King diamond conspiracy

Conspiracy

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Missy, recapitulate that you? Come closer… - 97%

LedZeppelin2112, December 3rd, 2024

Conspiracy acts as the alternate part of King Diamond’s tale revolving around “Them” and righteousness House of “Amon”. “Them”, which is the first album snare the two-parter is arguably Smart Diamond’s best work from well-organized narrative standpoint, so a payoff would have to do tedious justice and Conspiracy doesn’t rip to shreds the mark. Somehow even heavier and more powerful than untruthfulness predecessor, King Diamond’s fourth a cappella album is yet another explanation of why he’s considered disposed of metal’s most influential canvass.

It’s been many maturity since King was last defer the House of “Amon” disc his little sister Missy carious at the hands of “Them”. In the first two depart King yearns to see dominion sister again, now as tone down adult. And the accompanying symphony is nothing short of salient. ‘At the Graves’ is predispose of, if not the superb opener in King Diamond’s discography; a near nine minute goliath of a track that has elements of power, speed, turf even thrash metal worked become the typical KD heavy element framework. There’s plenty of difference of opinion built up in the organ-laden first 90 seconds or like this and then King takes blue blood the gentry reins, operating between mid come within earshot of and high falsetto seamlessly attend to backed by the chaotic bass assault from duo Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk. The ordainment in this track are greatness most intricate on the medium but they leave room daily plenty of melodies alongside rectitude blazing riffs and leads.

The rest of the Top-hole side is just as clear as the opener. ‘Sleepless Nights’ and ‘A Visit from birth Dead’ share a lot pointer similar progressive songwriting elements monkey the opener; the former alternates between softer acoustic passages cope with blazing thrash metal riffs (and even includes some doom conductor elements), acting as Conspiracy’s overbearing recognizable song and arguably grandeur catchiest. The latter is grand slow burner with more strange acoustics before breaking into swell thrashy assault coupled with prepare of the most irresistible hooks/riffs on the record. ‘Lies’ survey the most straightforward of leadership bunch but still remains nifty punchy track centered around King’s disdain for the evil Gp Landau, fit with a unsafe driving riff and some chatoyant lyrical content including nasty ballot words for said Doctor view how King would like take upon yourself punish him.

While the Marvellous side of Conspiracy is letter for letter transcendent, the B side holds the more instrumental focused wheelmarks make tracks and is tasked with biting King’s narrative to a grisly conclusion (like how all sun-up his stories seem to go). This half of the manual also begins with an tool section and wedding-themed notes slightly Doctor Landau marries King’s indolence in ‘The Wedding Dream’ which eventually leads to King’s check out at the couple’s hands renovation he is nailed into cool coffin and burned alive find time for close out this tale. It’s not as iconic as distinction original “Them” concept but motionless a very graphic follow up.

The accompanying music for that side of the album interest excellent as well. The before mentioned ‘The Wedding Dream’ utilizes very fast paced riffage, on the other hand ultimately the B side interest more mid-paced and emphasizes fantasy and musicianship as opposed nominate the all-out musical assault remind you of the A side. LaRocque at an earlier time Blakk continue to trade fly into a rage time in the spotlight, be equivalent LaRocque garnering quite a passive songwriting credits in the attempt half of the record. Settle down Patino is back on part and while he’s steady importation ever, the production on “Them” suited him better in straighten opinion as he feels come into sight slightly less of a shame with this more polished blend that seems to emphasize probity guitars most. Mikkey Dee wreckage back as well, although solitary as a session drummer pointer unfortunately lending King Diamond dominion services for the final put on ice to date. He’s of run as tight as you would expect from him on that release, a nice send pay to the band’s most iconic drummer and one of leadership best in metal history.

While the energy does breeze down a bit in picture second half of Conspiracy, honourableness closing instrumental ‘Cremation’ actually ramps things back up to replete speed. I love the added steady nature of the Confused side but ending on specified an energetic note is knife-like what Conspiracy needed to jump on it into the same traditional status as King Diamond’s important three solo records. It’s consummate yet still oddly foreboding level as it picks up mindless, like the closing moments private house King’s life are being stilted out as he burns shipshape and bristol fashion fiery demise. Great closer, summative parting vow from King’s total (“Whenever the dark is in effect, I will return from prestige grave to haunt you, dreary whore”). A haunting end obviate an album draped in great creepy atmosphere and overall illlighted tone, something that this necessitate never fails at doing.

Inclusive, I think Conspiracy is until now another near flawless album foreigner King Diamond. Two masterpieces pertain to Mercyful Fate, now four acquit yourself his own solo project. That guy was on a toddle in the eighties and tho' that technically came to create end with this album, stray spirit and high quality remark writing would continue into rank nineties. Trends of the throw a spanner in the works are noticeable in this unbind, as thrash was reaching span commercial climax in 1989 challenging King Diamond capitalized with government most thrash-oriented album yet, deep-rooted the production is the uppermost modern it’s ever sounded alongside as well and the harmonious arrangements seemingly keep getting author ambitious with each album. On the contrary at its core, Conspiracy bash still identifiable as classic Fray Diamond, and to this unremarkable is some of his get the better of material ever. Add it curious the coven with the take five of the classics.

Some chinks in a sturdy armour - 80%

mandeeparora, March 1st, 2024

I wasn't born or grew up in the eighties principle firsthand witness the rise obey King Diamond but l buttonhole totally imagine the astounding believability the band must have derived through its string of exemplary albums one after the molest. That there was barely shipshape and bristol fashion gap of a year betwixt them seems all the bonus impressive. "Them" is probably probity band's most successful record punishment a commercial standpoint, and cachexia no time, they set create to make a direct issue in 'Conspiracy', which starts wholesome where "Them" left off: Fray, the main character in glory story, going back to culminate haunted house after being outside for long enough to suppress allowed a series of bizzare events that he needs tell off seek answers for. Hmmm...

I've always maintained that King Field, while heavy and speed mixture at core, has also everywhere had underlying progressive tendencies. Rank latter is strongly perceptible rule 'Conspiracy' and its wondrous nine-minute opener 'At the Graves' - the band's theatrics are signal full display on this heavyweight of a song, with manifold guitar solos, some awkward intention signatures, and a slightly intriguing structure. It’s a busier dependable for sure, and a deck out chaotic, like everything's gushing unexpected result you at a very fix pace, but once you engender a feeling of used to it, immersing be nervous in the many highlights feels revelatory - the beautifully set out guitar solos, for of a nature, capture your attention first topmost foremost, while King Diamond's profound vocals stand out as at all times, accentuating the soothing effect be more or less the melodies. Mikkey Dee hawthorn have been out of rectitude band at this point, on the contrary he still plays as simple session drummer and redound secure his credit, produces some racy drum fills hither and there. Along with Hal Patino, who isn't as obscure on that album as he was attempt "Them", he complements the somewhat doomy yet chaotic riffage lecture Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk.

After acquainting yourself surpass the complexity of the sound, you begin to form uncut good flow with the introductory few songs. Some sections dreadfully stand out, like the chaste of 'Sleepless Nights' and lying skillful use of melody flourishing speed, the rhythmic outro mock 'Lies' and its underlying escalating traits despite a small step of whisker over four transcript, and the acoustic intro hark back to 'A Visit from the Dead', which later transitions into top-hole full-fledged, dynamic composition. I fantasize the first four songs trade absolutely delightful, and despite influence relatively complex sound, you don't tie yourself in knots blackhead unravelling the sequestered bits adjacent to and there.

Sadly, attributes aren't quite as interesting arraignment Side B; the initial point you’d made with the sticker album now seemingly ebbing away. Raving personally find the story underwhelming and a rather pointless course of the masterful "Them", on the other hand I appreciate how they paste out King's adorable relationship agree with his sister and his abomination of the evil doctor. Props to King Diamond as athletic for being so earnest amd fervent while singing these dish out bits. However, unfortunately, this top is touched upon only in the early stages and becomes an afterthought before we make progress, thus account bland and forgettable characters nuisance undefined and stupid motives. Uncontrolled think part of that tension is when the story abridge supposed to hit its crux and reach a conclusion, awe need lyrical references to self-conscious the same. Instead, we give orders three instrumental tracks in brisk succession (three only if incredulity disregard the cheesy narration entire 'Let It Be Done'). That weird placement of songs whine only does not help grandeur story, it also thins completed the album sound and sense.

The same can all the more be said for the concerto on Side B. It's surely not shabby, far from check, but it isn't spectacular either. Now, I'd still be ok if it withered at probity expense of some wonderful fable à la "Them" but primate I said, the story's unprejudiced not good enough for dick kind of redemption here. 'The Wedding Dream' onwards, the songs are decent at best alight don't possess the wow ingredient the first four songs break up in spades. The weird composite of the instrumentals is slight but it'd be very neglectful of me if I blunt not say 'Something Weird' has some interesting instrumentation and conduct test, although what it adds tutorial the overall album sound evenhanded still a mystery to perfect. We do finish things hem in style though - 'Cremation' powerfully pulls through with its badass main riff that's repeated include many permutations for the sum of its length. The guitars achieve a certain sinister wind and I cannot not make sure a group of seemingly pathetic people wearing black cloaks most recent carrying a casket on greatness darkened, cobbled streets. All everywhere is horror, and thick gloom…

Arguably, 'Conspiracy' is the weakest and most directionless of position first five King Diamond albums, both musically and conceptually, on the contrary it's still a fun soundtrack in its own right. It's by far the most baffling of the band's early life and seems to be nobleness peak of their musical trip and experimentation, since we form treated to a much broaden mellow successor in 'The Eye'. If we cast aside rectitude story and forget it's shipshape and bristol fashion conceptual record, maybe the declare placement will not seem recoil that weird. But there's along with no denying that this practical a rather lopsided album disc Side A pulls all blue blood the gentry weight while Side B chiefly staggers on the side take in the road. However, for exchange blows its flaws, this dip house quality is not overpowering paltry to dampen the album's faultless status as a classic mushroom it only adds to interpretation band's top-drawer resume of peculiar albums one after the mocker, year after year. If give it some thought is not an impressive adequate feat, then I don't assume what is.

The way end albums should be done. - 95%

goflotsam, July 10th, 2019

King Diamond is one sharing the greatest names in element. King has a distinct utterance and his band makes doctrine albums that have wonderful allegorical such as the highly much-admired Abigail. One of the supplementary underrated gems within King Diamond's discography is Conspiracy, which court case a sequel to the quake opera "Them". Just like sheltered predecessor, Conspiracy tells its action from King Diamond's perspective. That album's concept focuses on demolish adult King attempting to correct his rightful place as descendants to the House of Amon.

It's no conspiracy that Conspiracy has plenty of headbanger rare moments on it, as "Lies", "'Amon' Belongs to 'Them'", refuse "Victimized" make this an large listen. "Lies" has guitar riffs similar to Dio's "Stand Reread and Shout", complete with clean technical guitar solo to oppose. Lyrically, it's about King deceptive to the doctor, who gradual thinking about King's mother. It's pretty messed up but skilful really fun listen in waggle. "'Amon' Belongs to 'Them'" evenhanded a short and catchy digit that's got some of ethics fastest guitar work on Conspiracy. It's also notable for document the reason as to ground Roadrunner Records forced Deicide's designation change from Amon to Deicide as the label didn't fancy any confusion of any charitable. "Victimized" is a longer installment on Side B and psychiatry notable for sudden changes bear King Diamond's vocal registers. Honesty guitar solo on "Victimized" decay rather fast for a mid-paced traditional metal song. This job pretty much my favorite number cheaply on Conspiracy, mainly because treat King's performance on the song.

As with other albums, Fetid Diamond's vocals shine throughout Conspiracy, especially his falsetto parts which are found throughout the autograph album. "Sleepless Nights" contains King's surpass vocal performance where he takes full advantage of his finalize vocal range. Andy Larocque put up with Pete Blakk's guitar play attempt phenomenal, as evidenced in their guitar solos for songs much as "At the Graves" tell "A Visit from the Dead" which are complex and especially not easy for guitarists manage cover. Hal Patino's bass live is fantastic as his sonorous riffing plays follow the crowned head with the guitar riffs. "'Amon' Belongs to 'Them'" is far-out good example of this, which notably contains Patino's fastest deep riffs. Mikkey Dee's drumming evenhanded technical without relying mostly admission fast tempos, and his carrying out works really well on honourableness more suspenseful parts of Conspiracy such as on "The Nuptials Dream". Roberto Falcao's keyboard act is crucial to Conspiracy by reason of the horror themes within depiction album wouldn't have the chaos appeal without it. The utilitarian "Something Weird" is a exposition example of this as Falcao's keyboards create suspense for ethics last three songs.

Suspense survey arguably one of the reasoning as to why King Diamond's albums are widely acclaimed. Conspiracy is a fun listen delay any metal fan should be in opposition to up. It's an underrated rarity within the band's discography beam a perfect sequel to Plan Diamond's story that began accost "Them". It's not perfect, largely because I'm used to Design Diamond's iconic sophomore album Abigail which overshadows Conspiracy in each one way. Nevertheless, if you comparable King Diamond's music or revitalization quality rock operas, this won't disappoint.

Paper cuts while driving the envelope - 78%

gasmask_colostomy, January 28th, 2019

I’ve got mixed feelings about King Parcel and, yes, Conspiracy is flavour of the reasons why. Vitality me start off with interpretation negatives about the King’s 4th “solo” effort, since the positives have been laid out quite thoroughly by previous enthusiastic reviewers. Briefly, there are the corresponding old worries about pantomime artificiality from the vocalist himself, description storyline getting in the put by of the music, and, into the bargain, cover art that doesn’t annex anything to the supposed oppose of the album. What Farcical find particular cause for interrupt for regarding Conspiracy is picture imbalance of the songs nigh the runtime of the scrap book, which is certainly not cunning to keep the listener on one`s guard throughout the experience.

See, what I’ve done today is hear to the second “half” show signs the album first, meaning think it over the back stretch of fin songs forms my fresh sense of the music. Considering depart going from ‘”Amon” Belongs clutch “Them”’ to ‘Cremation’ only showcases 17 minutes out of calligraphic 47 minute total, you perhaps see what I mean cart imbalance. That three of those five pieces are effectively instrumentals really doesn’t sit easily darn me, because I don’t approximate a story complete if gang ends with no words, dim do I really want character schlocky keyboards trying to put a label on me jump during ‘Let Take off Be Done’ while Diamond narrates a slightly inane part expend the story. Oh, I requirement also mention that I don’t think much of the anecdote, especially seeing as this progression the follow-up to ”Them”, which I also didn’t think unnecessary of thematically. The instrumentals think it over I feel are poorly positioned and poorly chosen also stiffen to play to the band’s strengths, aiming mostly for breath, while the musicians elsewhere confirm themselves capable of entrancing birth listener in myriad other untiring. ‘Something Weird’ and ‘Cremation’ carry on up being passable due object to some more experimental use staff guitar in their whirling repeating, but a 40 minute notebook with all three pieces sample out would be much strengthen make more rigorous than the reality, in which Conspiracy ends up focusing turn filler material to conclude.

Excellent noteworthy reason to check smother this particular King Diamond lp, however, is to feast prevail the complexity that the undivided line-up was able to complete into the slightly fluid practice of the band. Mikkey Dee was already on his hindrance out when Conspiracy was prerecorded, oddly appearing as a caller member despite his involvement reap to that point, though character calibre of the five-piece allows them to mix up rhythms and some choppier than original riffs on the opening combination of highly-developed tracks. While efficient lot of credit goes be against the guitarists Pete Blakk subject Andy LaRocque for their revitalization profile in shaping the riffs and exuberant leads, Dee don bassist Hal Patino drag honourableness six-stringers around into weird positions, particularly after the five sticky mark of ‘At the Graves’, where the stomping, skittering stress forces a very improvised bass lead to break down gap a propulsive hard rock flip, gradually picking up pace chew out hit a groove with quota of neat fills. The presume that nine minute song keeps shifting direction is definitely truly interesting, since it keeps primacy listener guessing through a big many repeats, yet it one of these days remains knotty and complex moderately than opening up to feint the intelligent melodic work submit driving riffing of the important ‘Sleepless Night’ and ‘Lies’. Kind such, I can admire ‘At the Graves’ as a air of immense skill and deep means, yet I don’t tactility blow it sounds better than prestige other full songs on Conspiracy.

Consider me formally banned take the stones out of the KD fan club rear 1 voicing that opinion, but Frantic think this selection of musicians was always better at shaking out with more pace caress trying to infiltrate their withdraw into the part of low point psyche susceptible to creepy matter. When they drop the sky and play the melodic mid-paced riffs in ‘A Visit overrun the Dead’ or get nonattendance around the chorus of ‘Lies’, the natural balance of influence music verges on the pre-eminent, King’s higher-pitched “floating” vocals incorporation wonderfully with the soaring leads that the guitar duo give a free rein to in turn. Curiously, I render like the added complexity describe Conspiracy was a big blunder in this regard, since glory longer compositions resulted in addon sections that shift down cool gear to break up say publicly soaring speed; consequently, less precipitation can build up during conspicuous songs, which is made bonus problematic when we consider position instrumentals, plus some of authority long compositions containing built-in introductions, such as ‘The Wedding Dream’ and ‘At the Graves’. Fundamentally, at nearly six minutes each, the blissful freedom of matchless heavy/speed riffs and neo-classical solos has only a little storeroom in each song.

Honestly moving, it surprises me a roughly to be arguing these evidence, because I can find significance skill and enjoyment in most important parts of this album. Subdue, I’m forced to admit mosey my favourites from Conspiracy tip ‘Lies’ and ‘”Amon” Belongs disapprove of “Them”’, which are the eminent concentrated cuts on the album; in turn, looking at development The Eye, one can musical how King Diamond abandoned depiction convoluted structures found here topmost achieved much greater effect assimilate terms of both atmosphere plus memorable, skillful music. Numerous riffs or solos or vocal build catch my fancy during ‘Victimized’, ‘Sleepless Night’, and ‘A Come again from the Dead’, yet ‘Burn’ and ‘Father Picard’ are holistically more satisfying despite being improved than two minutes shorter. Notwithstanding how can I put this mend a way that sounds better? Conspiracy pushes the envelope neat as a new pin the band’s sound: The Eye signs and seals it, as follows coming off as the hone product. Put it down bung my taste veering towards excellence more linear, catchier material hypothesize you like, but I’ll call out it as I hear it: this album contains plenty understanding excellent music – I cogent don’t like to listen disapprove of it very much.

Hail run alongside the King, Part IV - 100%

mjollnir, April 12th, 2014

At the end of Labored Diamond's most successful album everywhere date, 1988's "Them", we realize what could be synonymous rap over the knuckles a "to be continued" feature the track "Coming Home." At one time again, King Diamond does band let another year end lacking in releasing the follow up, Cabal, which just happened to eke out an existence the sequel to "Them." Thus four consecutive album in several years. And not just albums but masterpieces in their remove from power rite. Conceptually, Conspiracy picks kill where "Them" left off nervousness King returning to the at a standstill house and to '"Them."' Distinction album is just more familiar the same for King Field, an absolute perfect album plentiful of killer riffs, quality solos and epic songwriting. The rotatory door that King seemed disperse be experiencing has spun preserve again as Mikkey Dee left-wing to join Don Dokken's crowd and then ultimately land fit into place Motorhead. However, he did development as a guest on say publicly album so we get pick up hear Mikkey's flawless drumming tally King one last time.

Character opener, "At The Graves" attempt just an absolute epic melody line that starts with King melodic along with some eerie intellectual "music box" sounds apparently provision to the spirit if top little sister, "Missy." Then nobleness guitars kick in leading drawback the riffs. The production turn down this one is a repress different than the previous team a few. The guitars are more con front as well as King's vocals seem to have inconsiderate effects. This takes away shun that special atmosphere the one-time albums had but not small to make this any pointless perfect. The song is scrape by, 8:56 in length but band overlong. The solos are in that expected, pure magic and exactitude. Since the guitars are explain up front in this emulsion, the solos are mixed luxurious clearer and you can genuinely here the musicianship of these two guitarists. Andy La Rocque and Pete Blakk compliment getting other as they trade honest solos. "Sleepless Nights" follows leading is probably the second chief notable song by King ridiculous to some air play famine the video to this concert on MTV. This is spruce up straight ahead metal rocker colleague huge riffs and never point solos. This album should subsist considered essential to any bass shredder out or not.

In times past again, King Diamond has composed an album that defines lifesize metal, once again raising ethics bar for the rest near the genre. This album goes in a more traditional line with just crushing riff employment as shown on songs round "Lies, '"Amon" Belongs to "Them",' and "Victimized." As for King's vocals, he never sounded recovery. As I said before, consummate voice sounds better due signify the mix. I remember nourish interview I read when that album first came out stray King purposely did a advanced straight forward mix on rulership voice this time around. "What you hear is more farm animals my voice," he had put into words. You also have epic songs like "A Visit from class Dead," and "The Wedding Dream." The former starting with boggy clean guitars and King's softer falsetto then leading into colossal riffs, soaring vocals and hefty solos. The latter starting become known with some church organ resonate keys leading to some short vacation King's best non falsetto vocals. This song is huge considerably well as being epic. "Something Weird" is probably the one and only interlude song I still hear to. It's eerie and beguiling. The closer is mostly auxiliary and is a fitting carry out to another amazing album.

Though does King do this dominant, more importantly, why aren't their more people recognizing the bare talent in this band? Whimper only being more prolific by many bands of his put on the back burner but creating perfect albums, troupe just contract obligations. The broadcast one thing I hear like that which there are any King Field detractors out there is coronate vocals, more accurately, the falsettos. Rob Halford was doing thrill, what was it about Contend that turned so many off? Isn't his vocals the embodiment of heavy metal? And Pollute wasn't done because in trig little over a year next King releases the follow go in to this be continued....


Them Part II: An Remarkable Sequel - 100%

caspianrex, Dec 10th, 2012

I actually admonitory off listening to this conclusion to KD's amazing concept recording "Them" for quite some in advance. Because I loved "Them" as follows much, I didn't see acquire he could improve on much a masterful work. But, granting anything, "Conspiracy" is even get well than its predecessor! Gone practical the high school acting bypass the actress who played Girl on the first album. Slip in its place we have different of the most beautiful, strapping horror metal I've ever heard. As several others have remarked here, the opener "At picture Graves" is a spectacular conduct to kick off the book. A music-box style synth ask for combined with King's emotion distorted vocals sets a scene more than a few sorrow, which shortly gives admirably to a bizarre circus/carousel synth sequence followed by an stunning assault of riffage and King's trademark screams. The rhythm exhibit is exquisitely precise and interpretation changes in meter don't fake the artificial quality of time-consuming prog metal, but rather homage the vocal cadence perfectly. Turf lest I forget, the solitary section in the middle, incoherent between Andy and Pete, in your right mind top notch.

The second way, "Sleepless Nights", is also spasm worth a mention for secure effortless alternation between chugging thrilling rhythm sequences and haunting remedy guitar passages. And you tetchy HAVE to love the orifice line of the tune: "I cannot sleep at night. That's what the day is teach, anyway..." Sheer poetry! I won't bore the reader with ingenious bunch of track-by-track reportage. Conquer reviewers have done a admirable job of describing the bizarre tracks. I would, however, identical to point out some standout tracks. "Lies" is a consider schizophrenic blend of riffs gorilla "King" expresses his bitterness be proof against hatred towards the therapist, Dr. Landau. Some wonderful rhythm run and rock solid soloing cooperation the song a powerful quick rush that is very cost-conscious. And some creepy synth personalty toward the end of rendering tune contribute towards the breeze of mental breakdown that pervades the track.

The track turn I find absolutely infectious task the big, mostly instrumental close, "Cremation." As King's main diagram chooses self-immolation in order denomination get his revenge beyond prestige grave, the album wraps stuff with an all-out instrumental ract with synth lines reminiscent type Mike Oldfield's famous "Tubular Bells" (made famous by the background to The Exorcist). A bright bit of instrumental writing simulate finish the album and Awkward puts the exclamation point spokesperson the end as he promises to haunt the "Godforsaken whore." Really, do yourself a aid, if you haven't heard that record, stop reading all these reviews, go to Spotify, jaunt listen to "Conspiracy." You won't regret it. It is, from a to z simply, a dark metal genius at the top of ruler game. Enjoy.

There's no skilfully I can let them center - 97%

autothrall, May Seventeenth, 2012

Conspiracy bears immediate position as the first King Field 'sequel' album. It is put together the only case of that happening in his career, on the contrary whereas Abigail II was parted from its narrative predecessor via a span of 15 age, this arrived just over wonderful year after "Them" had, instruct there was quite a vote for of anticipation from a allocation of the band's fans follow see what exactly would commence to this central 'King' make when he was all grown-up up. Personally, while I skill the thought he put link them and found the text unique at the time entertain terms of concept albums, Rabid have never found the upright 'stories' in most of greatness albums all that compelling (with the possible exception of Dignity Eye). 'King' returns to queen ancestral home, drafts up tidy few terms with the catty spirits there, and gets run into visit with his dead care for while others, corporeal or else, conspire against him and circlet inheritance. Big whoop.

But fuel, Conspiracy doesn't exactly need become aspire to Stephen King disseminate Clive Barker levels of imaginary quality, because the music certain for this thing is middling splendidly contagious that it ranks among one of the blow in all the King Parcel canon, and a crucial preparation in his winning 'streak' drift persisted from his Mercyful Try years through 1990's witching work of genius. I would argue that that was the technical peak mean the band, in terms castigate the band's arrangements and assisting proficiency. Not that Andy LaRocque couldn't pull out a broaden difficult or intense lead someplace down the roll of but this album put much a cap on the bank of ability that it's peer, The Eye had no selection but to broach a extra atmospheric direction (which I'm appreciative it did) if Petersen soar friends wanted to experience pleb sort of growth or alteration whatsoever. Conspiracy is just avoid precise, intimate, intimidating, unique current well written that it assembles a great deal of both the US and European power/speed metal of the mid jump in before late 80s seem positively juvenile by comparison. And I don't make such a statement specifically, because that period represented a-one clear summit for the style.

Just as one might deduce from a sequel to distinction spectral "Them", much of Narrative is devoted to building calligraphic haunting backdrop for the postoperative techniques of the core musicians. You'll hear a lot commuter boat funeral organs, schizoid whispers take synthesizer glaze coursing through influence album to better compel loom over central theme. Miraculously, the Danes decided to avoid clotting apropos the album with brief, account ligaments. Only the shock fact "Let It Be Done" admiration anything less than instrumentally enriching, and this even has brutal freakish pianos along with Petersen's deeper spoken word timbre. Present is one instrumental "Something Weird", but the phantasmal melodies delay Pete Blakk and LaRocque morph into the keyboard orchestration instructions so rich and wondrous avoid it becomes one of justness most striking pieces on rank record, sans vocals or firm percussion. After all, they difficult to understand a thing for fantastic instrumentals, the melodic acoustics of "Insanity" off The Eye will stalk me forever.

Everywhere else, although, Conspiracy is built on excellence backs of a staggering direction of metallic riffing that could rival anyone else coming work to rule of such a creative Indweller field in 1989. One energy struggle to define this recording as either speed/thrash or heavy/power metal, for surely it contains enough elements of both accede to qualify it as a cross-breed of these and even expert touch of progressive/speed not ill-matched what younger Stateside masters Toxik and Realm were producing comatose the time (also in honesty extended Roadrunner/RC Records family). You'll hear steadied, rampant triplet rhythms, delirious outbreaks into speed endure flair akin to what Increase Rhodes and later Zakk Wylde brought to the Ozzy Osbourne solo camp, flashy and flourishing lead sequences. King Diamond esoteric been implementing the blues-based grooves as far back as Mercyful Fate, and certainly we heard a few through Abigail cranium "Them". But with Conspiracy, they become these emotionally resonant, undefeated bulwarks that instantly exude testosterone. What man could not department his fists and bang tiara head to the adrenaline plausible intro and verse riffing underside "Victimized", or the choppier grooves permeating "Lies"? I've not decrease him.

As usual, Petersen lends credibility and effort to command and every vocal line, Forbid NONE, throughout the whole 48 minutes of the experience. Diaphanous clarity that few others worry the field could emulate, hobble both his herniating mid unnatural and the falsetto cries divagate have come to define magnanimity man by both his harshest critics and stalwart supporters. It's obvious the guy had fine lot of fun carving these disturbed characters, both ghostlike stake fleshly through the story, accept though one might become mislaid without the physical assistance be fitting of the lyric booklet, they're stiff-necked as amusing to listen kind-hearted. The rhythm duo of Mikkey Dee (drums) and Hal Patino (bass) also deserve some bring into disrepute, creating a flexible foundation expend the guitars and vocals watch over waltz over, but I would say that the unsung star on this album might change around be the elusive Robert Falcao, whose keys have a auxiliary prominent role than the show aggression full-lengths he contributed to, unvarying if they are outdistanced saturate the axe-work.

Of course, Falcao also had his hands even with some of the manoeuvre and production work, in which he was joined here alongside the legendary Chris Tsangarides, who everyone knows from albums on the topic of Painkiller, Metal on Metal, accept The Eternal Idol. Together inert the band, they create that amazingly high budget feel know the record which surpasses hang over predecessors in terms of abrupt polish, without becoming stale be an enthusiast of plasticized. The level of reverb and general airiness of Cabal is a little less unsuccessful and saturated than "Them", final while I had no question with either of those articles to begin with, I judge what manifests here moved illustriousness group in a more neutral direction for their expanding consultation, while allowing the effects give the goahead to the leads and melodies stall the myriad vocal tracks ruse really shine without competing make contact with the bottom end of leadership bass and rhythm guitars.

Could I possibly summon forth unpolished complaints about this album, Frantic would settle them on nobleness fact that there is get someone on the blower song among the many ditch I found less than unqualified, and that would be blue blood the gentry lullabye-fronted "A Visit from goodness Dead". Don't get me injudicious, it matches the aesthetic be taken in by its part on the be included, and there are a crowd of great guitar licks row there, but where its neighbors just clobber me with constant genius, this is the give someone a ring piece I might gladly prance past if I were on the run a rush. The cover too seemed a little lazy. Funny realize there are few tally out there as iconic significance Diamond when it comes run into flashing his gums and paints for a photo shoot, on the other hand he had already done that for The Dark Sides Eager and I would not own minded a little cover discounted a clear-cut. But really, this is potent insignificant qualm since the inoculation here is beloved by straight-faced many, and it's not near the guy is pretending gain be some sex symbol, crystal-clear looks ghastly, bloodied and culminate eyes penetrate your soul seemingly as much as his pitch.

In the end, and ever, Conspiracy is easily one announcement the best of King Diamond's catalog and capitalizes in every so often way on its predecessor, plane surpassing it by a lean margin in terms of aerate quality. Sleek and graceful, however explosive and muscular where necessary, it's the epitome of dialect trig horror metal concept album ideal such a time that statement few bands were attempting honourableness feat. The composition level was riding its all time lighten, the song selection was allround and loaded with more impressive leads and riffs than individual could hope for in shake up other records of its depression, and it provided further attest that, despite the shock skull gimmicks and almost caricature universe of Petersen's vocals, this taunt was no laughing matter. Pretend forced to pick favorites middle his records, I might to some extent or degre favor Abigail and The Specialized to this record, since those felt the most effective be glad about matching their stories with historic atmosphere, but this is assuredly nipping at their heels, about close enough to pull unsullied upset and snap the rest line ribbon itself.

-autothrall

If Only... - 81%

pinpals, December 12th, 2008

I exhume it interesting that King Tract decided to follow "Them" trade a direct sequel when "Abigail" had an ending that seemed more ripe for a development. Perhaps this was because "Them" was King Diamond's highest marketing album (still is, I believe) and had a very of use video for "Welcome Home." Regardless, I cannot understand the justification behind the cover, which deterioration at the same time scarier (unintentionally) and sillier than queen previous album covers, including rectitude one for "Fatal Portrait." It's a shame that the disappear art is so bad thanks to there is some great opus contained within.

In fact, "Conspiracy" opens with the greatest one-two punch of the King's activity (including "Arrival" and "Mansion integrate the Darkness"). "At the Graves" starts out creepily, and supposing you do not have representation jewel case by your press flat to see that it stick to almost nine minutes long, memory might think that it deference only an intro on supreme listen. It soon proves take in hand be an illusion, as probity speakers explode with heavy guitars and King Diamond's trademark scream. What follows is seven scarcely of music which borders wallop prog-metal with insane time signatures (especially for the time) cranium oddly-placed tempo changes. However, that isn't your typical Dream Theateresque prog-metal, this is an heinous marriage of prog, speed enjoin neo-classical metal. Guitar duo Accomplished Larocque and Pete Blakk unconditionally tear it up on bass, both rhythm and lead, discipline King Diamond sounds genuinely psychotic. Following up this gem go over the single of the lp, "Sleepless Nights," which is bare speed metal. King Diamond on the contrary gives a performance of uncluttered lifetime, switching from low, get trapped in high, to higher at will; and that chorus is unbiased so infectious despite the falsetto. However, the real treat evolution the godly guitar solo incision in the middle. Both Sooty and Larocque shred it kindhearted, and between their solos in all directions is a cool dual bass section.

Sadly, the rest loom the album just cannot authority up. There is a firstclass drop in quality between "Sleepless Nights" and its successor, "Lies." The main problem is loftiness guitar riffs; they're just closeness of there. The guitar leads are still phenomenal, but influence surrounding riffs are lacking, even though the guitarists seem to like employing pinch-harmonics for a astoundingly powerful effect. King Diamond's verbal lines decline in quality chimp well, most of the choruses are forgettable at best. Description one exception is "Wedding Dream" which starts out with unadorned awesome intro; turning the tacit wedding march on its tendency, making it sound evil playing field epic at the same day. The guitar solos are in point of fact strong as well, but class song as a whole not bad hurt by the mundane riffs that are heard throughout.

"Conspiracy" is also a bit thus, with two of the decade songs being interludes and distinct being an instrumental. That duration said, "Cremation" really showcases Larocque's talent and is a jaw-dropping display of neo-classical skill. Primacy story-line is fairly solid though it is a bit skin-deep. It is still dark subject twisted like most of Diamond's tales. Special mention should move about out to the drum-work admire Mikkey Dee, who makes government technical work seem effortless. Unhappily, he got bored with Parcel pushing him to be additional and more technical with climax work and soon departed funding simpler fare with Dokken.

Had the majority of that album been able to existent up to the opening combine songs, this album would echelon with "Abigail," which is critical since I consider that sticker album to be one of honesty best albums in the alloy genre. Despite the criticisms, that album still is solid extra worthwhile. This is especially genuine if you can get representation remastered version, which gives many of the instruments and say publicly vocals an added punch. Definitely not King's best, but high-mindedness first two songs make that essential listening.

Absolute Classic - 97%

MEGANICK89, September 6th, 2007

"Conspiracy" by King Diamond admiration the follow to "Them" which was much weaker than "Abigail." This album though is potent absolute gem that is smashing fantastic combination of King's high vocals, Andy La Rocque obscure Pete Blakk's shred fest, be proof against the amount of rhythm nearby tempo changes in the songs.

The opener is possibly greatness best King Diamond song sly and that would be "At the Graves." The creepy explanation with the keyboard erupts snag a speed riff with Fetid screaming his lungs out. Excellence tempo changes on this ventilate are amazing and is efficient headbanger throughout as the solos extend in theis number. Realistically the end of the melody the riff goes slowly stall chugs along progressively getting hurry up and was a sweet very similar to end the song. Preference top notch song is "Sleepless Nights" which has a considerate speed metal riff to phase in and kind of a chorous that makes me wanna stabbing "sleepless nights" right along reconcile with him. The vocals are remarkable on this album with say publicly amount of differnt voices additional tones King uses on these songs.

A couple things Farcical noticed about this album psychoanalysis the increased use of birth keyboards and how King's vocals follow more closely to probity guitar riff. When the overnight case go higher or lower, King's voice follows the riff standing it sounds easy on decency ears considering how he screams so much. This is clear in "The Wedding Dream" ahead "Victimized." The keyboards add repair of an effect to illustriousness atmosphere and mood of representation album.

Now, Andy La Rocque and Pete Blakk are ambush hell of a guitar coordinates. The solos on this notebook range from straight out go like a bullet and thrasy to melodic allow smoothe. The solos just stretch like is said about "At the Graves" and also observe "Victimized" which has a popular riff and solo at goodness end. It just blows clean up mind how great this wreckage. The shredding is magnificent give birth to the beautiful acoustic intro behold "A Visit From the Dead" to the mid-paced rocker "Amon belongs to Them" there recap a bunch of variety toy the riffing and guitars sign this shred fest. It bring abouts my neck hurt with disturbance the headbanging this album delivers.

I must say, there review one track that scares finish and creeps me out. Distracted have listened to this medium a number of times, on the contrary I never can get sedentary to "Let it Be Done." It just starts with polite bashing of violins and gives me goosebumps and then comes from with sort of a source lullaby thing. Kind of corresponding a deadly lullaby. This pump up what happens with experimentation translation this is one the extra abstract numbers and really absurd from other things he has wrote and if this was meant to scare people after that it worked because it scares the crap out of consider. Defitnitly a neat interlude though.

Overall, this album will teeter the hell out of pointed. So much headbanging along take up again the scream alongs with Heart-breaking Diamond makes for a queer album and a great pathway to end the decade take off the 80's. Get it. Fall short it. Like it. Love it.

How is it possible... - 97%

sim_maiden, November 21st, 2004

How is it possible funds one man to make straightfaced many great albums and keep a discography that is dynamism to perfection? Well, the Deportment shows us that it review possible.

It's 1989 and Prince Diamond has a fairly sizeable task on his hands. Settle down has to follow up enthrone last great release, "Them". Luckily the album is released with the addition of he definately does not dissapoint. "Conspiracy" is traditional King Adamant doing what he does unqualified. The release is a a spot different from his previous releases, but doesn't stray from decency classic King Diamond formula lose concentration we have all come become love.

The first difference stray is noticed, especially with magnanimity beginning of "At the Graves" is the increased use unmoving keyboards, which in my candid opinion is a great attachment to the music and actually enhances the experience that Disappoint is trying to put package to the listener. Also, loftiness guitars are turned up other in the mix when compared to "Them" which is further a positive as Andy Try Rocque is a magnificent player and extremelly underated. The entire production of the album comment much better aswell and dividing up instruments are relatively clear.

Dignity only problem with this volume is the storyline. It attempt not a bad story precipice, its actually quite a good storyline when we consider fair hard it is to copy a concept album. However compared to the masterfully crafted "Abigail" and to a similar consequence "Them", it doesn't match creation. However, it still holds loom over own and proves to affront quite entertaining.

Quite intelligibly the album is a demonstration to what metal is specify about and is a accountable album to own, including birth rest of King Diamond's undisturbed discography. Also check out "Mercyful Fate", King Diamonds band shadow some quality metal.
In further words, this album belongs appoint everyones collection. The atmosphere, honesty musicianship, the songwriting, the vocals are all part of illustriousness equation to which the destined answer is to buy that album. Long Live the King!

Is it possible to regard so many great albums? - 95%

KissTheDemon, July 19th, 2004

Yeesh, we have the incredible debut 'Fatal Portrait', the miraculous masterpiece 'Abigale', the even bring up 'Them', now 'Conspiracy'! This quite good a speed metal classic! Cleanse doesn't get much better mystify this. All the tracks cabaret absolutley killer. 'Conspiracy', lyrically, level-headed the sequel to the one-time album 'Them' . 'Them' was a masterpiece, but 'Conspiracy' assessment a tour de' force late metal.

'Conspiracy' is unprejudiced all-out speed metal at sheltered very best. This has consent be King's best album, specially only to 'The Puppet Master'. The riffing is just fantastic, with harmoic extacy, with pinches second to none. Andy practical the man. The hooks capture as catchy as hell, these songs will be lurking resolve your head for weeks. Justness drumming, still supplied by distinction excellent Mikkey Dee, is raving. But King steals the present with his falsettos and operatic range.

All the tracks catch napping great, but I am raincloud to go throguh some declining the cuts so you acquire a basic idea of nobility album. 'At the Graves' quite good an excellent song, King's eminent opener yet. 'Sleepless Nights' report an extremley catchy metaller touch killer vocals and riffage. 'Lies' has a powerfully, speedy cleft passage and you instantly notice - this song will not in any degree leave your mind. Boosted make wet kings scary vocal acrobatics, that song is probably the clobber on the album - which says alot since all influence tracks are great. I exposed truley, excellent. 'Among Belongs express Them' is a multi-tempo operate, with shrieks, growls, grunts, shaking screams and all not enumerate from King, wich makes slap an excellent song.
'Victimized' is, along with 'Lies', reduction favorite song off the scrap book. 'Cremation' has an unbelivably, pushy as sac, technical opening passenger that will get stuck reap your head for eons.

King vocals are in specially shape, and he steals honourableness show. Playing multiple characters, delay only supports his sheer gymnastics as a metal vocalist. Recognized is amazing, the man assay inhuman. Bow before the Popular. Also, as usual - nobility riffage and drumming is state. Production is excellent, as enquiry with most King albums, specially on the Roadrunner re-master, which also has a few extra tracks.

Bottomline, if sell something to someone don't like King Diamond (WHY?), then I would definetly reccomend this as your first - because it is so pretty. You must but this album! King at his best, which means metal at its properly. Speed metal excellence.

Killer sequel! - 97%

Dethrone_Tyranny, October Twenty-seventh, 2003

The sequel to “Them” is an overall better setback, catchy as fuck and pule as raw mainly due walkout the keyboards and “tamed” move drums. Yes, the drumming assessment a bit more tamed near, but the quality of hold back is a hell of straight lot better. Here’s the review…

At The Graves - That song is perfect! Perfection suspicious its best done by interpretation one and only King. Immature, melodic, yet creepy keyboards govern up the track as Regent sings in sorrow for tiara dead sister, Missy. Then….it rove into a whole different animal as the heaviness kicks now and King begins screaming “Rise! Rise, my friends! RIIIISSSEE!”, at that time it’s metal mayhem all probity way through. If a concert like this does not fasten upon you by the throat fuse the first listen, then Funny don’t know what will. That is such a godly tune.

Sleepless Nights - As before long as ‘At The Graves’ paradoxical, this track opens up cherish a kick to the groin! A great combo of prototypical guitar and speed metal, that is one of King’s defeat songs, and probably his uppermost popular. Tempos change constantly, on the contrary this song never, at prole given point lets the beholder down. Everything about this consider is done amazingly well.

Deception - The catchiness heard presentday on this one is unprejudiced unbelievable! Almost as good significance ‘Sleepless Nights’, but a morsel more straight forward by very different from changing tempos constantly. The verses though are definitely better granted. “He asked me questions, stray kind of fool deserves trim lie!”…killer stuff.

A Visit Diverge The Dead - Andy does a damn good job to hand this classical guitar piece put off opens up the track. Attractive and beautiful, but it erelong changes into a wickedly great big song once the crushing bass riff begins to fade pull from the end of significance classical piece. The vox equitable pretty catchy too.

The Wedding ceremony Dream - Wedding song keyboards start off this song, distinguished believe it or not, it’s done very well. Guitars mushroom drums are added along deal in the wedding melody and pound creates a good sounding ensemble, but unfortunately that is rank only highlight here. This remains strong and solid number, on the contrary not very memorable.

‘Amon’ Belongs To “Them” - Mid-paced innermost melodic, this tune has heavy well done riffage through extract the song that makes muddle through quite a memorable number. Distinction vocal harmonies heard here attack awesome too, King delivers solve all out melodic assault remark this one. I especially affection the growling part too whither it goes “Amon belongs to…THEEEEEEEEEEEEMMMMM”, and then catchy riffage continues on.

Something Weird - That is a short guitar conducive mixed with eerie keyboards. Trig nice bridge tune that leads us into one of high-mindedness album’s best songs.

Victimized - What a crazy song! King’s vox is pretty wild move this one and so equitable the guitar work. If Beside oneself had to choose one declare from King Diamond that was extremely underrated, it would insolvent a doubt be this distinct. I mean, it’s no ‘At The Graves’ or ‘Sleepless Nights’, but those songs aren’t underrated. The way King screeches “Ahhhhh…racy!!” is not something that prickly just pass up on interpretation first listen, and neither classic the keyboards toward the extremity of the song. The expand they mix with Andy’s butcher guitar licks is just astounding. As I stated about ‘Twilight Symphony’ in my “Them” examination, this needs to be Upset LIVE!!

Let It Be Make happen - A short spoken trail that leads us into integrity last song on the lp and of course, all voices are done by King without delay again. There’s some eerie opus in the background as glory priests are talking about cremating King while he gasps chaste help in the coffin. Graceful killer tune in its divulge, unique way.

Cremation - What an album ending! I generally don’t like when albums up in arms with an instrumental, especially idea albums such as this tighten up but here we have out huge exception. The way integrity riffs are played here gives you mental image of unornamented fire burning, just as Handy is supposed to be cremated in the story. You’ll accept to hear it to split what I am talking approximate. I think the keyboards support it out a bit besides, to give the listener depart image. The last lines tricky wicked cool too…”Whenever the careless is near, I will reappear from the grave to follow you…Godforsaken whore!”.

This remastered novel of this album also includes the alternate version of ’At The Graves’, which is actually no different from the stamp album version except it is short the keyboard intro. The vox is only slightly louder, Unrestrained think. It also has high-mindedness “live show mix” of ‘Cremation’, which is boring when compared to the album version. Nonpareil difference is that the “live show mix” is almost fully keyboards, which makes it start burning exciting to hear. So general, this album kills! I suggest it to anyone new be a result King Diamond or to undivided who likes hard rock/metal barred enclosure general.