Following up a legendary album is no small feat—especially when that album is Abigail. But in true King Diamond fashion, Abigail II: The Revenge doesn’t just revisit the haunted corridors of its predecessor—it expands the story, deepens the dread, and showcases a band firing on all cylinders. While sequels often risk falling short of the original's shadow, The Revenge carves its own cursed path with confidence and class.
The album wastes no time establishing its atmosphere. From the opening notes of “Spare This Life,” the listener is transported back into a world of gothic tragedy, spectral voices, and sinister intentions. King’s voice remains the centerpiece—otherworldly falsettos, ghostly whispers, and snarling proclamations paint each scene vividly. Whether embodying Abigail, Jonathan, or the demonic presences that haunt them, his performance is as theatrical and chilling as ever.
Musically, this is one of the most cohesive and energetic lineups King Diamond assembled post-’80s. The dual guitar work from Andy LaRocque and Mike Wead is a masterclass in metal storytelling—elegant harmonies, spiraling leads, and razor-edged riffs elevate the narrative rather than just decorate it. Tracks like “The Storm,” “Mansion in Sorrow,” and “Slippery Stairs” are brimming with both tension and technical flair, never allowing the momentum to lag.
Hal Patino’s return on bass adds familiar weight to the compositions, while Matt Thompson’s drums are sharp and commanding—his precision anchors the many dynamic shifts throughout the album. The production, courtesy of Kol Marshall alongside King and Andy, is lush and layered, with eerie keys and ambient details providing a cinematic quality that bolsters the gothic horror setting.
Lyrically, Abigail II is bold. Instead of simply mimicking the structure of the first album, the story pushes into darker, more introspective territory. Abigail, now reborn as a young woman, becomes more than a tragic figure—she is a force of vengeance, facing betrayal, confinement, and spiritual warfare with mounting fury. King crafts this narrative with a flair for the macabre, but also with an emotional core that makes the story’s descent all the more affecting.
While Abigail II may not dethrone its iconic predecessor, it doesn’t try to. It stands as a proud continuation—modern, refined, and richly detailed. For longtime fans, it’s a triumphant return to familiar horrors. For newcomers, it’s a dark doorway into one of metal’s most unique discographies.
A sequel worth its weight in blood—Abigail II: The Revenge is a theatrical, musically sophisticated ghost story brought vividly to (after)life.
