MERCYFUL FATE — Mercyful Fate (review)

MERCYFUL FATE — Mercyful Fate album cover EP · 1982 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Mercyful Fate" is an eponymously titled EP release by Danish heavy metal act Mercyful Fate. The EP was released through Rave-On Records in September 1982 and it´s the first official label release by the band. The original vinyl pressing is a rare collector´s item today, but the 4 tracks on the 22:04 minutes long EP are all available on the 1987 compilation album "The Beginning". The material on the EP was recorded at Stone Studio in Roosendaal, Netherlands, in two days in September 1982.

The music featured on the release is traditional heavy metal with an organic playing rhythm section, hard rocking riffs (which occasionally lean towards proto thrash), blistering guitar solos from both guitarists, and King Diamond´s distinct sounding high pitched vocals in front. Although there are clear references to artists like Iron Maiden, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest featured in the music, Mercyful Fate set themselves apart from the get go. First of all because of King Diamond´s unique vocals and blasphemous/occult lyrics/image, but also because of the complexity of the compositions, and the adventurous playing style.

The tracks have a very immediate quality to them, which is probably partially a result of them being recorded in only two days. It wasn´t unusual in those days though and the band sure make good use of the limited recording time. Although there are audible playing errors throughout the EP, they are not distracting and only work in favor of the credibility/authenticity of the recording. It of course also helps that the material are very well written and instantly memorable (despite the relatively complex nature of the tracks). All tracks are worth a mention, but "Nuns Have No Fun" deserves a speciel mention for the overtly blasphemous lyrics which involve contemplating the rape of a nun (pretty extreme for the time). The nearly 7 minutes long "Doomed by a Living Dead" is another highlight.

The sound production is very raw and slightly lo-fi, but doesn´t lack punch or power. Considering the short recording/mixing/mastering time, it is actually pretty well sounding and detailed. Upon conclusion it´s a release which is hard to rate. The EP is pretty unique sounding for it´s time and the material is both powerful and adventurous, and delivered with burning passion and great conviction, which are all positives, but it´s just short of being as great as the two full-length studio albums which succeeded it, so a 4.5 star (90%) rating is fair.
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