MERCYFUL FATE - Into The Unknown (12" LP on Fog Marbled Vinyl w/ Download Card)

"Into the Unknown" might not stand out as the most innovative album in the Mercyful Fate catalog, but it's far from the worst. It marked the end of an era, being the last Fate album to feature Michael Denner on guitar. While it represents a point where the band's inspiration seemed to wane, it still delivers an energetic performance. The album offers a mix of classic Mercyful Fate licks with grooves that cater to fans of their earlier '90s material. The rhythm guitars feature simpler patterns with a heavy, chunky tone, and the bass lines are thick and embedded, adding to the album's appeal. King Diamond's vocals are solid, and he explores some cool falsetto counterpoints. The lyrics delve into intriguing subjects like Caribbean pirates and period horror. While "Into the Unknown" may not reach the creative heights of the band's earlier work, it remains a solid record worth revisiting, especially for dedicated fans.