Voodoo
King Diamond · 1998
53 min · 14 tracks · heavy metal
A haunting blend of theatrical storytelling and heavy metal, steeped in supernatural themes and Southern gothic imagery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Louisiana Darkness Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Voodoo — The title track encapsulates the album's eerie atmosphere, weaving together haunting melodies with vivid lyrical imagery that draws listeners into its dark narrative.
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Life After Death — This track stands out for its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, highlighting Diamond's ability to blend storytelling with powerful instrumentation.
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One Down Two to Go — With its driving rhythm and engaging chorus, this song showcases King Diamond’s theatrical vocal delivery while advancing the overarching theme of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's storytelling and thematic depth, combined with strong musicianship, create a compelling heavy metal experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure where each track contributes to a larger story, often shifting perspectives between characters.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes with haunting sound effects that enhance the supernatural themes.
- The guitar work includes intricate solos and harmonized riffs that are characteristic of heavy metal, while the vocals shift from melodic singing to intense screams.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied intensity
- haunting exploration of the supernatural
- intricate storytelling through music
- immersive experience demanding full attention
- wave-like pacing that captivates
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, immediate gratification
- seek upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its unique themes and theatrical storytelling.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, 'Voodoo' is King Diamond's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'The Graveyard' from 1996. At this point in his career, Diamond was solidifying his reputation as a pioneer of horror-themed heavy metal, continuing to explore dark narratives and complex arrangements that characterized his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mercyful Fate· Ghost· Iced Earth
Tracklist
- 1 Louisiana Darkness Start here 1:45
- 2 “LOA” House 5:35
- 3 Life After Death 5:42
- 4 Voodoo 4:36
- 5 A Secret 4:06
- 6 Salem 5:20
- 7 One Down Two to Go 3:47
- 8 Sending of Dead 5:42
- 9 Sarah’s Night 3:24
- 10 The Exorcist 4:54
- 11 Unclean Spirits 1:51
- 12 Cross of Baron Samedi 4:31
- 13 If They Only Knew 0:34
- 14 Aftermath 1:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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