Mercyful Fate – 9 (2016 Vinyl Reissue) Review | Occult Heavy Metal Classic
⛤ Black Metal / Heavy Metal |
30.00 €
(Mint on 2016 Black Vinyl – Limited Edition)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8.50 / 10
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When you drop the needle on this 2016 reissue of Mercyful Fate's "9," you’re not just revisiting nostalgia — you’re stepping into the final roar of a beast before it falls silent. This album isn’t a curtain call; it’s a last incantation, a final ritual screamed into the void with no restraint and no compromise. It feels as though the band is fully aware that they are closing a chapter, and instead of softening their approach, they sharpen every edge.
"9" stands as Mercyful Fate's final full-length album before their hiatus in 1999. It’s a pivotal record that encapsulates their occult roots and highlights their influence on extreme metal, making its themes and significance clear to both fans and collectors alike.
The hiatus that Mercyful Fate took from 1999 until their return in 2019 had a significant impact on both their music and fan reception. During the hiatus, the band's classic sound became somewhat legendary, with fans longing for their unique blend of occult themes and heavy metal.
This gap in activity contributed to a sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding their eventual return.
When they came back, their music reflected not only the evolution of the band members but also the broader changes in the heavy metal landscape.
Fans were eager to see how the band would integrate modern influences while still retaining the essence of their earlier work.
The response was generally positive, as many longtime fans appreciated that Mercyful Fate did not attempt to compromise their sound or legacy. Their return marked a moment of validation for both the band and their fanbase, highlighted by renewed interest in their discography, including works like "9," which had garnered a cult following during the hiatus. This return allowed them to bridge the gap between their classic sound and the contemporary metal scene, solidifying their influence in the genre.
"9" highlights themes of occultism, darkness, and existential dread, which are prevalent throughout their music. Its influences on extreme metal can be seen in its aggressive guitar work, fast tempos, and the raw intensity of the vocals, particularly King Diamond's more animalistic style. The use of dark and sinister lyrical content, combined with the powerful instrumentation, sets a tone that resonates with the heavier aspects of genres like black metal and thrash metal. Overall, "9" serves as a bridge between traditional heavy metal and the emerging sounds of extreme metal, showcasing the band's roots while also encouraging the evolution of the genre.
The opening track, "Last Rites," doesn't ease you in; it storms in with incredible intensity. It’s fast, sharp, and aggressive. Tracks such as "Church of Saint Anne," "Sold My Soul," and "Burn in Hell" maintain this high energy. The twin-guitar attack from Hank Shermann and Mike Wead is both tight and venomous; Sharlee D'Angelo's bass rumbles like underground tremors, while Bjarne T. Holm's drumming keeps everything tense and powerful. King Diamond, while still incorporating his iconic falsetto, sounds more primal, more sinister, and more straightforward. It's less theatrical and more like a "demon shouting over a sacrificial fire."
Is "9" perfect? No, and it doesn't aspire to be. The album doesn't seek to reach the epic songwriting heights of "Don't Break the Oath" or the eerie complexity of the early classics. Instead, it focuses on delivering raw impact and cohesion. Each track feels like a punch, a bold declaration, a moment of finality. For what this album aims to achieve — providing a fierce final burst before descending into darkness — it succeeds with its fangs bared.
The 2016 reissue of "9" is noted for its improved sound quality compared to earlier pressings. The analog format of the black vinyl enhances the album's intensity, providing a richer and more immersive listening experience. This pressing offers greater weight in the sound, giving the guitar riffs more bite and the drums a fuller body. Many fans and audiophiles appreciate the warmth and depth of vinyl, which can capture nuances that digital formats might miss. Overall, the reissue revitalizes the album, allowing listeners to experience its raw aggression and power more vividly than before.
"9" is an underrated final track in the Mercyful Fate saga—a record that stands out as a raw, unpretentious conclusion. It showcases a legendary band that refuses to mellow out, instead going down swinging with their signature occult heavy metal style.
For fans of occult heavy metal, old-school darkness, and vinyl that delivers raw power, "9" remains a crucial and impactful testament to the band's legacy.
Tracklist:
1. Last Rites – 4:12
2. Church of Saint Anne – 4:44
3. Sold My Soul – 5:05
4. House on the Hill – 4:27
5. Burn in Hell – 3:45
6. The Grave – 4:18
7. Insane – 3:01
8. Kiss the Demon – 4:01
9. Buried Alive – 3:55
10. 9 – 3:41
Credits:
King Diamond – Vocals
Hank Shermann – Guitars
Mike Wead – Guitars
Sharlee D'Angelo – Bass
Bjarne T. Holm – Drums
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💀 Label: Metal Blade Records
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