Oh boy, are you guys ready for some spine-tingling news? 🎃 KING DIAMOND’s “Halloween” picture disc is being re-released, because, you know, the world was just missing that one crucial thing to make it complete. I mean, who needs world peace or a cure for diseases when we can have a re-released picture disc? 🤣 The three-track masterpiece, originally unleashed upon the world in 1986, will once again be available for our listening pleasure, courtesy of Metal Blade Records, on October 23. Because, you know, Halloween isn’t just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. 🎃
The “Halloween” title track, for those who may have been living under a rock, comes off KING DIAMOND’s debut album “Fatal Portrait”, which was released in 1986. The song “The Candle” also makes an appearance, serving as the opening track on “Fatal Portrait” and showcasing the band’s early storytelling approach, which would later become a hallmark of their discography. And because two songs aren’t enough, the picture disc also includes “The Lake”, a track that was recorded during the same period as “Fatal Portrait” but wasn’t included in the original album. I mean, who doesn’t love a good bonus track, right?
The Story Behind the Music
The “Halloween” picture disc was produced by KING DIAMOND and Rune Höyer, with production assistance by Michael Denner and engineered by Roberto Falcao. Because, you know, it takes a village to create a masterpiece. The track listing for the LP is as follows: A1. “Halloween”, B1. “The Candle”, and B2. “The Lake”. I’m sure you’re all on the edge of your seats, waiting to get your hands on this bad boy.
But wait, there’s more! The recording lineup for “Halloween” includes KING DIAMOND on lead vocals and backing vocals, Andy La Rocque on lead guitar, Michael Denner on lead guitar, Timi Hansen on bass guitar, and Mikkey Dee on drums. Quite the lineup, if I do say so myself. And, fun fact, KING DIAMOND recently parted ways with longtime guitarist Andy La Rocque and replaced him with Greek guitar virtuoso Gus G (FIREWIND, ex-Ozzy Osbourne). Because, you know, change is good, right?
KING DIAMOND: The King of Heavy Metal
KING DIAMOND is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable and prolific personalities in heavy metal. Revered by icons such as METALLICA and PANTERA, and inspiring newer bands globally, KING DIAMOND has left an indelible mark on the history of heavy metal. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be revered by METALLICA and PANTERA? That’s like the ultimate seal of approval. And, let’s be real, KING DIAMOND’s music is the perfect soundtrack for any horror movie or dark night of the soul.
In August 2008, KING DIAMOND joined METALLICA on stage at Ozzfest in Dallas to perform the MERCYFUL FATE medley made famous from the “Garage, Inc.” album. Because, you know, that’s not something you see every day. And, in 2009, KING DIAMOND was featured, alongside MOTÖRHEAD’s Lemmy Kilmister, as a playable character in “Guitar Hero: Metallica”. Because, you know, who wouldn’t want to be a playable character in a video game?
But, I digress. KING DIAMOND’s 40-plus-year musical career is one of the most storied in the history of heavy metal, but the tale is not yet over. The most recent album, 2007’s Grammy-nominated “Give Me Your Soul…Please”, stands as one of the most critically acclaimed albums in an already iconic discography. And, with future albums featuring entirely new horror stories, concepts, haunting orchestrations, and the band’s signature brand of heavy metal, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us. I mean, who doesn’t love a good horror story?
The current lineup of KING DIAMOND includes KING DIAMOND on vocals, Gus G on guitars, Mike Wead on guitars, Pontus Egberg on bass, and Matt Thompson on drums. Because, you know, a good lineup is key to creating great music. And, with the re-released “Halloween” picture disc, we can’t wait to get our hands on some new (old) music.
So, there you have it, folks. The “Halloween” picture disc is being re-released, and we couldn’t be more excited. I mean, who wouldn’t want to listen to some spooky tunes on Halloween? It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. And, with KING DIAMOND’s music, you can’t go wrong. So, go ahead, pre-order the LP, and get ready to rock out to some of the best heavy metal music out there. 🎸👻
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
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