Back from a recent trip straight into the fiery pits of hell itself, courtesy of King Diamond's 1988 magnum opus, "Them" Let me tell you, kids, this ain't your mama's heavy metal. This is a full-on, balls-to-the-wall, theatrical fright-fest that'll leave you sleeping with the lights on.
Now, some historical context for you young'uns. 1988 was a helluva time for heavy metal. Hairspray was big, spandex was bigger, and Satanic Panic was gripping America tighter than a python on a poodle. But while most bands were content to simply flash some pentagrams and spit some blood, King Diamond was weaving intricate tales of madness, murder, and the occult.
Enter "Them" This ain't just an album, it's a goddamn opera. A twisted, gothic soap opera, complete with a deranged cast of characters and a plot that'd make Edgar Allan Poe spin in his grave. We got King Diamond himself, playing the role of King, a tortured soul haunted by the ghosts of his past. We got Grandma, the malevolent matriarch who may or may not be in league with the devil. And of course, we got Them, the mysterious entities lurking in the shadows, whispering sweet nothings of murder and mayhem.
Musically, "Them" is a mind-melting blend of heavy metal, progressive rock, and straight-up horror movie soundtrack. King Diamond's falsetto shrieks are enough to shatter glass, while the band's razor-sharp riffs and pummeling drums create a sonic landscape that's both terrifying and exhilarating. It's like a roller coaster ride through a haunted house, with each twist and turn revealing new horrors. This unique blend of genres helped pave the way for a new wave of theatrical and conceptual heavy metal bands.
The production team, led by the legendary Dane, Roberto Falcao, and recorded at the infamous Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, deserves a standing ovation. The sound is crisp, clear, and powerful, with every instrument and vocal perfectly balanced. It's like they bottled the essence of pure evil and poured it into your speakers. The album's high production value and meticulous attention to detail have become a hallmark of King Diamond's work.
Of course, "Them" wasn't without its controversies. Religious groups and concerned parents clutched their pearls and cried foul, claiming the album was promoting Satanism and corrupting the youth. But that's just the kind of reaction King Diamond thrives on. He's a provocateur, a showman, a master of the macabre. He knows how to push buttons and get under your skin. These controversies only added to the album's mystique and helped solidify its status as a cult classic.
The album's iconic cover art, featuring a decrepit mansion with a foreboding atmosphere, has become synonymous with King Diamond's dark and theatrical aesthetic. It's a visual representation of the horrors that await listeners within the grooves of the record.
So, if you're looking for a safe, predictable listening experience, stick to your Bon Jovi and your Def Leppard. But if you're ready to take a walk on the wild side, to explore the dark recesses of the human psyche, then crank up "Them" and prepare to be possessed. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
