Mercyful Fate--In the Shadows (1993)
Rating--8.5
Shadows--RealAudio Is That You, Melissa
A big return for the King Diamond-led troupe, as the band combines its Slayer riff windings,
Maiden-esque gallops, and Priest-like distortion to forge a solid metal
offering.
"Egypt" is an adequate opener, but the highlight is the guitar chop at 2:35. "The Bell Witch" features another nice pickup, towards the end of the track.
The grinding strut of "Shadows" lays down a solid foundation, and gives way to a double-time rhythm about three minutes in which fully
showcases the King's deep-to-manic vocal range. Listen to that scream at 3:50! Shivers!!
"A Gruesome Time" is good,
but again the band lurches forth to unleash a hidden riff near the end, with a groove at song's closing.
"Is That You,
Melissa" is simply excellent---an operatic roller-coaster with crunch, atmosphere, and time-changing power. A thematic blast
from the past, eh?
Though slightly overshadowed, "The Old Oak," "Thirteen Invitations" and "Return of the Vampire" are all
tough as well. Let the ritual begin again...
TRACK LIST: Egypt/The Bell Witch/The Old Oak/Shadows/A Gruesome Time/Thirteen Invitations/Room of Golden Air/
Legend of the Headless Rider/Is That You, Melissa/Return of the Vampire...1993 (Bonus Track)
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