Fatal Portrait cover

Released 40 years ago

Fatal Portrait

King Diamond · 1986

41 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A theatrical blend of heavy metal and horror narrative, enveloped in King Diamond's signature falsetto.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical storytelling with tension
  • steady unfolding of dark narratives
  • immersive horror-themed listening experience
  • captivating character-driven performances

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike theatrical vocal styles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 17, 1986, 'Fatal Portrait' was King Diamond's debut solo album after leaving Mercyful Fate. At this point, he was establishing his identity outside the earlier band's influence, showcasing a more personal and elaborate storytelling approach in his music.
Stylistic neighbors
Black Obelisk· Ozzy Osbourne· Alice Cooper

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Candle 6:40
  • 2 The Jonah 5:16
  • 3 The Portrait 5:07
  • 4 Dressed in White 3:08
  • 5 Charon 4:16
  • 6 Lurking in the Dark 3:34
  • 7 Halloween 4:13
  • 8 Voices From the Past 1:31
  • 9 Haunted 3:54
  • 10 The Lake 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata