Country: Denmark
Genre: Heavy metal
Singles: Masquerade of Madness, Spider Lilly
Format: Streaming
Label: Metal Blade
Release date: 2019, 2024
King Diamond's upcoming album, "St. Lucifer's Hospital 1920" (originally "The Institute"), the first of a three-album concept, has garnered a huge buzz through a lengthy correspondence between Diamond and guitarist Andy LaRocque. For a number of reasons, the album has been in development for quite some time, and the only new material we have so far are the singles "Masquerade of Madness" and "Spider Lilly." After listening to both several times, I can say I'm still looking forward to its eventual release.
For years, it has been promoted via video teasers, interviews, and even publicized tours. Based on the visuals, the solo piano, and the enigmatic theme of the teaser, I expect "St. Lucifer's Hospital 1920" to be as unsettling as "The Graveyard," "The Puppet Master," and "Give Me Your Soul... Please," as well as Diamond's most complex and involved narrative yet. Considering the amount of time that has elapsed since "St. Lucifer's Hospital 1920" was initially announced, it seems to be one of metal's most anticipated albums.
Andy LaRocque, who has been with the band since "Fatal Portrait" and is considered one of metal’s most influential guitarists in his own right. He stated in one interview that he’s been recreating the mood and ambiance of early albums while writing and composing for "St. Lucifer's Hospital 1920." Blabbermouth also reports him as saying the band is aiming for an organic sound that doesn’t need to be executed perfectly.
The ambiance evoked in Diamond’s music from "Portrait" to "Them," as well as the band’s roots in 70s rock and proto-metal, are evident in a way that’s timeless and unique in those singles. Diamond's albums are like visits to the worlds imagined in the music and lyrics; once you've been welcomed, those worlds nearly become real. But you were always certain you were safe. Here, the songs dive deep into insanity, dread and the sense of being trapped in a subterranean hell from where there’s no escape.
This is why "Masquerade of Madness" and "Spider Lilly" are such powerful teasers for the upcoming album. Even recorded with modern equipment the singles give you claustrophobic, suffocating, all-consuming creepiness I don't recall ever experiencing listening to a King Diamond album. In this way they arouse your curiosity to know more of the narrative: who the characters are, where they are, hw they got there, what happens next, and so on.
By the way, Blabbermouth also reported more songs have been completed for the album and a new promotional video is to be filmed. –Dave Wolff
Lineup:
King Diamond: Vocals, Hammond organ
Andy LaRocque: Guitars
Mike Wead: Guitars
Pontus Egberg: Bass
Matt Thompson: Drums
Livia Zita: Backing vocals (Masquerade of Madness)
Amalie Bruun: Backing vocals (Spider Lilly)
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