MERCYFUL FATE

Mercyful Fate was formed in 1981 in Copenhagen (Denmark) on the ashes of the Punk/Metal band Brats, by vocalist King Diamond (ex-Black Rose) (real name Kim Bendix Petersen) and guitarist Hank Shermann (real name Rene Krolmark). After going through some lineup changes (see the liner notes in 'Return of the Vampire' for more info) the 'classic' lineup was born, with the addition of guitarist Michael Denner (also formerly of Brats) and bassist Timi "Grabber" Hansen (the two were members of a band/project called Danger Zone at the time, King and Hank used to help them), as well as drummer Kim Ruzz who quickly replaced Nick Smith (Danger Zone's drummer).

The band put out three releases - the self-titled EP (nicknamed 'Nuns Have No Fun'), 'Melissa' and 'Don't Break The Oath' - which cemented their status in the metal underground and the emerging black metal scene. In 1985, citing musical differences, the band split up - Shermann apparently was tired of the Satanic content and wanted to move on to a more accessible hard rock sound. He did precisely that with the next band he formed - Fate (Dnk) - while King Diamond, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen moved on to create a band of their own, simply called King Diamond.

1987 sees the release of 'The Beginning', a posthumous LP containing the out-of-print debut EP along with some other rare recordings. The rest of the '80s is marked by continuing success for King Diamond; Fate (Dnk) flops badly, which prompts Shermann to leave. After Denner quits King Diamond, the two form Zoser Mez together.