Customer Reviews

Abigail

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love King Diamond, and "Abigail" was my very first King purchaced back in the 1980's. From the very first listen, I was addicted for life. The story is bone-chilling, and the musicianship / production on "Abigail" is absolutely flawless. I've been a Metalhead since about 1980, and not since Iron Maiden released "Piece Of Mind" back in 1983, has there been a Metal recording that has effected me as much as "Abigail" has. It's an incredible masterpiece, and in my opinion, King's finest hour...

~MJ~

Growing up I listened to such metal-lite bands as Def Leppard and Warrant. I never really took an interest in darker sounding metal. My first exposure to darker metal was seeing album covers of old Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne in a record store. They used to send chills down my spine and developed a kind of fear of listening to that kind of music (hey, I was a preteen at the time). Even Iron Maiden would give me the shivers until a guitar instructor played Powerslave for me when I was a Jr. in high school. Over the years (I am now in my late 20's) heavy metal has become my music of choice. The internet has brought the ability to explore different bands that I have never heard before and expand my tastes. I've never and will never get into death metal or any type of true thrash. A singer who actually sings is a must. I also don't really care for doom-type lyrics.

One band/singer that has always been an enigma to me has been King Diamond. Just the look of the guy kept me away from his music and he really stayed out of my conscience all these years. Well, thanks to the convenience of the internet, I had the opportunity to read a synopsis of Abigail and also read an interview where King Diamond explains his spiritual beliefs. Although I think he is a lot mixed up about the eternal picture, I got to see the man behind the makeup and realized that hey he really isn't any better or worse than any other singer I listen to. In fact, even as a Christian I can say that some of King Diamond's beliefs are closer to how the Bible explains the truth than what even so-called Christians believe. Anyway, it seems like he plays a character like Alice Cooper.

Well the story of Abigail intrigued me (I am a fan of classic horror movies), no mention or glorification of Satan present, so I thought I finally reached a point where I would overcome this "fear" of King Diamond and buy a King Diamond CD. The hair on my arms was actually standing on end as the The Funeral started and the intro to The Arrival began. The anticipation of what King Diamond's voice would sound like was unnerving. Would it be a monumental $17 mistake? Would it make me want to go out on a killing spree and perform a black mass? The answer resoundingly to both of these questions is NO. Straight up, King's voice is awesome. Everybody who puts Midnight (ex-Crimson Glory) up on a pedastal better make a little room for this guy. He puts on a vocal onslaught unmatched by anybody but the aforemention Midnight. The music is dark as expected but melodic.

As an example of how much I like this CD...I bought Abigail along with CD's by Nocturnal Rites, Brainstorm, Heavenly, and Metalium right before an hour drive home from work. I had it all figured out, 12 minutes per CD. Well, I couldn't eject Abigail out of my CD player. I wanted to hear every song. King Diamond went from being a monster in my mind to being a storyteller and great singer (Midnight meets H.P. Lovecraft).

If you take King Diamond for what he really is, than you won't miss out on some great music. I'm going to the CD store today to buy "Them."

Abigail is my favorite King Diamond record. To me, there are three essential King Diamond records: Abigail, Them, and Conspiracy. These three records comprise some of the best metal recorded in the late 80s. It's hard to put King Diamond, the band, in a category. This is metal for sure, but may not appeal to die-hard thrash/death/speed metal fans who shy away from melody and harmonies. That's not to say that this goes as far as Helloween or other such melodic-metal bands, but it's more towards that ballpark.

King Diamond, and these three records, work so well because of a perfect combination of great songwriting; inspired and extremely skillful playing; tight, well-rehearsed arrangements; and the chemistry and personality of the players. Mikkey Dee is one of the great unsung metal drummers. Andy LaRoque's hooks and flourishes are always a joy. Earlier and later King Diamond records suffer from the lack of at least one of these qualities, or from the lack of some of the personnel. Mikkey Dee, especially, is sorely missed in the post-Conspiracy era. The songwriting on the later records is lacking the great hooks of the Abigail/Them/Conspiracy triumverate (but, after 1990, songwriting for most metal bands changed in a way I did not like). Also, King's story conceptions on these three records have always seemed to me to be more inspired.

The bottom line is that there are plenty of people who are never going to like Kind Diamond. Either they're simply not into this kind of metal, or they can never get used to King's singing style. For my money, though, these three records are important, inspired, and a must-have.

I own the remastered version of this album. I must say that I really love it, but the too much evident influences from Iron Maiden and Judas Priest make me hesitate in giving five stars to it. Also, it sounds less progressive and mature than the next three releases of the band. For these reasons I give four stars (and a half!) to "Abigail", in spite of its high quality and its historical importance.

As a concept album, the storyline is superb. This is a horror tale, and has nothing to do with satanic cults and all that commercialist and childish stuff surrounding KD since Mercyful Fate. The musicianship is also impeccable. Vocals are as good as usual, delivering passion, anger and fear; while keeping a majestic and mysterious style in every track. Drums and bass, added to vocals, probably form the most attractive playing ensemble of this album. However, guitars don't sound so elaborated here, although show by times where they would go one year later. I'd say that the guitar work here is very good, but doesn't peak because of some abuse of metal clichés.

On a more positive way: in the remastered version of "Abigail" you'll find a bonus song titled "Shrine". This song is bombastic and explosive, but it wasn't included in the original LP due to some divergence from the overall concept. I recommend this tune to any metal fan. The opening riff is an instant classic, and its melody is one of KD's greatest.

You'll also find in the remastered CD three more bonus tracks that are different versions (raw mixes) of some songs that you already know. These are mixes without keyboards, containing some variations from the definitive songs. I find them very interesting. Of all of them, please listen carefully to "The Family Ghost" raw mix. Its harmonies and choirs are really great!

To finalize my comments: this is a very good job and a milestone in KD's career. Don't miss it, even if I find "Them", "Conspiracy" and "The Eye" more sophisticated and mature. "Abigail" is a masterpiece, and you must pay attention to it if you are an actual metal fan!

This album will ram your head through a brick wall! There are so many great elements in it. It's a shame that more people haven't heard it, as it truly is a work of genius. It's true that King Diamond's approach to singing is a bit unusual and takes some getting used to, but he really is an excellent singer who grows on you after a while. If you like vocalists such as Bruce Dickinson (formerly of Iron Maiden) and Rob Halford (formerly of Judas Priest), then you'll probably like KD's vocal style. What really sets him apart, however, is his music-writing ability. The instrumental music on ABIGAIL is so complex and full of contrasting moods and tempos that it might not sink in the first time you hear it; however, after giving it a few more listens, you'll never be able to live without it again. Guitarists Andy La Rocque and Michael Denner deserve special praise, as their playing -- particularly Andy's blinding speed and Mike's emotional, melodic leads -- is simply astounding. Without exaggeration, these are two of the best guitarists on the globe, and they have been grossly overlooked and underrated. Not only is the playing terrific, the actual guitar sound itself is the best I've ever heard on any album; it sounds downright evil! The bass playing of Timi Hansen is also strong and solid, and drummer Mikkey Dee unleashes very complex patterns with creativity and enormous technical skill. I've owned ABIGAIL for about ten years now, and it still sends shivers down my spine. If you're seriously into metal (and I mean REAL metal, not the corny alternative stuff you hear on the radio incessantly), then you NEED this album.

I've been a metal fan for a few years now. Like most newbies I was introduced firstly with Metallica, Megadeth, and several other of the most common Metal household names.

I was just introduced to Mr. Diamond a few months ago. I was searching for variety, and something different. I found it, and it was an album entitled "Abigal".

I hadn't heard Mercyful Fate prior to Diamond either. I know, not a true metal fan, but still I like to think I have good taste. Point is, I didn't have any idea what was coming my way with this album. I actually saw the first reference to Abigal on a list of top 100 metal albums of all time. It was ranked 40 or something. It should've been ranked higher. MUCH higher. This album is a masterpiece in every respect.

This album has stayed in my car CD player 90% of the time since I purchased it a few months ago. I'm not exaggerating, its that good. I listen to it over and over and over and over again, and it still doesn't get boring.

Most great albums seem to be really good all the way through, and then have a few great stand out songs. I personally cannot for the life of me choose one standout song. I don't skip a single track on the album anytime I listen to it, with the exception of the intro track which isn't really a song. Every song has great construction. Intros, middles, and conclusions. There are great sections in each individual song, whether it be a series of catchy riffs or blazing solos, but they all fit the scope of the album perfectly. Even the added track that was previously unreleased sounds like it was meant to be there.

I have nothing bad to say about this album, including Diamonds vocals which never irritate me. Get it NOW.

The perfect album for the perfect 5-voices singer. KING DIAMOND is the best singer I`ve ever heard.!!!, I`ve got all his albums, this is one of the best for me, especially ARRIVAL, the first song I heard since I began to listen his hard and beautiful music.
This album is the story of Jonathan La Fey, Miriam Natias and Abigail.
FUNERAL is a scary intro, ARRIVAL is powerful and the best, A MANSION IN DARKNESS is crazy, THE FAMILY GHOST is the second best for me, powerful and you can hear his satanic voice clearer, also the another ones are a mix of power guitars, crazy drums, amazing voices all made by King.!!.

So I give this album, just 5 stars when I could give it 10.!!!

Buy It Know..!! And you`ll never change your mind...!!!!

Stay Heavy.

If King Diamond's "Fatal Portrait" set the groundwork for his work, "Abigail" defined him. Many people see this 2nd record as King Diamond's best, and it is easy to understand why. On one hand, he has some of the best musicians ever. (Guitarist Andy LaRoque may not get the kudos that Ed Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, or Steve Vai get. But in my opinion this is proof that the most kudos does not necessarily define the best.) Second, King's vocals might be an aquired taste, but once you have the taste, you are sentenced for life. Third, King Diamond puts many so called Hollywood Horrors to shame by defining what horror is. Since he has no visual aids, he writes stories so frightening that that the lyrics alone are enough to scare you. (Let alone once he adds his vocals!) The story starts with the end scene and then goes back to the beginning where John Lafey and his wife Miriam go to take possession of a mansion they have inherited. They encounter several horsemen who warn them of the danger in the area. (Musically, this record never falters, and nor do the lyrics.) 'Mansion In Darkness' releases the tension for a moment as John and Miriam settle in. 'Family Ghost' introduces a ghostly ancestor of John who warns him of the dangers of Abigail. One of the most dramatic moments is 'July 7th 1777.' There is a flashback of when the ghost we met was alive and he killed his wife for having an affair that ended in her pregnancy. (Hence Abigail.) Moving back to the present, 'Deadly Omens' allows us to breathe a moment while we anticipate what is to come. Things start moving really fast as 'Possession' brings the horror from the past into the present. There is a frightening aspect of recognition to 'Abigail.' (Mr. Diamond seems to know that often recognition is more scarey than the overdone blood and effects that Hollywood still thinks is so.) The track ends with the climax of the count's horsemen coming to quell the situation. This final track has Andy La Roque's arguably best guitar solo. As many of you know, so many years later, King Diamond was to write a sequel that got mixed reviews. But it is no surprise that this 2nd record remains hailed by many as King Diamond's best.

....King Diamond!

People just don't realize how good they have it. In the late 1980s, when this album came out, metal and hair bands ruled the roost.

The thinning out came in the 1990s, and the wheat was separated from the chaff. Forgetable bands such as Nelson, Warrant and Poison fell by the wayside. Meanwhile, people started realizing the unheralded genius of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Ronnie James Dio.

And, KING DIAMOND, King of Metal. God of Falsetto Rock!

Not Robert Plant, Geddy Lee, Klaus Meine, or even Dio could touch his hemi-demi-semi-quavers.

If you really want a full measure of the impact of this album, put it on your CD player, then listen to it while taking a shower (make sure it's a tiled bathroom, for the proper vibrato effect).

Then, just try singing along to it, matching King note for note.

It took a little doing, but I did it!

Unfortunately, my wife walked in on me one morning during my singing ritual to "Abigail." The next week, her lawyer served me with her petition for divorce on the ground of irreconcilable sexual differences.

To this very day, I still wonder why.

I've been a fan of King Diamond's music for 15 years now and "Abigail" remains my favorite. Even though "Them" was the one that really put King on the map as a solo artist I still think that "Abigail" rocks harder and tells a more interesting story. Yes, I probably don't need to mention that this is a concept album. It tells the story of the ghost of a stillborn baby named Abigail who haunts the mansion of her parents'. Or so it seems. You really have to study the lyrics to get a lot of it and I honestly didn't fully understand it until I read the lyrics to "Abigail II-The Revenge" which reveals a little more. King Diamond's voice just shines throughout this entire CD and he had the best lineup for his band on this one as well. Michael Denner and Andy Laroque on guitars, Timi Hanson on bass, and Mikkey Dee on drums (who is now with Motorhead). My favorite track by far is "A Mansion In Darkness". The intro features some great guitar harmonies and the drum beat makes you think of a horseman "riding up the alley in the rain" as the lyrics say. Other great tracks include "The Black Horsemen" with it's very haunting classical intro and "The Possession" which has an almost grunge feel to the guitar riffs. But don't worry!! There ain't nobody named Kurt playing guitar on this album. Not only is "Abigail" my favorite King Diamond album. But I would go as far as to say it is one of the best metal albums of all time. Period!!!