Tag Archives: concept albums

Black Metal, Genre, Heavy Metal, Song Reviews

King Diamond – Black Horsemen (Song Review)

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“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.

Classic Rock, Genre, Hard Rock, Song Reviews

Albert Bouchard – Mountain Of Madness (Song Review)

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“Avast me hearties…”

Albert Bouchard’s Imaginos trilogy has mostly involved re-imagined versions of old Blue Öyster Cult songs but it’s a wonderful new song Mountain Of Madness that forms the centrepiece of the trilogies final album, Imaginos III: Mutant Reformation. A collaboration between ex-BÖC member Bouchard and current member Richie Castellano, this is a glorious manfeels adventure on the seven seas. Mountain Of Madness is a glorious AOR tune with a piratey sway, Kansas-style fiddle and a soulful, melodic vocal performance from Castellano. The Imaginos series has been one of the most delightful surprises of recent years and it’s hit a peak with Mountain Of Madness. I love it!