Legendary Danish metal band Mercyful Fate are gearing up to release their first new music in over 20 years.

Currently spread all over the world, they have been communicating and recording online to produce their latest work. These pioneers of black metal dominated the early 1980s, inspiring legions of other artists. Metal icons in their own right, Metallica and Slayer have cited Mercyful Fate as being huge influences on their music.

The band announced their intention to fully re-unite and commence touring in late 2019, thrilling fans by adding that they could expect new music to be released soon. Unfortunately tour plans had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the guys have not let this stop them from working on their new tracks.

After teasing with re-releases of two of their albums, “Don’t Break the Oath” (1984) and “Melissa” (1983), they’ve dropped the awesome news that brand-new music is coming. The new stuff will not only be their first in two decades, it will also be the first with their new line-up. Following the tragic passing of bass player Timi Hansen to cancer in November last year, Joey Vera has officially joined the band. He had previously stepped in to help out when Hansen was too unwell to play.

Mercyful Fate have disbanded and reformed many times over the years, but something about this latest reunion has the feeling of them being here to stay. With guitarist Hank Shermann confirming that he has written “six or seven songs” for a new album, fans are eagerly awaiting these new tracks to drop. At least one has made it’s way to lead singer King Diamond for him to lay down vocals.

The band being in different countries may be delaying the recording process a little, and a release date for their new album is yet to be confirmed, but after more than 20 years, everyone can be assured that these new offerings from the legendary group will be worth the wait. 

 metal 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.