Back to M.F: although they never attained major mainstream success, they were/are highly influential in the metal community. Metallica recorded a Mercyful Fate medley on their 1998 covers release 'Garage, inc'. Lars Ulrich is also a special guest on 'In the Shadows', playing drums on 'Return of the Vampire...1993'.
M.F display versatility & masterful songwriting on this album. King Diamond sticks to his preferred lyrical themes of horror & the occult. 'The Legend of the Headless Rider', an adaptation of 'The Legend of the Headless Horseman', is outstanding. Imho, it is in the same league as 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Iron Maiden. The production on this album is also outstanding, a definite improvement on early M.F albums. Comments?