Mercyful Fate Come To The Sabbath: Reverend Reaction

[@megadev9099]

"Is it always seven songs in one or is this a special song?" Yes

[@SolaMelodica]

Super talented band.

[@annisabd3625]

Hail to the King .. 60+ yrs old and still rocking... maybe u should try mercyful fate " the Oath reaction .

[@l.salisbury1253]

The band were from Denmark. And that is ONE MAN doing ALL those vocals!

[@SolaMelodica]

Amazing. He's on a different plan vocally than most everyone else.

[@Grandmastergav86]

King Diamond remains my favourite metal vocalist, I love the different vocal characteristics he imbues each of his songs. Obviously he's known for his astonishing Falsetto cries but he is an amazingly rounded singer. What a talent! He sounds better than ever having quit smoking in recent years.

[@SolaMelodica]

Wow, he sang that well while smoking. Gifted, definitely.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

@@SolaMelodica He recorded this song in like 1984 or 85.. and hadn't even found his real range yet.. After he left Mercyful Fate, King DIamond made 10 full concept albums (and his other 2 albums told a story over half of the songs instead of all), some have really good horror stories that can suck you into them.. some the stories are not so good.. but they're always musically solid. I recommend the King DIamond album Abigail. The whole album and not just a song here or there. His frst full concept album tells the story about a cursed mansion and what happens to the unfortunate couple who inherit it. He's 65 years old. I saw him live in 2015 and he could still sing like he did in the late 80's and early 90's. The man is a singular talent. Aside from having one of the most incredible singing voices on the planet, he is like the Stephen King of heavy metal!

[@Mik-xq2co]

I have been listening to KD/MF since around 1984. My appreciation of his music just continues to grow. Saw him last year and it was a fantastic concert. I don’t know of any other band that puts so much depth into the drum and guitar (along with other instruments) riffs as this man does!

[@ericv7720]

King's argument is that, in the Christian tradition, Satan has never been allowed to speak for himself; it's only what priests have told their followers about him. King Diamond himself used to be a theistic Satanist, but now his views are more in line with classical humanism.

[@paulchisholm272]

Came across this randomly; been a King fan since 84. I could tell immediately that you knew music just by your reactions and fairness in listening thoughtfully to the song.Your reflections and articulations are articulate and insightful. and your demeanor is great. I especially enjoyed how in the end you described choices that lead to "eternal separation from God" rather than the cliche "burn in hell." New subscriber!

[@olubcs44]

Thank you for reacting to one of my favorite songs. I think you would have understanded a little bit better if you would've check out the songs in order because this is the "sequel" to the song "Melissa" (from the album Melissa, 1983) and there is one last song to complete the story (Is that you, Melissa?, from In The Shadows, 1995), these 2 songs are great too. I think it would be interesting to listen to your take on the song "No One Is There" by Sopor Aeternus, have a nice day.

[@SolaMelodica]

Okay, I wasn't aware. Kind of like Steven for Alice Cooper - multiple songs - same character.

[@c0uchsl0uch]

Big fan of King Diamond, seen him 6-7 times. He autographed my Abigail album! I recommend the LIVE at the filmore album Also, I would like to see your reaction to the song Melissa, it's alittle slower tempo, maybe like fade to black by metallica. Yes, king diamond is the real deal although he has eased up on the satanic ritual lyrics for the last 10 years but does still write about possession, ghosts and the such but in the old days I think he was a member of Anton LeVeys church of Satan, and may have dated Zina LeVey. Yes danish

[@SolaMelodica]

Thanks for the details. I will add Melissa to the list of songs to do. She was mentioned in Come to the Sabbath, right...

[@c0uchsl0uch]

@@SolaMelodica yes, that right. The Evil Priest who took the life of Melissa!

[@l.salisbury1253]

6:10 - Yes, this IS a typical representation of their catalog. Their songs usually are this complex...

[@SolaMelodica]

Amazing vocalist.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

@@SolaMelodica You really should hear some of his solo work. But like I said in another comment, don't listen to one song .. listen to the whole album. His solo albums (all but 2) are concept albums that tell one (usually good) horror story. He's the Stephen King of heavy metal.

[@dariojara2735]

Hi reverend, I'm an atheist (but I respect the faith of others) and I would like to give you my opinion about the lyric. For people who don't believe in god (niether satan) this kind of lyrcs are artistics ways to confront moral ideas. In general terms I think the satan moral atittude is center in the individual, his own good and his own liberty (in the good sense: that doesn't mean to be looking for hurting or damaging the others) and christian moral attitude its centered in the society, the neighboors, the others. The first oriented in the self improvement (of the individual and his relatives), the empowering, the personal development; the second oriented in the solidarity, the compassion, the giveness and forgiveness. The lyrics in this song say explicity "You say forgiveness, I say revenge", constrasting two different views of see the world, but in satanism vs christinity there is a much more wider confrontations of moral ideas, about what is good and what is bad. So when I hear songs talking about satanians things, I hear artistic ways to defend or express a moral view, and not how it could look like, as worshiping Satan and demonds and commanding to murder babies. Sorry for my poor english. Cheers from Chile.

[@l.salisbury1253]

4:15 & 11:10 - this lyric does need some explaining: "An evil curse on the Priest who took the life of Melissa!" "Melissa" was the title of their debut LP (1983). The title track was about witch who was, I assumed, burned.

[@SolaMelodica]

Oh okay. That makes sense and takes it all to a different level.

[@triffidkiller1234]

Hi Reverand, I like your channel and am interested to see how it will develop. Love it that you are going outside your comfort zone too. This was certainly an entertaining song, changing pace like a 'Rush' song and it also brought 'Cradle of Filth' to my mind. Not the sort of thing I ususally listen too. Please consider reacting to 'So What' by 'Crass'. I'm sure you'll have a lot to say in your reaction to it.

[@SolaMelodica]

Thank you, I will

[@rustycamaro]

I saw Mercyful Fate in October, King Diamond is in his mid sixties, and he sounded as good, or better than when he recorded this.

[@pekkalaakkonen1163]

Once again this was so Goooood. There certainly is a twist about how the lyrics are written. I do believe it's not about the obvious hail satan and all that crowd-pleasing stuff. Like he leaves it open for a reason for the listener to ponder with. Is it about turning or not turning the other cheek in times of controversy and how people might succumb to the situation they're dealing with? I do think that Mercyful fate is somewhat bias to leaning over to the dark side - for commercial reasons or other.. Devil probably sells better than God in any case : )

[@SolaMelodica]

maybe it does sell better. thanks!

[@BlackieNuff]

Bear in mind, these darker, devil-worshipping lyrics of the band's first (and only) two albums and the EP before them were at a time when all that dark occult stuff was the "gimmick" in metal of the 80s. Very FEW bands actually subscribed to that stuff (not even Venom or Slayer, whose lyrics were even more dark, disturbing, and insidious than Merycful Fate's), it was just a sure way to sell records to rebellious kids who wanted something to piss off or freak out their parents, lol. While Diamond does call himself a "Satanist", it's NOT in the traditional black-arts context ; he is more of a PHILOSOPHICAL Satanist, and "Satan" is just a term that is used to suggest the polar opposition to modern faiths ; where Christianity and Catholicism preaches abstinence, LaVeyan Satanism (as I call it, due to Anton Szandor LaVey being the one who founded the Satanic Church in the 60s, and whom Diamond cited as his "mentor" in this belief system) advocates indulgence. Where the Golden Rule says "Do unto others as thou would have done unto you", the LaVeyan Satanist version of that is "Do as thou wilt, HARMING NONE", which is important, becasue blood sacrifice and other forms of killing, torture, or death is NOT CONDONED by LaVeyan Satanism. Animals and children (along with other innocents) are especially protected under this rule. The only killing that is permitted is in cases of necessity for survival (hunting/slaughtering an animal for food) or self defense against an attacker in a life-or-death, them-or-me scenario. Also, when wronged, vengeance and vindication is permitted - not PROMOTED (as it is not a rule), but permitted. It is an OPTION for those who might feel it is in order to "get even" with someone who wronged them - be it a little or a lot. None of this "turn the other cheek" nonsense which lets these maniacs get away with what they've done, facing no repercussions or consequences for their actions in THIS world (which is all that matters), which only encourages them to do it again. Well, not on my watch, and not in my house... by Satanist "law", if you steal from me, I will take back what is mine (and maybe then some, as a penance on you) ; if you harm me or mine, I (or one of my kin) will visit the same upon you and yours. Basically an ideology that says "as long as you don't screw with me, I will have no reason to screw with you, so conduct yourself accordingly". It's basically MY version of the "Do unto others" rule, where I state : Do unto others as you WISH THEM to do, OR as they HAVE DONE, unto you ; which means I will be nice to you, initially and forth-going, UNTIL you give me reason not to - at which point I reserve my right to wreak my wrath on you. Do not think that any stretch of time where you have invested or demonstrated any level of devotion or loyalty to me is going to somehow negate any trespass you commit against me, is going to save you or relieve you of any responsibility or accountability. I do not do "forgiveness" (except for small, honest errors that are NOT repeated) - Jesus was all about that "forgiveness" stuff, and look what that got him ; crucified. And in MY book, you'll be lucky if crucifixion is all I do to you for a serious offence. If you wrong me in any serious way, there WILL be consequences. But, again, it depends on the offence (and my mood). It's a kind of "mutually assured destruction" outlook, if you worry about things "escalating" and a "cyclic redundancy" arising, but Satanists are not too concerned with any possible "cycles of violence" coming about, because if the retaliation is done right, there will BE no "cycle" invoked, just a 1:1 score that gets settled and done with. If done right, the lesson doled out by the wronged Satanist will be one not soon forgotten, nor taken lightly. It will leave the offender with thinking twice and taking great pause before entertaining notions about "getting even" for something they fully deserved and had coming to them. Overall, the encapsulated philosophy of this form of Satanism is : "Don't be a dick". Live your life, and allow others to do the same without interference, unless, you see harm is being done without just cause, then it is your duty as a sentient human being to reduce the harm being put out into the world. You may not think it's your concern about the dogs that are shitting in your neighbor's yard, but it won't be long before they do eventually starting shitting in YOUR yard as well. LaVeyan Satanism is a philosophy - NOT a "religion", cos religions have deities, which Satanism does NOT ("Satan" is a character in western religions, but not LaVeyan Satanism ; LaVeyan Satanism is "in name only", as I explained earlier), and while it may prioritize the self (condoning indulgence and pleasure), it is NOT a selfish belief system - unlike the narcissism of most people and the blind faiths they embrace which tend to forsake others who do not share the same ideologies, and/or when it is inconvenient. Many "good Christians/Catholics" love to virtue signal and CLAIM they would help their fellow man, no matter who they are, "reserving judgment". So do, but not many. I have witnessed more times where ideologies and zealotry have been the utmost concern over earnestly helping one's fellow man. LaVeyan Satanism does not play those kinds of games. It does not care if you follow a different religion, or any religion at all - live and let live, and all that. But it won't be hypocritical and play double-standards, either ; just cos they are "accepting" of you no matter who you are or where you come form, it doesn't mean that gives you a free pass to get away with shit just cos you "identify" with some identity politics "club". All that matters is : Are you a GOOD PERSON or a BAD PERSON? That will be defined by WHAT YOU DO in this life, more than what you say, think, or believe. Many people hide behind their faith and belles, using it as a shield or special exemption against being judged and punished for their misdeeds. And that applies to EVERYONE, including a "fellow LaVeyan Satanist" (perhaps even more so than anyone else). We do not tolerate hypocrites and liars. If that makes us sinners, then sinners we shall be, with pride - one of the 7 "deadly sins"... LaVeyan Satanism has its own little list of "deadly sins" too... and "Rules Of The Earth" as well... See comments below for those. I hope this helps put King Diamond (and Mercyful Fate) lyrics into some proper perspective, that despite all the "hail Satan" and "I don;t need your God" stuff, and King's affirmation of being a "Satanist", it is NOT what you would normally think that label to be or mean.

[@BlackieNuff]

THE NINE SATANIC STATEMENTS from The Satanic Bible, ©1969 by Anton Szandor LaVey I. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence! II. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams! III. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit! IV. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates! V. Satan represents vengeance/vindication instead of turning the other cheek! VI. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires! VII. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development”, has become the most vicious animal of all! VIII. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification! IX. Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years! THE NINE SATANIC SINS from The Satanic Bible, ©1987 by Anton Szandor LaVey I. STUPIDITY The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid. II. PRETENTIOUSNESS Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn't applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation these days. Everyone's made to feel like a big shot, whether they can come up with the goods or not. III. SOLIPSISM This can be very dangerous for Satanists ; projecting your reactions, responses, and sensibilities onto someone who is probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy and respect that you naturally give them. They won't. Instead, Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of "Do unto others as they do unto you". It's work for most of us and requires constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far from that point. IV. SELF-DECEIT It's in the "Nine Satanic Statements", but deserves to be repeated here, for this is another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it's fun, and with awareness. But then, it's not self-deceit! V. HERD CONFORMITY That's obvious from a Satanic stance. It's alright to conform to a person's wishes, if it ultimately benefits (or does not inconvenience) you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the many. VI. LACK OF PERSPECTIVE Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do not be swayed by herd constraints - know that you are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world. VII. FORGETFULNESS OF PAST ORTHODOXIES Be aware that this is one of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something new and different, when in reality, it's something that was once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We are expected to rave about the genius of the creator and forget the original. This makes for a disposable society. VIII. COUNTERPRODUCTIVE PRIDE That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with the bathwater. The rule of Satanism is : if it works for you, great. When it stops working for you, when you've painted yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, "I'm sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow", then do it. IX. LACK OF AESTHETICS This is the physical application of the Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but an eye for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It's not what's supposed to be pleasing - it's what is. Aesthetics is a personal thing, reflective of one's own nature, but there are universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should not be denied. THE ELEVEN SATANIC RULES OF THE EARTH by Anton Szandor LaVey ©1967 1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked. 2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them. 3. When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there. 4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him (cruelly and) without mercy. 5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal (aka "consent"). 6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved. 7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained. 8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself. 9. Do not harm little children. 10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked, or for your food. 11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

[@l.salisbury1253]

7:48- Sorry to keep chiming in but I have seen King Diamond live. He DOES keep this up while performing! (He even did this song!)

[@SolaMelodica]

Wow.

[@kiamkuczynski6786]

I don't listen to him for satan music and singing are amazing

[@johnnyflores8344]

Listen to "sleepless nights live at the Fillmore". You won't regret it

[@GilaMonster971]

He sounds just as good live as recorded. He actually sounds better now. I am atheist and listen to King Diamond/Mercyful Fate all the time. I just see God and Satan as myths..and the songs are mythological to me. And King Diamond changed in his spiritual beliefs a bit over time. He use to believe there is a Satan but not God, then he realized you can believe in one without the other. He started following Anton Levay’s form of Satanism in which he teaches you are your own god.

[@bryanmack5410]

Just for context, that scary man singing about Satan is now an old man, post-quadruple-bipass, living in Texas who loves NASCAR :)

[@SolaMelodica]

What? Seriously? Interesting.

[@ericv7720]

I thought King was a Formula 1 fan, being European.

[@BlackieNuff]

"An evil curse on the priest who took the life from Melissa" Melissa, according to the title track of the previous album, was a (accused) witch, and as per the superstitious paranoia of the 16th/17th century witch hunts/trials, she was burned at the stake (tortured and murdered), "in the name of God". Considering how all that piousness and reverence for "God" (back in the day or even now) was demonstrated, the zealotry with which is was done, who is REALLY the evil one(s)? Some "peculiar" woman who dabbles in potions and spells (otherwise known as science in modern terms), or an entire community of paranoid nutters who demand blood over things they cannot or simply refuse to understand, cos it somehow "violates" or contradicts some ancient scriptures they revere without skeptical question or savvy analysis? The term "God-fearing" is a very telling expression, cos the quickest path to evil is not hate or anger, it is FEAR. Fear makes otherwise good people do some terrible and stupid things. This has been proven and thus is undeniable.

[@TheBillproject]

How do you explain Mercyful fate? Musicly, EVERYONE EVERYONE is a fan from Metallica to Megadeth to Blink 182 and Smashing Pumpkins.... lyrics..... I believe Billy Corgan put it best: "yea the lyrics... but it's 'fate ! King Diamond kind of said later on that it is "entertainment"

[@lanceh259]

Check out satans fall

[@SolaMelodica]

will do,

[@mix6809]

If God allows Satan to rule, Christians should be ok with that. If God doesn't allow Satan to rule and he still does, God is not omnipotent. If Satan doesn't rule then God is the bringer of evil. That is, of course, if this particular religion is The True Religion of course 🙂

[@lanceh259]

Watch a live video

[@SolaMelodica]

Alrighty...