King Diamond, At the Graves - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

My First Listen experience with King Diamond was really … different! Although I never listened to this kind of music before (you might laugh) it reminded me of some Classical Music pieces! I have to say that it was really fun (although sinister at times) to listen to King Diamond, and I think it does a great job for its purpose.
Here’s the link to the original song:
• At the Graves
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by King Diamond
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[@VirginRock]

Hi everyone! Please drop under this comment your questions ONLY! I will do my best to answer them all!

[@MarcoH72]

We’re you exposed to popular cinema growing up? I ask because that would have been another source of popular music/ rock etc.

[@Vinicius-hat696]

Which is your fav rock instrument? And the one you really don't like?

[@harlanmonk569]

Was conjuring the word?

[@scrolemodel]

Can you please do the song "Orion" by Metallica next? It's an instrumental song (no lyrics), that's very melodic and beautifully done! I've seen people get emotionally overwhelmed by it, including myself. It's considered Cliff Burton's master piece - who was the bassist that had classical training. It's off of the album "Master Of Puppets", which was the first metal album entered into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. Thank you!

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

oh, i love what you said,, ' it is all over the place." about 17 minutes and 30 seconds in, I ask, does it maintain the same atmosphere ? Is it grave yardesque? a component of 'rock' can be similar to blues and jazz. classical music does change. Beethoven 9 symphony is varied. technically. i am not a fan off this music but i understand it.

[@eduturk9]

"There's nothing like King Diamond" 🙌

[@dwunjo8213]

🤘

[@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970]

Partially True...

[@tytlersbicycle]

@@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970 Well…. there is Mercyful Fate lol

[@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970]

@@tytlersbicycle That's Precisely What I Was Playing At...U Simply Elaborated...He Missed The Elephant In The Room...

[@tytlersbicycle]

@@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970 I figured as much. I recently bought a ticket to see them in November. First time in nearly 30 years. I’m super stoked!

[@mathsrescue]

King Diamond - one of the best ARTIST I had ever discovered! All albums contains amazing masterpieces!

[@potetstappe666]

Andy LaRocque is one of the greatest guitarists of our time.

[@cajunvikingrecords]

Absolutely!!!

[@notofthisgod32]

Don't forget Pete Blakk. He's just as good.

[@Blakk_Wolf7]

Agreed. Although I loved and been a huge fan of King's original line-up, because the combo of Michael Denner & Andy sharing guitar duties, at the time, I thought the band couldn't get any better because Mikkey Dee on drums, Timi Hansen on bass Michael & Andy on guitars 1 & 2 and King on vocals, but I was wrong, they did get better. On Them & Conspiracy when they added Hal Patino & Pete Blakk? Oh man it was on a whole new level. The combination of Andy & Pete? Game over. IMO the best 3 tracks w/Andy & Pete on guitars are, again this is just IMO, are 1) The invisible Guests 2) Victimized 3) A Visit From The Dead

[@potetstappe666]

@@Blakk_Wolf7 "Them" is probably my favorite album. It's great! A bit "thin" sound, but eveything else makes up for it.

[@cajunvikingrecords]

@@notofthisgod32 Absolutely. All top notch musicians.

[@j.woodbury412]

Yes, it's all King Diamond. The man has a 5 octave vocal range.

[@jarkkokyntaja4073]

One singer, a thousand voices. Well, it´s King Diamond. Been listening to him almost 40 years. You just never get tired of these masterpieces. Interesting to watch someone to hear this for the first time ! The thing when analyzing King´s lyrics is, that it is very difficult, when you listen to only one song, as his albums are usually concept-albums and you´d have to listen it from beginning to end, to understand it. But, still, good and interesting effort.

[@jonathandufern7421]

I remember the first time I heard King and was baffled and didn’t know what to think haha

[@jarkkokyntaja4073]

@@jonathandufern7421 For many King is a bit on/off, I was on right away. He is one of a kind, though.

[@ACorpseWithoutSoul]

Since 1987 and Abigail. Oi niitä aikoja.

[@fingerjack]

Very well said.

[@jonathandufern7421]

@@ACorpseWithoutSoul my intro was Melissa with Merciful Fate. I was shocked and showed my Brother. He was baffled too. Hahahaha

[@BlackieNuff]

At The Graves... the opening track to the 1989 album Conspiracy, which is the follow-up and continuation of the story told on 1988's Them. [ SPOILER ALERT : Plot reveals below ] Them was a story where King casts himself in the lead role as a 9-yr-old child, who lives with his mother and little sister Missy in an old mansion called "Amon". The house was previously occupied by King's grandmother, who was locked up in an asylum for the murder of her husband, and was institutionalized for her babbling about "Them", and how "They" are responsible for the deed. In the opening track of Them, aptly entitled _Out From The Asylum,_ Grandmother is released and returns home to King, Missy, and Mother at the house of Amon... King, Missy, and Mother bid her a warm _Welcome Home..._ and "They" are waiting ,too... up in the attic. As the album unfolds, Grandma resumes her contact with "Them", which King happens upon late one night, witnessing her _Invisible Guests_ levitating cups of tea into thin air and "emptying on the floor". At first the old woman tries to discourage the boy's curiosity, but then decides to let him in on the secrets of Amon and "Them". As King is entranced by the strange rituals involving a sinister brew of _Tea,_ and the haunting songs of "Them", _Mother Is Getting Weaker,_ looking paler day by day... Little Missy, noticing Mother's plight, and getting no aid from the euphoric King, she tries to make a stand and defend Mother from the activities, including smashing the enchanted tea pot, which enrages Grandma and "Them". Grandma instructs "Them" to "get rid of her ; she is too young anyway". The last sight of Missy King sees is Missy being dragged by invisible hands down to the kitchen... _Bye Bye Missy..._ King somehow snaps out of the trance and in the haze of _A Broken Spell,_ staggers outside. He peers into the cellar window and sees an axe flying up the stairs - it's "Them", about to deal with Missy... looking up, he sees black smoke billowing from the chimney, and somehow knows... it's Missy. Overwhelmed by everything, he passes out. When he awakens, he knows he must return and face grandma. Now free of the spell, he fully realizes what is happening, and resolves to take action. Going up to Grandma's room, pretending to still be under the spell, he convinces Grandma he is perfectly fine, and suggests they go for a moonlit stroll, outside... where "They" cannot protect her... King wheels her outside in her chair... King knows this is his only chance, and after parking _The Accusation Chair,_ grabs her cane out of her hand and tells her she will pay for her deeds and her sick mind has come to an end now... Afterward, he flees into the woods, trying to get as far away as possible, but he then begins to hear _"Them"_ singing, and feels their mesmerizing influence coming over him again... The next morning, King awakens with the _Twilight Symphony_ still in his head. He returns to the house, where police and ambulance and the local asylum's own Dr Landau are present, processing the scene of Grandma who lies dead with a broken neck near her overturned wheelchair. King is interrogated, and he tells them everything. Absolutely EVERYTHING. Landau deems him insane and has him committed to the same asylum Grandma was in. 9 years later, after much therapy, and convincing Landau there never ever was a "Them", King is released. He soon after receives a phone call... it's Grandma. She tells him in her strained raspy voice, to return to the old house, Amon... saying that "quite a few people" - namely Grandpa and Missy, as well as "Them" - would "love" to see him. King is _Coming Home..._ Enter Conspiracy... where he visits Missy, and "Them"... _At The Graves..._

[@inquisitorwalmarius6650]

very adept written, i cant find anything that youve missed, you even helped me get the parts i where missing thanks to being too caught up in melodies at times.

[@j.woodbury412]

Very good job at explaining it.

[@DayInTheLifeOfAl]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@jhonybotacio]

Awesome! Thanks for breaking it down!

[@IggyTthunders]

Did you get all that from the comic, because I've listened to that album at least two dozen times--- it's my favorite album from King Diamond ---but I never got all that from it; but, then again, I was mostly paying attention to the music while I worked my graveyard shift.

[@tonnirasmussen4402]

listening to one KD song, is like reading one chapter of a book, you need the whole album to make it easier to understand

[@fader_dragon]

"There's nothing like King Diamond." Too true!

[@lorengriffeth7088]

My wife is a country girl. When I met her thirty years ago she had no clue about king diamond. This was her first song she heard by him. To this day this is one of her favorite songs even though she is not into metal that much

[@stevenruesch3381]

What's amazing is the year this was created. So So far ahead of it's time. King Diamond is an absolute genius.

[@sarakaster]

I love the unbiased innocent approach here. The curiosity and appreciation! It's like wathcing someone going on an adventure into a foreign country with all those different spices, smells and sounds. Love it!

[@duffalias]

Huge love and respect for King Diamond!

[@markmaffley4042]

No singer like him.His voice is unbelievable.Been a fan since 1980.The King never disappoints.Truly amazing.Just got tickets for the Mercyful Fate tour.ALL HAIL THE KING.

[@happymortal8030]

I love these reactions by people not familiar with these artists or music styles. Sometimes they have an insight that makes me think about the songs in a way I didn't before. The vampire theme really made me go back and rethink the original story of Them.

[@lorirommel519]

Yes! Same here! I was thinking, "Oh, if she wants vampires, she should check out the beginning of the story!"

[@relativeparadox9567]

The first King Diamond song I ever heard. Has been my favorite artist for 30 years +. Still one of my favorites. Thank you.

[@deafalienzulu]

Same story here! 🤴✌

[@lzxam4901]

I love King Diamond. All his albums are concept albums telling a horror story. This song comes from a sequel album Conspiracy to the album Them. I suggest Listening to the album Abigail which is earlier in there discography. There is no one like the KING!

[@pietrayday9915]

And in a lot of ways, you can almost describe it as a concept career: the lyrics make a lot more sense in the larger context of the concept album it came from, and the albums that preceded and followed, in a larger story about the King Diamond character, haunted by his dead sister, tormented by an insane grandmother who happens to be a witch, manipulated by an otherworldly conspiracy of "Them" (malevolent spirits that make a bargain with King to bring his sister back), and so on over the course of a handful of concept albums. I don't think anyone else could have ever really pulled that sort of thing off, but the musicianship is mesmerizing, and King Diamond the performer is one hell of a frontman and an entertaining storyteller, and the band really knows how to sell their distinctive brand of gothic heavy metal!

[@tenguken847]

Interesting that she says "Vampire feeling" from this song...then I thought about it... grandma drinking blood with the family in the form of "tea" Does seem Vampire like...this being the 2nd part of "Them"

[@Gregbaltzer]

All of his albums aren't concept albums. Fatal Portrait and Spider's Lullaby aren't concept album. They both contain a small few song story in the albums, but they are not concept albums.

[@Deetroiter]

Someone might have already stated it, but I want to leave a comment that listening to one song from King Diamond is like reading only chapter 23 out of a 50 chapter book. The albums are a complete story from beginning to end, so unless listened to through its entirety it might not fully make sense with the lyrics, the change in voices (he's portraying different characters), etc. King Diamond is one of those people that EVERYONE laughs when they first hear him but once you actually listen close, you're fully immersed and enjoying it! "A Broken Spell" is a great track and there's always "A Visit from The Dead" that showcase some really unique stuff. The band, especially the guitarists, are huge on the Neo-classical style playing and one of the pioneers in playing that way (Scandinavian metal bands of the era were massively influenced by Paganini, etc) Great video and content, subscribed!

[@di0__0ib]

bought his album Abigail back when it came out just because I thought the cover art looked cool. I had no idea what I was in for. been in love with his music ever since. got to meet him on the Conspiracy tour. he and his band were some of the nicest and most talented people/musicians I've ever met. and I've met a lot being a professional musician myself

[@jeffthejinjer]

His albums tell a story much like a Steven King novel series. It's some old school metal and supposed to be very creepy like a movie!! His theatrics at a live show are fun! Also his voice changes for different characters and a lot of change ups in the music like you said. "Sleepless Nights" live at Fillmore 2015, is another good intro to King Diamond.

[@gonzalomartinezmetalhead]

I have watched a few of your reactions and I must say I am surprised you are reacting to King Diamond. King Diamond is on the side of heavy metal greatness. Constant shifts, amazing vocals, a lot of technical parts, theatrics and intricate lyrics that follow a story. His records are conceptual, they tell a whole story song by song. Might be a little too heavy for your ears, but keep going, you will eventually get it!

[@DerEchteBold]

I don't know what you mean, she got into it quite good, unlike all the haters predicted.

[@realguitarthur]

Some of those really high-pitched squeals on the guitar are called "pinch harmonics". They are created by the flesh touching the string before the pick, thereby effectively shortening the length of the guitar string, and raising the pitch considerably (normally an octave). You can do this in many places between the nut and bridge, and get different harmonics. It's fun to do--especially on a note that's already high in pitch (like E4). Have fun in the awesome and wild world of Rock and Metal! :)

[@beatmet2355]

Tommy Victor (Prong/Danzig) specializes in doing that.

[@scottdunn2178]

Andy Larocque has also said At The Graves was his favorite solo to play 👍🎸

[@stevekirkby5041]

Slipknot guitarist Mick Thompson is well known for that as well

[@wealthedge]

Best false harmonics in the business? Zakk Wylde. Like a power station exploding.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

King Diamond, aside from having an amazing voice, and a great band backing him up, is an amazing storyteller. He has like 12 studio albums, and 10 are full concept albums that tell a horror story (the other 2 albums, half the songs told single story). This song is actually the first song in what is Part 2 of a horror story he tells across 2 albums (Them and Conspiracy). There is a whole backstory as to why he's at his little sister's grave (it has to do with his insane grandmother and tea.. and the ghosts who live in the family home). If you enjoyed this, you should listen to the full story. Tho he does have better ones if you ask me.. Abigail & The Graveyard are my personal favorites.

[@ВахаЙорк-л3у]

Эбигейл, конспирация и они))) ну ещё фатальный портрет.. 86, 87, 88 и 89.

[@hangar4avs]

Such a great song choice to pop virgin ears, instill speechlessness, confusion, astonishment, and colorful conversation. Indeed, there is nothing like King. Thank you for keeping it alive.

[@guillermofernandez6636]

Yeah.... A true listener since 1987....

[@44.caliberbrainsurgery63]

“There’s nothing like King Diamond.” He’s definitely not wrong. I remember upon my first listen to King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. I was a bit confused and unable to process what I was listening to at the time. And I had already been listening to metal music quite extensively, but King Diamond was so different compared to all the stuff I had heard prior. It took a bit of time for my ears to become accustomed to their style of music and his vocals. I am quite happy that I kept listening to them because they are marvelous, although I know some people do find their music to be a little too “busy.”

[@peterrevens8454]

Kings voice is an aquired taste. Took me a while to get used to (Don't Break The Oath), but the music was SO good. Then came Abigail ... oh man 😃

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

@@peterrevens8454 You either love his voice of you hate it.. but either way nobody can deny the guy can hit notes that no human being should be able to! I saw hm in the late 80's and 90's and I saw him a few weeks ago in Vegas.. He's singing BETTER in his 60's than he did 30+ years ago!

[@peterrevens8454]

@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace He's fucking killing it at at 66 ❤ Are you a dane too ... I mean, like me and the King? Your names points in that direction.

[@outsidethewall8488]

I love this channel because not only is it so fun to watch you react to songs I know and love, it's also exposing me to bands and songs that I otherwise might not have heard of, including this one! Wonderful community you've built here!

[@houndclock]

This channel is soooo much fun!!!! great idea for this. Never listened to king diamond but I think ill check more out. Your reactions are great and genuine. please keep it up

[@kdmathesen]

It’s a peaceful morning here with a gorgeous sunrise. I’m watching the video and my partner walks in and says, “Stop listening to that cr&p!” 😂 This was my first listen too- I guess it’s not for everyone, but I can say I gave it a much deeper listen with you than I would have otherwise. All music is a gift in some way!

[@vonSchnellenstein]

That's so cool you're doing King Diamond. 😊

[@itsunclemike2531]

Fascinating to watch someone with classical training interpret and analyze King Diamond. So refreshing to see you submerge yourself into it and not just call it noise. I listen to everything, so I get frustrated when people instantly dismiss a genre with which they are neither familiar nor fond. You actually gave me a deeper appreciation for a song that has resided in my eclectic playlist for some time.

[@Frogmonkey095]

Love King Diamond! Seen him live twice and the concert experience is like no other. It was just announced that he's touring with his previous band, Mercyful Fate, which hasn't been active since 1999. Can't wait! If you get a chance to see 'em live I highly recommend it. It's very Halloween. King Diamond's entire discography is in my Halloween playlist (which I listen to all of October). Great pick here! One of the best and most innovative band in metal.

[@jamesmcclung153]

Merciful Fate has been touring for a little bit now. I've seen a few clips. He and they still have it. I saw MF in a small venue in Columbus, OH. Best show ever.

[@vonSchnellenstein]

With the original drummer?

[@jamesmcclung153]

@@vonSchnellenstein if that was for me, sadly no. I honestly can't remember who the drummer was, but I know it wasn't the original. I saw them in like 1999 or so when they got back together.

[@peterrevens8454]

It's Micky Dee. Not the original, but he's fucking amazing!

[@kennethiversen8230]

@@vonSchnellenstein Kim Thyge Jensen doesnt play drums anymore as far as I know. 😉 Who do you consider to be the original drummer?

[@DayInTheLifeOfAl]

You’ve got the vibe correctly, lovely lady. Been a King diamond fan since I was 15 y/o now I’m 51. Love the harp!

[@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970]

Welcome To The Absolutely Splendid Yet Wicked World Of Metal...

[@outsidethewall8488]

I really love your comment about the electric guitar being akin to voice in terms of expressive quality and role. Very interesting take, and I definitely agree!

[@anthonycollins6819]

As I'm sure it's mentioned by others, he plays many different characters in this double set of concept albums. Conspiracy being the 2nd part. He will portray himself, his sister, the spirits "Amon" that he has made a deal with. His grandmother, his mother's groom, a doctor, a priest. Therefore all the shifting between vocal styles as he tells the story. I've listened to this album at least 100 times. So glad you could enjoy it!

[@MrTSkV]

Your open mind is something to behold, Amy. And something some of the commenters here lack completely

[@RafaelMartins-wq4bt]

It seems to me that you need more King Diamond... what a wonderful video. :-)

[@everettvanwinkle9004]

There's nothing like King Diamond 👍👍🤩🎶🎶🎶

[@image30p]

Oh I'm relieved that there are two videos! I scrolled through and I was thinking, "Oh no! There's no musical analysis." But it's on the second video. This album has some great songs. I'm glad to see you have a positive reaction to King. I feel they're good musicians. Great lyrics. Great vocals. Both his groups, Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, have continued to gain in popularity through the years. I think this speaks well to the quality of the music.

[@dantredogborsa7048]

You nailed it: King Diamond is about halloween. It's halloween fun through technical metal instrumentation and theatrical and fun halloween "evil spirit" vocals. It's just about metal sound and fun. And your insight about the guitar is 100% correct.

[@mnnc6742]

The album Conspiracy is part 2 or a continuation of previous album…”Them” which introduces the story concept of both albums.

[@kowalsolosolo]

That's the beauty of metal.It is all about storytelling,atmosphere,complex musical structures and King Diamond is ...The King.

[@ericsteadman6687]

King Diamond writes incredible horror stories with all his concept albums. And acts out all the parts of his Awesome storytelling with his Amazing vocal range. And his band,they provide the Brilliant music for each of his songs in the story. King Diamond,always,unique,melodic,incredible musically and vocally.

[@relativeparadox9567]

For context, you have to understand that KD a story teller and that he is always either narrating or singing a character's dialogue. In the specific case of this album, it is for the most part, narrated from the first person pespective of the protagonist.

[@marekiwaniak1045]

Thanks to your announcement about next reaction I also did a first listen to Conspiracy album and been listening it a lot in last few days. I knew Mercyful Fate Melisa album and sleeping nights but not at the graves. Nice discovery for me. I'm glad it was suggested.

[@progperljungman8218]

Not their biggest fan but they're truly amazing and original. Seen King Diamond live and Mercyful Fate actually this summer. The performances were breathtakingly awesome. King Diamond the singer has preserved his chops like few! Stage presence, show and musical performance was flawless as well!

[@ACorpseWithoutSoul]

I saw MF at this summer and it was maybe best gig what i've ever seen.

[@TheDoctorFlay]

Yeah the Halloween feeling you get is because many metal bands write horror stories as songs. Horror topics give a broad freedom to cover fantasy, monsters, history and the human condition and battles between good vs evil. King Diamond are challenging for many metal fans due to the prog-rock tendency to suddenly change tempo and rhythm.

[@annatraustadottir4387]

Really, you think that's the reason! Is sudden change in tempo and rhythm rare in metal, really! And what might be the reason for many prog-rock fans not liking this?

[@jgstevens39]

King Diamond has many voices. Strong vocals.

[@igorduchitsky8310]

You are absolutely right regarding guitar. If you want to understand electric guitar better, I’d suggest listening to some of electric guitar virtuosos, making solo music, where the guitar is main instrument, e.g. Joe Satriani or Steve Vai. Steve Vai “For the love of god” could be a good start. Vai is famous not only for perfect technique but also for using wide variety of sounds and techniques in very expressive and tasteful way.

[@philproffitt8363]

Satch...and many others. And she's thus far only heard Brian May play the harp...bring on the Red Special 😁

[@christopherdaniel5919]

THE best live concert I've ever attended. (& I've seen a lot.) KD is a truly unique voice within the Metal Realm. 🤘☠🤘

[@KaroKoenich]

You are the first who actually almost nailed it - without the context that is normally needed to understand this song. This is the opening song of part two of a complete story, which goes across two concept albums.

[@TheDoctorFlay]

When you get to see some live Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple or Pink Floyd where the camera is focused on the guitar, you will see the correlation between the vocals and guitar. The lead guitar in bands often has a similar range to a violin, so overlaps with human voice very well. Due to the longer neck of a guitar you can bend the strings more than on a violin, plus many guitars have a spring-loaded bar they can use to loosen the strings (this is how that motorbike sound was made). A skilled guitarist can play in multiple tunings with the same setup by bending the strings, the neck and using the "wammy/tremolo" bar.

[@harlanmonk569]

Or some Stevie Ray Vaughn!

[@paulbateman8412]

Love a bit of King Diamond. I would recommend Devin Townsend. Huge vocal range & a great performer, absolute master of his craft. Most people start with Kingdom EMGTV, Deadhead from Royal Albert Hall or Why? From his quarantine show.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

YES YES YES. Absolutely need to experience Devy.

[@knocked.y.t.f.o]

Long live King Diamond!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great reaction. There was a lot going on in that song. Great guitar solo. Vocals were crazy good, the whole band great running through those changes. I enjoyed this song a lot more than I thought I would. Thanks Amy and Vlad.

[@murraybartlett4571]

King Diamond albums are a musical decent into madness. They are great.

[@Nocturno83]

I would HIGHLY recommend a band called Therion. They actually blend orchestra and opera with metal. A song called "The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah" or "To Mega Therion" would be great for you to try.

[@sVieira151]

This or Haggard are ones I think she'd have a great time dissecting

[@ivanaguilar3492]

Yes! Finally someone mentions Therion. They are perfect for this chanel. (Nothing like nightwish 😆)

[@szeleddie]

All of them great but (maybe unpopular opinion) i've would suggest the Deggial Album and the title track!!!

[@matiasa4624]

Therion. Any song of vovin or secret of the runes

[@saintsword23]

Yes! I always associate Therion with King Diamond. They're both so orchestral.

[@picpouille]

The story start on the album Them and follow up on the Conspiracy disc.You need to listen to both to get the full story.

[@BrutusMayhem567]

This poor lady.... lol.. she's so sweet and they made her listen to King diamond😄😄.. I used to have this on cassette as a teenager.

[@TheCocoaDaddy]

Great video! This was my very FIRST King Diamond song! Upon first hearing it, Black Sabbath and Mr Bungle came to mind. lol It will be interesting hearing the analysis to see where the classical music pieces come into play. Thanks for posting!!!!!

[@nathanburtenshaw9051]

Thank you once again for another great video. It's quite fascinating seeing someone of your background reacting to and analysing this music most of us watching are very familiar with. Respect to you for your honest reactions and in depth analysis. I must say that when you mentioned this song gave you Halloween vibes I immediately thought it would be fantastic for you to listen to the band Helloween perform their song Halloween... perhaps a good one for Halloween. 😉

[@C-ChFrey]

I used to listen King Diamond (and a lot of other creative metal bands) before i got hooked up with classical music. In a way it was a stepping stone for me. King Diamond is so complex in its structure, rhythm, melodies and dynamics, that it could almost be considered classical music, although played with "metal instruments" mostly. Imagine it played by a classical orchestra. I think it could not hurt anyone studying classical music to listen to King Diamond.

[@ckmmusic]

Metal is the pulse of all the gods you claim to worship, said my grandma.

[@karlfromtas]

This song from the album "Conspiracy" is a sequel tp the album "Them" I suggest to read the lyrics to both albums , only then will you understand the WHOLE story, it plays out like a movie, brilliant song writing

[@SolidSativa1]

Nice reaction 🎉 your guy is cool as f. He knows there is only one King Diamond. All hail to the king

[@TheOicyu812]

I praise your willingness to broaden your musical horizons. I've been a fan of King Diamond since 1987 and saw him live in 1988. I'd recommend reacting to his live performance of Sleepless Nights.

[@BlaacHollow]

You would have to read the lyrics to his album "THEM". The whole album is one big story. Conspiracy, the album following is the contiuation of THEM, sort of like THEM part II. Then you can understand his voice changes. He sings as himself, he sings as his sister, he sings as THEM (demons that possess the house and the live in a teapot).

[@szeleddie]

You are very lucky guy Vlad!!! Amy just a cuteness overload!!! Keep up the great videos!!! 🤘

[@kingdiamondfans6589]

King Diamond is beast metal band on world.

[@OfficialBloodrunner]

I love how you compare his voice to the lead guitar playing. Ive never heard that before and I agree 100%

[@secularnevrosis]

You are right. The guitar and the voice share some properties. Sliding notes, vibratos and bends etc. It's a very versitile instrument even though it only has 6 strings, normally :)

[@InauspiciousComing]

She got the Vampire part kinda right. I mean the TEA had to be spiked with blood to bring THEM. The segment @22:05 I had chills with you. Music can be exciting in all genres.

[@michaellueneburg2261]

Yes! My favorite notification just hit!

[@korhansoydan]

This song is a masterpiece. You’re welcome.

[@Chronodistortion]

Long time King Diamond fan here, the lyrics may seem disjointed. This is actually the first track of what would be the second part of the "Them" and "Conspiracy" albums. King Diamond is like if horror novels were put to music. To fully understand this one you will need to listen to "Them" track for track and then "Conspiracy" T4T as well. Really enjoyed your take. There really is nothing like Kind Diamond, Mercyful Fate or Black Rose.

[@Coasterdude02149]

So glad this popped up in my recommended videos today. I have A LOT of respect for you for listening to this to react. I've been a metal fan since I was a teenager (56 now) and even back in the day when I had my metal buddies and was in band, I knew very FEW of them who would listen to King Diamond. I was always a fan since Mercyful Fate's Melissa album but I got a lot of crap from my buddies when I'd play King. I could never understand it as there was always so many layers to discover, so much going on in each song but his voice turned so many people off. I'm still a huge fan of King Diamond. If you really want to be thrown for a loop, try listening to something off his VooDoo album 😂 King has NEVER disappointed us. And if you want to hear something incredibly beautiful from him, the instrumental Insanity is AMAZING.

[@markthomas6045]

A very interesting experience for all of us (including you and Vlad) would be to attend a live concert from one of these bands. You could still record the reaction, I think it would be priceless. I for one wouldn't expect you to remain for the whole concert but depending on the band you would be in for a real treat.

[@ericv7720]

This is the song (and album) that introduced me to King Diamond back in the (very) early 90s, and I've been a Diamond Banger since! By the way, the guitar melody following the voice is called "call and response," and reaches back through the Blues (making up a significant portion of metal's DNA) to earlier Gospel music, the predecessor of the Blues.

[@EmrahUncu]

King Diamond is the master of Horror Metal.

[@debranelson1987]

The song started out in a very nice 3/4 time then shifted into 4/4 overdrive. I admit I have never heard of King Diamond and I am a rock/metal music fan. Missed this guy along the way somehow.

[@stevekirkby5041]

He’s definitely an acquired taste.

[@akarm5000]

Just found your channel and like your unique perspective on rock music. I don't know if anyone has requested Opeth yet but I am sure would enjoy the composition of the song Ghost of Perdition. I look forward to your analysis.

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

I've never heard King Diamond before. I heard so many elements in that one. Power Metal, gothic elements, nearly some Black Metal, old school bluesy Hard Rock but punchier, nearly a precursor to Groove Metal. And overall a lot of craziness. I would definitely also need a few more listens to get the whole of the song into my head although I am used to lots of metal, also some pretty progressive and eclectic styles.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

King diamond is horror metal, so it's no wonder you're hearing black metal influences. Black metal's origins is rooted in horror metal (mainly king diamond/mercyful fate) mixed with early black sabbath (think the songs black sabbath, NIB, electric funeral, into the void, and lord of this world - all of which are also precursors to doom metal) EDIT: oh, and the band "Coven", which while not metal itself, is basically a dark, "scary" sounding 60's psychedelic rock band.

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

@@jaernihiltheus7817 I hadn't heard the term Horror Metal before, but I guess it makes sense.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

@@bernhardkrickl3567 it's usually just kind of lumped into proto-black metal, but it has enough of a unique feeling to be considered its own subgenre. Mercyful fate & later king diamond's solo work are pretty much the only notable examples, that I'm aware of at least.

[@ericv7720]

Back in the day, KD was considered progressive or speed metal. King's own influences were progressive rock of the 70s, like Uriah Heep and Rush.

[@inquisitorwalmarius6650]

@@jaernihiltheus7817 abit new still but i think older than 10 years now, But Attic does a great job at following the King.

[@gavin8tor]

The one beauty of King's music is its orchestration. It's presentation is another matter; leaves you wanting more. ~ for me, a balance of aggressive peacefulness in genre. I've loved his music since his early days... I'm turning 56 this year and I long for those times. 😎👍

[@rodrigocayupi9381]

Music and Theater. Long live the King!🤘

[@ProjectOverseer]

You actually did an amazing breakdown assessment of a style and genre I personally hate. Well done nevertheless. I'm a retired studio sound engineer and these days I enjoy recording others and my own musical studio creations. I also enjoy photography and cinematic filming. In my audio engineering days we often had classically trained session musicians backing modern compositions. I enjoyed the audiophile side of this - an interest that has advanced in my own home recording studio. I'm loving your new channel and your musical knowledge.

[@Olegstuff21986]

Why would you hate heavy metal? :) I like a variety of musical styles but consider metal to be one of the most fun.

[@mmestari]

If I remember correctly and it would seem so. That he's trying to raise Missy back to life. But by doing so he releases other spirits known as Them. But he might instead could be suffering from schizophrenia, this is left open to interpreter of the song. The motorcycle sound (made with guitar) is not intended as literal motorcycle, but rather metaphorical intensity.

[@williamjamesayers7719]

Been listening to King Diamond since the early 80's and when he was with his band, Mercyful Fate. What I like best is that King Diamond is that he mixed his classical training with heavy metal.

[@captainkgarrow]

I love the analysis you have done hahaha very good!!!

[@francisbielka2718]

I was floored by King's vocals and his ability to tell a story. Laroque is a virtuoso on guitar, not to mention the entire band rocks. I would kill to see King join forces with Ozzy and Rob Zombie for a trifecta of terror

[@joeb4142]

Through the power of his desire to be reunited with his sister he pierces the veil and enters the underworld.

[@alvillegas90]

I love your open mind.

[@digitalblues01]

You got it, the electric guitar is a voice. In my opinion in rock and metal the guitar voice is the most important voice. I am surprised though after listening to one of your live streams where you state you listen to blues that this was a revelation to you though. I have a feeling the blues you listen to isn't the same type as what I listen to. I would suggest you watch Stevie Ray Vaughan especially something from Live at the El Macambo to see a guitarist sing through his guitar and the feeling that flows from a truly great guitarist and blue's player. I luckily had the chance to watch him in the bars before he ever had a record and is still one of the memories that completely stands out after all these years. Really like what your doing and you have a long way to go to understanding metal and look forward to seeing your journey. One more thing, you will really understand metal when you understand the feeling a metal head gets to just hearing a power cord played on electric guitar turned up to 11 with massive sustain and reverb.

[@thewhitenoiseexperience]

2022 and still listening to the great King Diamond.

[@thomasfarmer1730]

In the 80’s the King Diamond band were at the top of their game definitely

[@djinnings]

Really loving this channel: analytical but also very human and open Amy and hubby occasionally appearing is comedy genius A good crossover if you are new to electric guitar would be NY composer Glenn Branca who has a number of guitar symphonies to his name...

[@Grozeil]

That intro gaves me chill every time I listen to. Freakin' good album!

[@JunkYardCardGuy]

Very nice!! He's always My King...don't let the "darkness," fool you...this is one of the most talented human beings to have ever graced the art.

[@karimhicks8376]

Andy Laroche, the lead guitarist, for KING DIAMOND, in 1988, was the greatest heavy metal guitarist, according to ROLLING STONE Magazine and also the rock n roll hall of fame.

[@zandig666]

I love how king has some baroque elements in his songs he is the king soo glad to have seen him Nov 2022 !!!🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@garykeeling2275]

Most of King Diamond's music is horror-themed. In his beginnings as the lead singer for a band called Mercyful Fate, he brought a lot of theatrics to their music, especially live with some of his onstage antics and persona (like using a microphone stand made of crossed bones). The music of Mercyful Fate was quite a bit more overtly Satanic, but when he went solo, he moved away from outright Satanic lyrics (though he still uses a lot of Satanic imagery, such as inverted crosses and inverted pentagrams) in his live performances. But thematically, he moved onto telling more traditional horror stories, incorporating elements from different cultures and genres, such as ghosts and voodoo. In his private life, for many years he maintained that he was a practicing Satanist, but since having a scare from a heart attack and heart surgery a few years ago, he now says that he no longer believes in any particular religion, although he still uses some of the imagery onstage, because that is his stage persona (much like Alice Cooper still maintains a horror-themed stage persona despite being a born-again Christian).

[@Peter-ms6ei]

you sound like there's no difference between horror-themed and satanic imagery

[@garykeeling2275]

@@Peter-ms6ei No, I'm saying that in the early days (Mercyful Fate), the imagery and lyrical content was more overtly Satanic. As a solo artist, he switched to more mainstream horror themes, especially lyrically, but still kept some of the overtly Satanic visual themes (most notably the extensive use of inverted crosses) in live performances. Prior to his heart surgery, he was an avowed practicing Satanist. He discussed it at length in several interviews. Since his heart scare, though, he no longer claims to believe in any religion (Satanism or otherwise).

[@alistairclifton1286]

@@garykeeling2275 Incorrect, the man himself has said King Diamond is far more overt with regards to the satanic stuff. His own words..."“King Diamond [the band] is way more satanic than Mercyful Fate was ever close to,” he says. “In Mercyful Fate I was talking about myths and legends. King Diamond has the entire satanic philosophy - to the max. And mixed into that, my experiences of the occult.”