What if Mercyful Fate had a different vocalist?
Do you think they would be more successful? Some people love King Diamond but I, and many other people, think his vocal style only appeals to a small number of people.
I love nearly every MF cover, and love the instrumental parts of this band, so I think they would be better in terms of sound and success.
What do you think? No flaming please.
Here are some songs. Some of them his voice is good on, but overall on all of their discography, the vocals are what makes me not put them in my favorite list.
My Demon – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eMpbGeY2yY
The Uninvited Guest – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6R0qQLSkkw
Holy Water – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hstizv6vCyU
Angel of Light – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FATaqDDYJ6o
They are successful and they’re notable, but in terms of people liking them and popularity they aren’t so successful.
People look at KD like a clown and his voice does turn most people away from the band.
I can understand why King Diamond’s vocals could turn some metalheads away, much in the same way Halford’s vocal style has over the years with Priest. But I believe timing and promotion is responsible for the success Judas Priest has had. They came out at a time when there were hardly any metal bands to choose from, and they were on a major label with world wide tours to boot. Mercyful Fate I think were great enough to have the same or better success than Priest, but they were underground and on an independant label, playing in bars and pizza places. The only ones who knew about them were us Metal fans who knew of the underground back then. I tell you, Mercyful Fate were highly regarded and respected and well received among us who were into the early thrash scene. Had they been able to promote their material, I’m sure the mainstream/top water fans would have accepted them too.
April 15th, 2010 at 2:09 am
I think that some are scared away by his whole "I am a satanist" thing. His voice is unique, but also his song topics are also rather strange. He sings about witches and black masses and stuff. Not for everybody.
References :
April 15th, 2010 at 2:27 am
I can understand why King Diamond’s vocals could turn some metalheads away, much in the same way Halford’s vocal style has over the years with Priest. But I believe timing and promotion is responsible for the success Judas Priest has had. They came out at a time when there were hardly any metal bands to choose from, and they were on a major label with world wide tours to boot. Mercyful Fate I think were great enough to have the same or better success than Priest, but they were underground and on an independant label, playing in bars and pizza places. The only ones who knew about them were us Metal fans who knew of the underground back then. I tell you, Mercyful Fate were highly regarded and respected and well received among us who were into the early thrash scene. Had they been able to promote their material, I’m sure the mainstream/top water fans would have accepted them too.
References :
I believe King Diamond is a little more successful than you’re giving him credit. Watch Clerks II and Metalocalypse. You can’t get a gig with those 2 unless you have been somewhat successful.