Massacre Records - 2000
8.5/10
Moving into the 21st century, King Diamond would leave Mercyful Fate behind and return to fully focusing on the solo career. Continuing with the shaky but still fierce momentum that had defined recent releases, House Of God might be the band's closest motion of consistency between albums since the classic era. Doubling down on the harsher gallops that covered Voodoo, thrashier direction is traded for more focused but equally hard riffing. If that's not enough, this may be one of the more unique storylines, bringing Christ himself into the folds, perhaps letting the feelings of insanity and bondage add some bitterness to the already heavy tones.
With all of this direction and focus, it makes sense that despite the fifty minute runtime, there's little filler to be detected. Softer licks and dynamic changes in tone are still very present, pulled off in the likes of "Follow The Wolf," but gone are the overly adventurous solos and meandering breaks. Similarly, the more mellow tunes like the title track may be some of my favorites, dialing down the intensity while upping the eeriness without needing any bells and whistles; the vocal harmony in this one is fantastic. "Just A Shadow" deals in the opposite way, driving speedy rhythms and intricate drum fills into a firm strike, leaving a nasty impression as we reach the narrative's climax.
In fact, I would also argue that House Of God has some of the most fun melodies we've seen in a while. "Black Devil" beautifully combines galloping riffs with strong verses, and a great vocal bridge in the descending close of the track. "Help!!!" (don't worry, it isn't a Beatles cover) stomps on driving a monotoned riff in exchange for intricacy to give the vocals several layers for melody, and I truly love "Catacomb" with its crushing poetic vibes thunderous layers, topped off with incredible synths. Even the "Passage To Hell" interlude between these two didn't feel corny or overbearing at all, which is always a plus.
Perhaps it isn't anything mind blowing, but this is easily the best King Diamond record since The Eye, starting the new century on great footing. Things are fully focused, the ideas are clear, and the delivery is menacing. Despite the several tricks up its sleeve, things feel fluid and consistent, using its longer runtime to its advantage. There's never really been a "throwback" album in the band's discography, but if there's one that's close, this must be it!
No comments:
Post a Comment