Mercyful Fate is a Danish heavy metal band formed in Copenhagen in 1981 by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. Along with bands like Venom and Bathory, Mercyful Fate was an early pioneer of black metal and was known for their dark occult lyrics and imagery. They released five studio albums between 1983-1999 before initially disbanding in 1999. The band reunited in 2008 and has toured on and off over the past decade. So are Mercyful Fate still actively touring and performing in 2023? Let’s take a closer look at the history and current status of Mercyful Fate.
Early History and Initial Run
Mercyful Fate was originally formed in 1981 after King Diamond left his previous band Black Rose. The initial lineup consisted of King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann on guitar, Michael Denner on guitar, Timi Hansen on bass and Kim Ruzz on drums. After some early demos, the band released their 1983 debut album Melissa, which is now considered an early classic in the black/heavy metal genre. Songs like “Black Funeral” and the title track showed King Diamond’s wide vocal range and the band’s dark lyrical themes.
After some lineup changes, the band’s 1984 follow up Don’t Break the Oath built upon the sinister sound of their debut. Tracks like “Come to the Sabbath” and “The Oath” displayed the band’s occult imagery and lyrical themes. The album is considered an influential heavy metal classic today. 1985’s The Beginning EP showcased the band’s more progressive side.
Middle Period and First Breakup
In 1987, Mercyful Fate released their third studio album Melissa, which saw the band further develop their unique sound. Standout tracks included “Gypsy” and “Nightmare Be Thy Name.” After this album, the band went on hiatus as King Diamond pursued a solo career. He released several successful solo albums over the next few years.
Mercyful Fate reunited in 1993 to record their fourth studio album In the Shadows, which was released in 1994. The album marked a return to their classic early 80s sound. This would prove to be their last album for several years, as the band went on hiatus again shortly after. Creative differences were cited as the reason for the breakup. King Diamond would continue his successful solo career.
Reunion and Recent Tours
After nearly a decade apart, Mercyful Fate reunited in 2008 for some festival performances in Europe. The classic lineup of King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen performed together for the first time in over 15 years. These shows went well, and led to more reunion shows and festival appearances over the next couple years.
In 2011, the band headlined the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour in the U.S., exposing them to larger crowds of younger metal fans. They continued to play sporadic shows and festival dates for the next couple years. In 2015, the band announced they would be embarking on an expanded reunion tour across North America and Europe.
Are They Currently Touring in 2023?
Mercyful Fate is not currently on a world tour in 2023. Their last full tour was the aforementioned 2015 reunion tour. Since then, they have only performed at a handful of festival dates each year.
In 2022, they played several major European summer festivals like Sweden Rock Festival, Hellfest in France, and Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium. They also did a co-headlining North American tour with Kreator.
However, the band currently has no scheduled tour dates for 2023 listed on their website or social media pages. It appears that after wrapping up the 2022 festival and tour dates, the band is taking some time off the road.
Future Possibilities
While Mercyful Fate has no concrete 2023 tour plans right now, fans can likely expect the band to return to the stage at some point in the not too distant future. In recent interviews, the members have expressed interest in creating new music and playing more shows when the timing is right.
Guitarist Hank Shermann said in one 2022 interview that the band hopes to be able to write and record another album at some point. So while they may not be actively touring in 2023, Mercyful Fate remains an active entity that is open to more live shows and new music pending the schedules of the members.
It’s quite possible they will return to play more of the European summer festivals in 2024. North American fans may have to wait a bit longer for a full-scale tour, but the band has expressed interest in coming back. Whenever Mercyful Fate does return to touring, fans can expect them to perform a career-spanning setlist full of classic occult metal.
Setlist Expectations When They Do Tour Again
When Mercyful Fate eventually returns to the concert stage, fans can expect to hear a setlist packed with standards and favorites from throughout their catalog. The band has a deep well of material to pull from, given their five studio albums and various EPs.
Here are some of the songs fans would most likely hear at a Mercyful Fate concert when they resume touring:
Essential Songs
– “Come to the Sabbath”
– “The Oath”
– “A Dangerous Meeting”
– “Black Funeral”
– “Melissa”
– “Curse of the Pharaohs”
– “Into the Coven”
– “Evil”
– “Nightmare Be Thy Name”
– “Gypsy”
These are considered essential tracks that exemplify Mercyful Fate’s unique sound and style. Any setlist would almost certainly feature most if not all of these classic songs.
Deeper Cuts/Variety
In order to spice up the setlist and go deeper, some other songs they could play include:
– “Doomed by the Living Dead”
– “A Corpse Without Soul”
– “Night of the Unborn”
– “The Bell Witch”
– “The Old Oak”
– “Come to the Sabbath (live)”
– “The Wedding Dream”
While not as instantly recognizable as their biggest hits, these types of album cuts and live versions would add more variety and reward longtime fans. The band has such an extensive catalog to pull from that they can craft different setlists night to night if desired.
New Songs?
If Mercyful Fate records a new album before their next tour, expect to also hear some fresh material mixed into the setlist. New songs could appear alongside the classics, which would excite fans eager for brand new occult metal from the legends.
Conclusion
While they are not currently active on the touring circuit in 2023, Mercyful Fate remains an important legacy act in heavy metal, and one with a devoted multi-generational fanbase. When they do inevitably return to the stage, fans can count on an electric set filled with the band’s essential early classics like “Melissa”, “Come to the Sabbath” and “The Oath” played with skill and dark passion.
Mercyful Fate’s musical legacy and influence is secure, and any chance to see them perform live should be cherished as a special occult metal event. Until their next tour, fans can revisit their catalog of studio albums and classic live material. When King Diamond, Hank Shermann and company reemerge for their next concert trek, the loyal metal legions will eagerly await the opportunity.
Decade | Key Albums | Touring Activity |
---|---|---|
1980s | Melissa (1983) Don’t Break the Oath (1984) Melissa (1987) |
Early club shows and festivals in Denmark and Europe. Band split up in 1987. |
1990s | In the Shadows (1993) | Tours in Europe and North America before splitting up again in 1994. |
2000s | No new albums | Sporadic reunion shows and festivals starting in 2008. |
2010s | No new albums | Select tour dates and festivals, 2015 reunion tour. |