Chris O
Well-known member
King Diamond was the last concert I saw before Covid. Andy was awesome, and Mike Wead was far from a slouch. People really get nostalgic about Andy and Pete, but I found Pete's playing to be a bit sloppy, in particular when next to Andy. Mike's playing is much cleaner.
I've been a fan since the "Them" days, and I think the first MF album I had was Return of the Vampire. I have everything else he's done otherwise - incredible listening, today, yesterday, or otherwise.
I've been a fan since the "Them" days, and I think the first MF album I had was Return of the Vampire. I have everything else he's done otherwise - incredible listening, today, yesterday, or otherwise.
DeathlyFighter
Active member
Andy is a great player for sure, and really the main reason I listen to King Diamond (I'm one of those guys who vastly prefers early Mercyful Fate in terms of overall songwriting). Another really underrated player that was briefly in KD's band is Michael Moon, Swedish guitarist who was in the band Madison. I religiously listen to that first Madison album because the leadwork is so great.
Kapo_Polenton
Well-known member
The Swedes just bring it when it comes to fantastic playing. Canada produces great hockey players, Sweden produces great hockey players AND virtuoso/ tasteful guitar players with chops for days. But hey, we gave the world Bieber...and RUSH.
SFW
Well-known member
Andy is a monster player. "Them" and Conspiracy are my favorite albums. If Andy is under rated, it is because King Diamond is a bit of a niche band. A lot of people are turned off by the vocals.
gibson5413
Well-known member
That end solo from Abigail - The Black Horseman is my favorite Andy solo. That whole album is as perfect a metal concept album should be.
thegame
Well-known member
Is this Michael Moon, who was in the video for Family Ghost? Always wondered who this guy was, in between Michael Denner and Pete Blakk lineup wise. He looked just like Yngwie.
Kapo_Polenton
Well-known member
lol
Active member
Juggernaut
Well-known member
And Devin Townsend.
napalmdeath
Well-known member
Don't forget Rik Emmett!
Kapo_Polenton
Well-known member
and Jeff Waters! Annihilator. That dude is a riff machine.
A
analogsystem
Member
He’s a legend. I learned the solo he played on the At The Gates tune “Cold” and it was pretty challenging to get right!
shredhead7
Active member
I'm the exact same as you. Them is the masterpiece of all time when it comes to concept records, with Conspiracy being a nice follow up. The Eye isn't as strong, but it's what I listen to the most. The guitar tones are thicker, the riffs are great, Pete actually got to contribute a killer tune and the solos are amazing. It's interesting to hear that Andy really leaned into his Schenker influence with the cocked wah on almost every solo.
shredhead7
Active member
when I bought that record I didn't read the liner notes. When that song played and the solo came, I said, that dude sounds just like Andy. It can't be. But, yes, it was Andy. Love that solo and the whole record. To me, it is the be all, end all of melodeath.