King Diamond is the consummate horror story writer and teller, probably one of the best since H.P. Lovecraft. Few writers have made me squirm and shudder like they do. In an interview at http://metalisrael.com/2005/10/48/exclusive-king-diamond-interview-part-1/, King Diamond states that he writes all of the lyrics and most of the music for his albums. His primary focus in his solo career seem to be concept album: CDs that tell a story and each song is a part of that story...much like an opera.
His lyrics are splendidly written, and with such a detail that leaves no doubt as to what's going on in the story. The songs and the whole story that the songs tell wouldn't be out of place on a dark and stormy night when the power goes out.
This brings us to the album to be reviewed: The Puppet Master. The setting is in Budapest in the 18th Century. The first song, Midnight, gives a hint of what's to come. The main character is reflecting on what has happened. Something about a cellar, a show...and blood.
Now, I'm not going to go song by song detailing what the story is about as some reviewers might. There are plenty of places online where you can find the lyrics and get the story that way. To me, it takes a lot out of the story if I do that. I'd much rather hear the story with the music. However, I will tell you that the main premise of the album is that the story is coming from the point of view of a puppet that's been given eternal life.
Darkly melodic seems to be the standard for all King Diamond albums, and this is certainly no exception. With the addition of Livia Zita singing on three of the songs, it brings an even deeper harmony to what's normally just King singing. In fact, she plays the part of his love on the album, Victoria. King Diamond has such a vocal range that he probably could have been an opera singer if he tried just a little. True, some of the high notes that were prevalent on the album Abigail just aren't here on The Puppet Master, but the addition of Livia more than makes up for it.
All in all, The Puppet Master is my favorite King Diamond album. Rich in story, melody and harmony, this album really has a depth that's missing in most music today. He has a passion about his music that, while most artists try to match it, few actually make it.
My rating: 9 feathers out of 10
His lyrics are splendidly written, and with such a detail that leaves no doubt as to what's going on in the story. The songs and the whole story that the songs tell wouldn't be out of place on a dark and stormy night when the power goes out.
This brings us to the album to be reviewed: The Puppet Master. The setting is in Budapest in the 18th Century. The first song, Midnight, gives a hint of what's to come. The main character is reflecting on what has happened. Something about a cellar, a show...and blood.
Now, I'm not going to go song by song detailing what the story is about as some reviewers might. There are plenty of places online where you can find the lyrics and get the story that way. To me, it takes a lot out of the story if I do that. I'd much rather hear the story with the music. However, I will tell you that the main premise of the album is that the story is coming from the point of view of a puppet that's been given eternal life.
Darkly melodic seems to be the standard for all King Diamond albums, and this is certainly no exception. With the addition of Livia Zita singing on three of the songs, it brings an even deeper harmony to what's normally just King singing. In fact, she plays the part of his love on the album, Victoria. King Diamond has such a vocal range that he probably could have been an opera singer if he tried just a little. True, some of the high notes that were prevalent on the album Abigail just aren't here on The Puppet Master, but the addition of Livia more than makes up for it.
All in all, The Puppet Master is my favorite King Diamond album. Rich in story, melody and harmony, this album really has a depth that's missing in most music today. He has a passion about his music that, while most artists try to match it, few actually make it.
My rating: 9 feathers out of 10
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