The Family Ghost

What?! I'm shocked that no one has reviewed this yet. Perhaps it was poor marketing, or that the entire album "Abigail" was basically more superior than two songs, either way, to review this is basically reviewing the two songs from King Diamond's Abigail album.

"The Family Ghost." I fell in love with King Diamond instantly I saw the music video for this meticulously crafted song. Although some may argue that Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk's "twirling" is "cheesy" and "cliche," it was just amazing! It inspired me to play guitar like that, with growling expressions, unbelievably fast and emotional while jumping around the stage. As soon as you hear that intro riff, you get an indication of the great things to come..When Mikkey Dee plays those drum fills in the beginning, you know you are in for a real treat! Suddenly, Andy plays the wickedest bend, followed by neo-classical shredding, accompanied by Mike Denner's harmonizing! Instant addiction! Then, King, the legend himself, jumps into play, with the haunting falsetto, and catchy, unpredictable singing! The growling chorus is also fun to listen to. After one more verse and chorus, the solo sets in. Mike Denner kicks ass like no other, playing Janick Gers-like style but with touches of Dave Murray from Iron Maiden! (Ironically in the video, Pete Blakk looks like Janick) and then, Andy's solo steals the show. Soaring to new heights of metal glory, it redefines "God!" None may ever mimic his solo and succeed! The end of the song intrigues us with King's haunting voice. Even though the lyrics say "Take her life, now!" The chilling delay sounds like agonizing repeats of: "No...no...no..."

"Shrine." The only song on the Abigail album that wasn't involved with the story is one of the BEST. Mikkey Dee works magic on the skins again, waking us up with a up-beat smash, tom-tom beat. The guitars give us the most brooding sense of evil, then playing a spectacular, infectiously catchy riff! The best thing with King Diamond's voice is that you can NEVER predict what melody he's going to sing. The verse crushes me totally with his talented falsetto, making me cry with respect. The chorus...oh, the chorus. This part demanded so much respect that when I was sick with the stomach virus one day I dragged myself from my bed just to listen to "Shrine." Become addicted and understand that this is a flawless record, absolutely PERFECT. Take a listen and you will be a fan for life!