Mercyful Fate

Denmark, 1981–now

Danish metal band formed in 1981, fronted by King Diamond's operatic falsetto and satanic theatrics. Melody of Murder and Don't Break the Oath were hugely influential on thrash and the theatrical, occult end of extreme metal.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Mercyful Fate and 1 artist Mercyful Fate influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Mercyful Fate?

• Black Sabbath — Black Sabbath's occult heavy-metal riffing is a core foundation of Mercyful Fate's dark, theatrical metal.
• Deep Purple — Deep Purple's hard-rock power and virtuosity were an early influence on Mercyful Fate's members.
• Judas Priest — Judas Priest's twin-guitar heavy metal is a direct model for Mercyful Fate's melodic, hard-driving metal.

Which artists did Mercyful Fate influence?

• Ghost — Mercyful Fate's theatrical satanic imagery and melodic metal — fellow countrymen King Diamond's band — are a core influence on Ghost's occult stagecraft and songwriting.