Return of the Vampire
Encyclopedia
Return Of The Vampire is a compilation album
of rare demo tracks by Mercyful Fate
recorded before their first, official release in 1982. It is released in 1992 by Roadrunner Records
RRD 9184.
(lyrics) and Hank Shermann
(music) except where noted.
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
of rare demo tracks by Mercyful Fate
Mercyful Fate
Mercyful Fate was a Danish heavy metal band from Copenhagen. Initially active from 1981 to 1985, they reunited in 1992. The band went on hiatus again in 2000, when frontman King Diamond decided to continue his solo career...
recorded before their first, official release in 1982. It is released in 1992 by Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
RRD 9184.
Track listing
All songs written by King DiamondKing Diamond
Kim Bendix Petersen , better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Grammy Award nominated Danish heavy metal musician. As a vocalist, he is known for his extensive vocal range, in particular his usage of falsetto. He is the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and the eponymous King Diamond...
(lyrics) and Hank Shermann
Hank Shermann
Hank Shermann is a Danish heavy metal guitarist. He began playing guitar in 1977.Shermann is best known for his work with Mercyful Fate, a band influential on Metallica. He has also played with the groups Brats, Fate, Zoser Mez, Gutrix, Virus 7, and his last main focus, Force Of Evil...
(music) except where noted.
- "Burning the Cross" – 8:49 (music by Benny Petersen)
- "Curse of the Pharaohs" – 4:27
- "Return of the Vampire" – 4:50
- "On a Night of Full Moon" (music by Michael DennerMichael DennerMichael Denner is a Danish heavy metal guitarist.Denner is a fourth generation musician. Denner is known for playing a Gibson Flying V guitar. He lists his inspirations as Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker and Ollie Halsall. He was a member of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond amongst others...
, Shermann) – 6:40 - "A Corpse without Soul" – 8:11
- "Death Kiss" – 5:53
- "Leave My Soul Alone" (music by Denner) – 3:21
- "M.D.A." (Mission: Destroy Aliens) (music and lyrics by Denner) – 4:20
- "You Asked for It" – 4:13
Credits
- King DiamondKing DiamondKim Bendix Petersen , better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Grammy Award nominated Danish heavy metal musician. As a vocalist, he is known for his extensive vocal range, in particular his usage of falsetto. He is the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and the eponymous King Diamond...
- Vocals - Hank ShermannHank ShermannHank Shermann is a Danish heavy metal guitarist. He began playing guitar in 1977.Shermann is best known for his work with Mercyful Fate, a band influential on Metallica. He has also played with the groups Brats, Fate, Zoser Mez, Gutrix, Virus 7, and his last main focus, Force Of Evil...
- Guitar, bass on 9 - Benny Petersen - Guitar (tracks 1-6)
- Michael DennerMichael DennerMichael Denner is a Danish heavy metal guitarist.Denner is a fourth generation musician. Denner is known for playing a Gibson Flying V guitar. He lists his inspirations as Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker and Ollie Halsall. He was a member of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond amongst others...
- Guitar (tracks 7, 8) - Timi HansenTimi HansenTimi "Grabber" Hansen is a Danish bass player. He played in the Danish heavy metal band Mercyful Fate from 1981 to 1985 and from 1992 to 1993, and King Diamond from 1985 to 1987.He plays with his finger rather than a guitar pick....
- Bass (except 9) - Kim Ruzz - Drums on 1 - 6
- Carsten Volsing - Guitar on 9
- Old Nick Smith - drums on 7, 8
- Jan Musen - drums on 9
- Tracks 1-5: recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, late autumn 1981, Kharma Studio.
- Track 6: recorded in Hull, England, early spring 1982.
- Tracks 7-8: Recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, summer 1981 at Brenner Studio.
- Track 9: Recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, early spring 1981.
- "On a Night of Full Moon" was the original demo of "Desecration of Souls" from the Don't Break the OathDon't Break the Oath-Personnel:*King Diamond - Vocals, Keyboards, Harpsichord*Hank Shermann - Guitars*Michael Denner - Guitars* Timi "Grabber" Hansen - Bass*Kim Ruzz - Drums...
album. - "Death Kiss" was the original demo of "A Dangerous Meeting" from the Don't Break the OathDon't Break the Oath-Personnel:*King Diamond - Vocals, Keyboards, Harpsichord*Hank Shermann - Guitars*Michael Denner - Guitars* Timi "Grabber" Hansen - Bass*Kim Ruzz - Drums...
album - "Leave My Soul Alone" and "M.D.A." were originally songs from Michael Denner's band.
- "You Asked for It" was the original demo of "Black Masses"; the B-side of the Black Funeral single.