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jackhammer · 12-22-2009, 07:44 PM

#41 King Diamond - Abigail (1987)

This album will certainly divide opinions mainly due to the vocals. For those who don't know, King Diamond was the vocalist for cult Metal band Mercyful Fate who were a big influence on Metallica and he continued his unique vocal style for his solo work.

Alternating between classic Metal, slightly guttural stylings and a ridiculous falsetto, King Diamonds albums are an acquired choice which is understandable but if you can appreciate them, then you have access to some of the best classic Metal albums and Abigail is probably his pinnacle.

Abigail is a concept piece about rebirth and ghosts yet it actually doesn't detract from the music and is a decent Horror tale in it's own right but who want's to know about that when it's the music that is more important at this time.

Abigail is unashamedly classic Metal with meaty riffs, tempo changes and gorgeous solos that are so indicative of the genre. If anyone was to ask me what a classic Metal sound was in the 80's then this album is the answer.

When the accent wasn't on speed or aggression it's a brave move to make an old fashioned album that took it's shape from early Priest and Maiden. It was retro in 1987 so it sounds even more so now but it's an honest album that celebrates the classic two guitar harmonies of Metal.

This is not a genre busting album by any means but it is a great example of what traditional Metal should sound like without resorting to tubthumping cliche's.

If you can handle the vocals then you will love this album.

The very few cool points I have left will be lost with this post but fuck it eh?!

12-22-2009, 07:44 PM	#59 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	#41 King Diamond - Abigail (1987) This album will certainly divide opinions mainly due to the vocals. For those who don't know, King Diamond was the vocalist for cult Metal band Mercyful Fate who were a big influence on Metallica and he continued his unique vocal style for his solo work. Alternating between classic Metal, slightly guttural stylings and a ridiculous falsetto, King Diamonds albums are an acquired choice which is understandable but if you can appreciate them, then you have access to some of the best classic Metal albums and Abigail is probably his pinnacle. Abigail is a concept piece about rebirth and ghosts yet it actually doesn't detract from the music and is a decent Horror tale in it's own right but who want's to know about that when it's the music that is more important at this time. Abigail is unashamedly classic Metal with meaty riffs, tempo changes and gorgeous solos that are so indicative of the genre. If anyone was to ask me what a classic Metal sound was in the 80's then this album is the answer. When the accent wasn't on speed or aggression it's a brave move to make an old fashioned album that took it's shape from early Priest and Maiden. It was retro in 1987 so it sounds even more so now but it's an honest album that celebrates the classic two guitar harmonies of Metal. This is not a genre busting album by any means but it is a great example of what traditional Metal should sound like without resorting to tubthumping cliche's. If you can handle the vocals then you will love this album. The very few cool points I have left will be lost with this post but fuck it eh?! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”