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 Mercyful Fate9 Release Date: 1999 06 15 Label: Metal Blade Rating:  |
It's somewhat odd that the reunited Mercyful Fate has now recorded more prolifically than the original group did in their classic early-'80s period, especially since there seems to be a personnel shift with nearly every '90s album. Their fifth full-length since the reunion, 9 does feature the same lineup as its predecessor, Dead Again; the downside is that there are now only two original members remaining -- King Diamond and Hank Shermann. While Mike Wead is a fine guitarist, the telepathic interplay Shermann had with Michael Denner provided a goodly portion of the band's spark, and that energy was the main reason Mercyful Fate could get away with sticking to their tried-and-true style upon making their comeback in 1993. Now they've started to sound flat, essentially repeating the same ideas they've covered for years (King Diamond's lyrics, in particular, are approaching the realm of self-parody). In spite of 9's efforts to strip down the band's sound and recover some of the power that was sacrificed for more elaborate arrangements, the melodies and riffs in general just aren't up to their usual standard, feeling more journeyman-like than one might hope. As with any Mercyful Fate record, there are a few good moments, but overall, it's beginning to feel like they've stuck around too long. Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Tracks:
| Title | Composer | Time | |
| 1 | Last Rites | Sherman [2], King Diamond [2] | 4:12 |
| 2 | Church of Saint Anne | Sherman [2], King Diamond [2] | 4:44 |
| 3 | Sold My Soul | King Diamond [2] | 5:04 |
| 4 | House on the Hill | Sherman [2], King Diamond [2] | 3:43 |
| 5 | Burn in Hell | King Diamond [2] | 3:49 |
| 6 | Grave | King Diamond [2], Sherman [2] | 4:09 |
| 7 | Insane | Shermann, King Diamond [2] | 3:01 |
| 8 | Kiss the Demon | King Diamond [2] | 3:53 |
| 9 | Buried Alive | King Diamond [2] | 4:41 |
| 10 | 9 | King Diamond [2], Wead | 4:31 |
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