Mercyful Fate - Evil

Song Review: Mercyful Fate – “Evil”

History:

Released in 1983 “Evil” is the opening track from Mercyful Fate’s debut album “Melissa”. The song, like the rest of the album, helped lay the groundwork for the black and extreme metal genres, combining classic heavy metal elements with darker, more sinister lyrical themes. Written by the band’s frontman King Diamond, “Evil” became one of Mercyful Fate’s defining songs, marking their arrival on the metal scene with an unmistakable blend of eerie atmosphere, progressive arrangements, and theatrical vocals. The album was recorded at Easy Sound Recording Studio in Copenhagen and produced by Henrik Lund. With its release, Mercyful Fate earned a cult following and “Evil” was central to the band’s growing influence on future extreme metal acts.

Lyrics:

The lyrics of “Evil” tell a chilling story of betrayal, murder and dark forces. The protagonist, in league with Satan, gleefully recounts committing evil deeds, culminating in the murder of his mother. King Diamond’s unique vocal delivery, with its use of high-pitched falsettos and growling tones, adds a dramatic flair to the sinister subject matter. The song embrace of Satanic imagery though largely theatrical. Was groundbreaking for the time, helping to establish Mercyful Fate dark mystique. Lines like “I was born in the cemetery / Under the sign of the moon” encapsulate the song gothic atmosphere, while the chilling refrain “Evil! You are!” leaves a lasting impact on listeners.

Metal Blade Records/Youtube

Music Video:

Although “Evil” did not have an official music video at the time of its release. Its live performances have since become legendary. Footage of Mercyful Fate playing “Evil” in the early 1980s shows King Diamond in full theatrical makeup and costume with a sinister stage presence that captivated audiences. His distinctive corpse paint, paired with his macabre stage props like skulls and crosses enhanced the eerie atmosphere of the song. These early live performances contributed significantly to the band cult status making “Evil” a cornerstone of their shows.

Why It’s Iconic:

“Evil” is iconic for its pioneering role in shaping the dark side of heavy metal, influencing genres like black metal and thrash. The song’s sinister tone, coupled with King Diamond’s theatricality. Set it apart from other metal bands of the era, introducing a sense of horror and occultism that would become a hallmark of extreme metal. Hank Shermann intricate guitar work, combining blistering riffs with melodic solos. Also helped redefine what heavy metal could be musically. The song’s atmosphere, technicality and subject matter have left a lasting legacy. Influencing countless bands, including Metallica, who famously covered Mercyful Fate songs in a medley.

Trivia:

  • “Evil” was featured in Metallica Mercyful Fate Medley on their “Garage Inc.” album. Showing the profound influence Mercyful Fate had on the thrash metal scene.
  • King Diamond’s falsetto vocals and dark, theatrical stage presence were largely inspired by Alice Cooper. Helped define his persona both in Mercyful Fate and in his solo work.
  • The album “Melissa” is named after a skull that was one of King Diamond’s key stage props during live performances.
  • Mercyful Fate’s lyrical themes of Satanism and occultism were controversial at the time. With some audiences misunderstanding the theatrical aspect of the band’s image.
  • “Melissa” and by extension “Evil” is considered one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time and is often cited as an essential influence on the black metal genre.

Mercyful Fate

King Diamond – vocals
Hank Shermann – guitars
Michael Denner – guitars
Timi Hansen – bass
Kim Ruzz – drums

Mercyful Fate - Evil
CrnAngel
CrnAngel
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