“That’s the end of another lullaby”
Black Horsemen is one of my favourite metal album closers of all time and it also succeeds perfectly in bringing King Diamond’s 1987 ghost story concept album Abigail to a satisfying conclusion: lyrically, musically and emotionally. As with the rest of Abigail‘s tracks, Black Horsemen is chock full of dazzling musicianship, deadly riffs and King Diamond’s demented theatrical vocals. But the song is elevated by a serene, Randy Rhoads-esque acoustic guitar intro that evokes the sun rising as the horrific goings-on at the La’Fey mansion come to an end. And the climatic guitar solo is so joyous it feels like an ecstatically received curtain call.
Its those demented theatrical vocals that grate sometimes for me, but not so on this cut. My friends and I used to pore over the artwork and storylines of his LPs obsessively.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I instantly loved him on the Mercyful Fate albums but it took me a while to get into his solo stuff. He can overdo it a bit at times eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect he’d be a bit full-on, you know, popping down to Aldi in full stage gear and make up with props. ‘Clean up crew to aisle 3, there’s been a spillage’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. He does at mine. You’re just in the drinks aisle and he jumps out screaming “drink my tea hee hee hee” in that witchy voice. Numpty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Abigail is a classic that is timeless!! Yes, I stared at the artwork, poured over the lyrics and bowed at the altar of this albums’ songs. I only wish I still had the vinyl.
LikeLiked by 1 person