Mercyful Fate

Mercyful Fate's seminal self-titled debut was released in 1982. A mix of traditional heavy metal with unique, Satanic/occult lyrics, high-pitched screams, and intricate riffs, positioning them as pioneers of black metal. It was crucial for establishing their unique, occult-themed sound with iconic tracks "A Corpse Without A Soul", "Nuns Have No Fun", "Doomed By The Living Dead", and "Devil Eyes", influencing early black metal with King Diamond's distinctive vocals and Hank Shermann's riffs, bridging their earlier demos and later albums like Melissa.