King Diamond - Songs for the Dead Live

It's hard to believe that King Diamond has been rocking us for over 40 years, and he hasn't lost anything.  I swear, the guy has been drinking from the fountain of youth, because he has lost nothing over the years vocally.  Yes, he has struggled with health issues, over the last several years, but he has come back stronger than ever.  After overcoming a heart attack and some major back issues, King has come back with a vengeance.  He hasn't put out any new music in awhile, but he has been actively performing.

A couple of years ago, King Diamond started performing his legendary album Abigail in it's entirety.  Luckily for us fans, he decided to record some of the shows.  On January 25th, 2019 Metal Blade Records will release a document of this tour, entitled Songs for the Dead Live.  The set includes a mix of King Diamond as well as Mercyful Fate tunes, before kicking into the Abigail album.  This show will be released on many platforms including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, vinyl as well as many special editions including much more.  This package is made up from two shows.  One show was recorded in Belgium at Graspop in 2016 and the other from Philadelphia at the Fillmore in 2015.

For the purpose of this review, I viewed the Blu-ray.  The beauty of this package is you get both shows, in their entirety.  Both shows are shot beautifully.  You really get a sense of being there, but with the best seat in the house.  The band sound great.  King has lost nothing vocally as mentioned previously.  I was amazed on how well the band sound.  The show was also enhanced with actors, acting out the Abigail album.  This is a must have for all King Diamond fans.  It is a well executed show by a metal veteran and his stellar band.

Bottom Line: King Diamond proving he is back and stronger than ever.  An amazing concert package.

-Ragman is still upset King cancelled the H-town date, on this tour.  Ok, he gets a pass, because he was sick.