhorn |first=Jon |date=June 1998 |title=Last Men Standing |magazine=Maximum Guitar |pages=29 }} Other thrash metal bands that have cited the band as an influence or inspiration to them include Testament,{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/testaments-chuck-billy-says-new-record-has-some-mercyful-fate-black-metal-influences|title=TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy Says New Record Has Some MERCYFUL FATE & Black Metal Influences|website=Metal Injection|date=September 30, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2021}} Exodus{{cite web|title=Exodus Family Tree — The Metal|url=https://www.givememetal.com/thrashmetaltrees/exodus-family-tree|website=givememetal.com|date=May 20, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021}} and Kreator.{{cite web|title=KREATOR Frontman: 'I Try Not To Sound Like Anyone Else'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kreator-frontman-i-try-not-to-sound-like-anyone-else/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=May 31, 2021}} Slayer guitarist Kerry King has stated that he and then-guitarist Jeff Hanneman were big fans of Mercyful Fate and cited them as influence on their second album Hell Awaits.{{cite web | title = Kerry King interviewed by Metal Hammer.| date = June 15, 2010| publisher = YouTube| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiLGIw2KXm0&list=FLOb0w15YR6aG-n_TxKIZg9Q&index=88&feature=plpp_video| access-date = December 8, 2012 }}{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} Metallica recorded a medley of Mercyful Fate songs on their 1998 covers album Garage Inc. Since then, the band has performed the song various times live with several members of Mercyful Fate.{{cite web | title = Metallica performing "Mercyful Fate" w/King Diamond and Hank Shermann in 1999.| publisher = YouTube| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20_5rQAbBQ| access-date = December 9, 2012 }}{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}}{{cite web| title = Metallica performing "Mercyful Fate" w/ King Diamond on August 9, 2008 in Dallas, Texas.| publisher = Metallica.com| url = http://www.metallica.com/tour/2008-tour-videos.asp| access-date = December 9, 2012| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130101134934/http://www.metallica.com/tour/2008-tour-videos.asp| archive-date = January 1, 2013}} Lars Ulrich from Metallica has said in about 2008: "Mercyful Fate has made two of the best heavy rock records ever. We have been friends with them for 23 years. The first time I ever played on some other record was with them – I was in Dallas to make Return of the Vampire in 1992. They have been a very, very big inspiration for our sound."{{cite book|title=Husker du – dansk rock gennem 50 år|last1=Hegnsvad|first1=Kristoffer|last2=Maegaard|first2=Sofie|publisher=DR|year=2008|isbn=978-87-7680-812-9|page=108|language=da|quote=Mercyful Fate har lavet to af de bedste heavyrock-plader nogensinde. Vi har været venner med dem i 23 år. Første gang jeg nogensinde spillede med på en anden plade, var med dem – jeg var i Dallas og lave Return of the Vampire i 1992. De har været en meget, meget stor inspiration for vores sound.}} Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer recalls, "We were all listening to the early Mercyful Fate demos. I was like, 'Who's this fuckin dude reciting the Lord's Prayer backwards? He's awesome.' [...] All that stuff had a huge influence on us in the beginning."{{Cite book |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |title=Raising Hell |publisher=Diversion Books |year=2020 |pages=141}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Current line-up

• King Diamond – lead vocals, keyboards (1981–1985, 1992–1999, 2008, 2011, 2019–present)
• Hank Shermann – guitars (1981–1985, 1992–1999, 2008, 2011, 2019–present)
• Bjarne T. Holm – drums (1994–1999, 2008, 2019–present)
• Mike Wead – guitars (1996–1999, 2019–present)
• Becky Baldwin – bass (2024–present; touring 2022)

{{col-2}}

Former members

• Timi Hansen – bass (1981–1985, 1992–1993, 2008, 2011, 2019; died 2019)
• Carsten Van Der Volsing – guitars (1981)
• Ole Beich – bass (1981; died 1991)
• Ole Frausing – drums (1981)
• Jan Lindblad – drums (1981)
• Nick Smith – drums (1981)
• Kim Ruzz – drums (1981–1985)
• Benny Petersen – guitars (1981–1982)
• Michael Denner – guitars (1982–1985, 1992–1996, 2008, 2011)
• Sharlee D'Angelo – bass (1993–1999)
• Morten Nielsen – drums (1992–1993)
• Snowy Shaw – drums (1993–1994)
• Joey Vera – bass (2019–2024)

{{col-end}}

{{#tag:timeline|

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bar:Bjarne from:08/01/2019 till:end color:orange

}}

{{Main|Mercyful Fate discography}}

• Melissa (1983)
• Don't Break the Oath (1984)
• In the Shadows (1993)
• Time (1994)
• Into the Unknown (1996)
• Dead Again (1998)
• 9 (1999)

{{Reflist}}

{{commonscat}}

• {{Official website|https://mercyfulfatecoven.com/}}
• {{Discogs artist}}
• {{allmusic}}

{{Mercyful Fate}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1981 establishments in Denmark

Category:1985 disestablishments in Denmark

Category:1999 disestablishments in Denmark

Category:Cthulhu Mythos music

Category:Danish black metal musical groups

Category:Danish heavy metal musical groups

Category:Danish musical quintets

Category:Metal Blade Records artists

Category:Musical groups established in 1981

Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1985

Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1992

Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1999

Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2019