Editing Mercyful Fate

{{short description|Danish heavy metal band}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{for|the Metallica cover song|Garage Inc.{{!}}''Garage Inc.''}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name            = Mercyful Fate
| image           = Mercyful Fate - 2022216204606 2022-08-04 Wacken - Sven - 5DS R - 0496 - 5DSR7583.jpg
| landscape       = yes
| caption         = Mercyful Fate performing in 2022
| alias           = 
| origin          = [[Copenhagen]], Denmark
| genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]
* [[first-wave black metal]]<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{cite book|title=Dansk rockleksikon|editor=Bille, Torben|publisher=[[JP/Politikens Hus|Politikens Forlag]]|year=2002|isbn=87-567-6525-8|edition=1st|page=314|language=da|quote=En af grundlæggerne af 'black metal': heavy metal med udtalt satanistiske tekster. [English: One of the founders of 'black metal': heavy metal with pronouncedly satanic lyrics.]}}
*{{cite book|title=80'er rock: Dansk rock 1980-1990|author=Nielsen, Jens-Emil|publisher=Her & Nu|year=2014|isbn=978-87-93093-85-0|edition=1st|page=74|language=da|quote=[...] sataniske tekster, som gør, at de er med til at skabe undergenren black metal. [English: [...] satanic lyrics, which entails that they are involved in creating the subgenre black metal.]}}
*{{cite web |author1=[[Garry Sharpe-Young|Sharpe-Young, Garry]] |author2=Born, R |name-list-style=amp |title=Mercyful Fate |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/denmark/copenhagen/mercyful+fate |publisher=[[MusicMight]] |access-date=December 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926144126/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/denmark/copenhagen/mercyful+fate |archive-date=September 26, 2012 }}</ref>
}}
| discography     = [[Mercyful Fate discography]]
| years_active    = {{hlist|1981–1985|1992–1999|2008|2011|2019–present}}
| label           = {{flatlist|
* [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]
* [[Metal Blade Records|Metal Blade]]
}}
| spinoffs        = [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]]
| website         = {{URL|mercyfulfatecoven.com}}
| current_members = 
* [[King Diamond]]
* [[Hank Shermann]]
* Bjarne T. Holm
* [[Mike Wead]]
* Becky Baldwin
| past_members   = 
* Carsten Van Der Volsing
* Jan Lindbla
* [[Timi Hansen]]
* [[Sharlee D'Angelo]]
* Nick Smith
* Kim Ruzz
* Benny Petersen
* Michael Denner
* Morten Nielsen
* Ole Frausing Andresen
* Jan Flegdahl Rehmeier 
* [[Snowy Shaw]]
* [[Ole Beich]]
* [[Joey Vera]]
}}
'''Mercyful Fate''' is a Danish [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[Copenhagen]], formed in 1981 by vocalist [[King Diamond]] and guitarist [[Hank Shermann]].<ref name="shermann bio"/> Influenced by [[progressive rock]] and [[hard rock]], and with lyrics dealing with [[LaVeyan Satanism]] (often with [[Irony|ironic]] or [[Sardonicism|sardonic]] use of [[Christianity|Christian]] themes) and the [[occult]], Mercyful Fate was part of the [[first-wave black metal|first wave of black metal]] in the early to mid-1980s, along with [[Venom (band)|Venom]] and [[Bathory (band)|Bathory]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heavymusichq.com/essential-black-metal-albums/|title=Essential Black Metal Albums|website=Heavy Music Headquarters|access-date=February 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heavymetalculture.com/10-metal-bands-that-broke-up-too-soon/|title=Heavy Metal Culture — 10 Metal Bands that Broke Up too Soon|website=Heavy Metal Culture|date=July 4, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> The band is also cited as a formative influence on many then-up-and-coming subgenres of heavy metal, including [[thrash metal]]<ref name="Kerry King">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/slayers-kerry-king-my-10-favorite-metal-albums-197333/|title=Slayer's Kerry King: My 10 Favorite Metal Albums|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 14, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="metalinjection">{{cite web|title=Mercyful Fate – The high pitched un-powered metal band|url=https://metalinjection.net/editorials/back-in-the-day/mercyful-fate-high-pitched-unpowered-metal-band|website=metalinjection.com|date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref> and [[death metal]], as well as the [[Music_of_Norway#Black_metal|Norwegian black metal]] scene.<ref>{{cite web|title=Essential Black Metal Listening: MERCYFUL FATE Melissa|url=https://metalinjection.net/black-metal-chronicles/black-metal-history-month/essential-black-metal-listening-mercyful-fate-melissa|website=metalinjection.com|date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Impact of Mercyful Fate's Melissa 40 Years Later|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2023/10/30/the-impact-of-mercyful-fates-melissa-40-years-later/|website=metalsucks.net|date=October 30, 2023 |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Melissa Review"/>

Since its inception in 1981, Mercyful Fate has released seven studio albums, two [[extended play]]s, and four [[Compilation album|compilation]]s. After several line-up changes and self-made demos, they released their [[Mercyful Fate (EP)|self-titled EP]] in 1982, with the line-up of [[King Diamond]] (vocals), Hank Shermann (lead and rhythm guitars), Michael Denner (rhythm and lead guitars), [[Timi Hansen]] (bass) and Kim Ruzz (drums). With this line-up, the group recorded their first two studio albums: 1983's ''[[Melissa (Mercyful Fate album)|Melissa]]'' and 1984's ''[[Don't Break the Oath]]''. In spite of their reputation as one of the most acclaimed bands of the European heavy metal scene of the 1980s, Mercyful Fate were the subject of controversy due to their satanic imagery, and one of their songs "Into the Coven" (from ''Melissa'') later gained notoriety for appearing as one of the [[Parents Music Resource Center|PMRC]]'s "Filthy Fifteen" list of objectionable songs.<ref name="PMRC">{{cite web|title=The 'Worst' Lyrics From the Satanic Panic's 'Filthy 15'|url=https://loudwire.com/worst-lyrics-satanic-panic-filthy-15/|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref>

After disbanding in 1985 due to musical differences, four out of the five members of Mercyful Fate reunited in 1992 and recorded the album ''[[In the Shadows (album)|In the Shadows]]'', which was released the following year. During the 1990s, the band released four more studio albums and went through several line-up changes. Mercyful Fate went on hiatus in 1999, but had reunited on occasion during the 2000s. On August 1, 2019, it was announced that Mercyful Fate was reuniting on a more permanent basis, with plans to tour<ref name="shermann bio">[https://hankshermann.com/bio/ Biography - Hank Shermann | Official Website]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/legendarisk-dansk-band-vender-tilbage/7734075|title=Legendarisk dansk band vender tilbage|first=Rådhuspladsen 37 1785 København V. Telefon: 33111313|last=Fax: 33141000|website=Ekstrabladet.dk|date=August 2019|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> and release a new album, which will be their first since ''[[9 (Mercyful Fate album)|9]]'' in 1999.<ref name="Blabbermouth album">{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hank-shermann-has-written-six-or-seven-new-songs-for-mercyful-fates-next-album/|title=HANK SHERMANN Has Written 'Six Or Seven' New Songs For MERCYFUL FATE's Next Album|date=May 2, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 2, 2020}}</ref>

==History==
===Formation and first releases (1981–1985)===
Mercyful Fate was originally formed in [[Copenhagen]] in the spring of 1981,<ref>{{cite book|title=Dansk rockleksikon|editor=Bille, Torben|publisher=[[JP/Politikens Hus|Politikens Forlag]]|year=2002|isbn=87-567-6525-8|edition=1st|page=314|language=da|quote=Dannet foråret 1981 i København. [English: Formed in the spring of 1981 in Copenhagen.]}}</ref> following the dissolution of the band Brats.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Brats were a [[Punk rock|punk]]/[[Heavy metal music|metal]] band, featuring future Mercyful Fate members, vocalist [[King Diamond]], and guitarists [[Hank Shermann]] and Michael Denner.<ref name="Interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghf8cVMstBM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ghf8cVMstBM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond interviewed in 1997. |date=January 19, 2009 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After two studio albums and several line-up changes (including the addition of Diamond and the departure of Denner), Diamond and Shermann began writing new material that was much heavier than any of Brats' previous work.<ref name="Interview"/> The band's record label [[Sony Music|CBS]] was not pleased with the material, and demanded they stop singing in English and become more commercial.<ref name="Interview"/> As a result, Diamond and Shermann quit the group and went on to form Mercyful Fate.<ref name="Interview"/> Former Rock Nalle bassist [[Ole Beich]] (later of [[L.A. Guns]] and [[Guns N' Roses]]) briefly joined the band around this time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jv.dk/esbjerg/Esbjergs-stoerste-rockstjerne-havde-en-destruktiv-djaevel/artikel/2197991|title=Esbjergs største rockstjerne havde en destruktiv djævel|date=January 2, 2016}}</ref> After several line-up changes and semi-professional demo tapes, Mercyful Fate released their [[Mercyful Fate (EP)|self-titled EP]] in 1982.<ref name=szt>Björn Thorsten Jaschinski: ''Seziertisch''. In: ''Rock Hard'', no. 282, November 2010, p. 28.</ref><ref name="Band members"/> This line-up, consisting of King Diamond, Hank Shermann, bassist Timi Hansen, drummer Kim Ruzz and guitarist Michael Denner.<ref name="EP">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-mercyful-fate/ |title=''Mercyful Fate'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020100924/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-mercyful-fate/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

In July 1983, Mercyful Fate recorded their debut album at Easy Sound Recording, in Copenhagen, Denmark.<ref name="Melissa">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-melissa/ |title=''Melissa'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020100828/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-melissa/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Entitled ''[[Melissa (Mercyful Fate album)|Melissa]]'', the album was produced by Henrik Lund and released on October 30, 1983 through [[Roadrunner Records]].<ref name="Melissa"/> ''Melissa'' has been referred to as "one of the first records to start to develop an '[[extreme metal]]' sound" and was major influence on the then-emerging [[thrash metal]], [[death metal]] and [[black metal]] genres.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thisdayinmetal.com/feature/versus-melissa-vs-abigail/|title=VERSUS: Melissa vs. Abigail|website=thisdayinmetal.com|access-date=5 July 2024|date=24 May 2024}}</ref> The character of Melissa, a [[witch]] who was burned at the stake, appears for the first time on the eponymous debut album and intermittently throughout the band's later work.<ref>{{cite news |title=The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever |url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-50-most-evil-songs-ever/ |access-date=July 20, 2019 |publisher=Kerrang!}}</ref> One of the album's tracks, "Into the Coven", received particular attention two years later, when it was listed by the [[Parents Music Resource Center]] (PMRC) as one of their "Filthy Fifteen" songs due to its perceived occult content.<ref name="PMRC"/> King Diamond was, in reality, interested in [[LaVeyan Satanism]], which he called "a life philosophy" and stated that it had nothing to do with [[Satan|the Devil]] of [[Abrahamic religions]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Heavy Metal – 40 år med hård rock |author=Rasmussen, Jens|publisher=[[Dagbladet Information|Informations Forlag]]|year=2010|isbn=978-87-7514-2590|edition=1st|page=138|language=da|quote=LaVey, som også var en ironisk mand, skabte en livsfilosofi, der ikke havde noget med religion at gøre, hvor der fandtes én Gud, der sagde, hvordan man skulle gøre [...] Ordet 'satanisme' skulle måske aldrig have været sat på den livsfilosofi, for det har kun givet grund til misforståelser og har ikke noget at gøre med kristendommens 'Satan', som er ét stort negativt fortegn. De 'satanistiske' tekster i Mercyful Fate gav os chancen for at forklare os på mange områder, men på samme tid gav de også anledning til en masse misforståelser. [English: LaVey, who was also a man given to irony, created a life philosophy, which had nothing to do with a religion that has one God, who says what one must do [...] The word 'Satanism' should perhaps never have been used to designate that life philosophy, because it has only provided grounds for misunderstandings and has nothing to do with 'Satan' of Christianity, which is one big negative characteristic. The 'satanic' lyrics of Mercyful Fate gave us the chance to explain ourselves in many ways, but they also gave the opportunity for a lot of misunderstandings at the same time.]}}</ref> After a number of concerts around Denmark, Mercyful Fate entered the studio in May 1984 to record their second studio album ''[[Don't Break the Oath]]'', which was released on September 7, 1984.<ref name="Don't Break the Oath">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dont-break-the-oath/ |title=''Don't Break the Oath'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701225755/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dont-break-the-oath/ |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the album's supporting tour, the band played the US for two months and made festival appearances in Germany.<ref name="YouTube #1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Io9kAl76NM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1Io9kAl76NM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond - Interview |date=May 19, 2009 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 8, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Despite winning a [[cult following]] around the world, Mercyful Fate broke up in April 1985, due to musical differences.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mercyful-fate-mn0000343954 |title=Mercyful Fate |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref><ref name="YouTube #1"/><ref name="Music Box">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a89uYy8su2k | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610214019/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a89uYy8su2k| archive-date=2014-06-10 | url-status=dead|title=King Diamond interviewed on the Music Box |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref> Guitarist Hank Shermann wanted the band to move to a more commercial sound;<ref name="Allmusic"/> King Diamond refused and announced his departure from Mercyful Fate, which led to the band breaking up.<ref name="YouTube #1"/>

===After disbanding (1985–1992)===
After Mercyful Fate broke up in 1985, King Diamond, along with Michael Denner and [[Timi Hansen]], formed the eponymous [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] band.<ref name="bandhistory02">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070127114717/http://www.covenworldwide.org/bandhistory02.php The complete biography of King Diamond]</ref><ref name="YouTube #1"/><ref name="Music Box"/> Both Denner and Hansen stayed with the group until 1987's ''[[Abigail (album)|Abigail]]'', after which both left King Diamond.<ref name="King Diamond band members"/> They were replaced by [[Mike Moon (musician)|Mike Moon]] and Hal Patino, respectively, and King Diamond continued releasing albums even after Mercyful Fate had reformed.<ref name="King Diamond band members"/> After leaving King Diamond, Denner opened up a recordshop in Copenhagen, until 1988, when he formed the band Lavina (which would later become Zoser Mez), along with former bandmate Hank Shermann.<ref name="King Diamond band members"/><ref name="YouTube #2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvPWdAk1Fg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/npvPWdAk1Fg| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=King Diamond - Interview 1987 |date=May 19, 2009 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} Hank Shermann had formed the hard rock band [[Fate (band)|Fate]] in 1985, after having left Mercyful Fate.<ref name="Fate Allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/fate-mn0001571766 |title=Fate |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}</ref> With Fate, Shermann released two albums: 1985's ''Fate'' and 1986's ''[[A Matter of Attitude]]''.<ref name="Fate Allmusic"/> After leaving the band, Shermann joined-up with Michael Denner to form Lavina.<ref name="Fate Allmusic"/>

During the time Mercyful Fate were disbanded, Roadrunner Records released three Mercyful Fate [[compilation album]]s. ''[[The Beginning (Mercyful Fate album)|The Beginning]]'' was released on June 24, 1987, and featured material from the band's 1982 self-titled EP, as well as rare live and studio recordings.<ref name="The Beginning">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-beginning/ |title=''The Beginning'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118073523/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-beginning/ |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On May 12, 1992, ''[[Return of the Vampire]]'' was released, which was another compilation of rare studio recordings.<ref name="Return of the Vampire">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-return-of-the-vampire/ |title=''Return of the Vampire'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190442/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-return-of-the-vampire/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On October 6, 1992, Roadrunner Records released ''[[A Dangerous Meeting]]'', a greatest hits album under the King Diamond name, featuring material from both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond.<ref name="A Dangerous Meeting">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/king-diamond-a-dangerous-meeting/ |title=''A Dangerous Meeting'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185911/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/king-diamond-a-dangerous-meeting/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Reunion (1992–1999)===
In 1992, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen reunited to reform Mercyful Fate (drummer Kim Ruzz was replaced by Morten Nielsen).<ref name="Band members">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/mercyful-fate-band-members/ |title=Mercyful Fate - Band members |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622073012/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/mercyful-fate-band-members/ |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The result was the band's third album ''[[In the Shadows (album)|In the Shadows]]'', which was released on June 22, 1993 through [[Metal Blade Records]].<ref name="In the Shadows">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-in-the-shadows/ |title=''In the Shadows'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904032104/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-in-the-shadows/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 }}</ref> The album also featured a guest appearance by [[Metallica]] drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] (a fellow Dane) on the track "Return of the Vampire".<ref name="In the Shadows"/> For the album's supporting tour, Morten Nielsen was replaced by King Diamond drummer [[Snowy Shaw]], due to a knee injury Nielsen had sustained.<ref name="Band members"/> Bassist Timi Hansen was also replaced by [[Sharlee D'Angelo]], as Hansen did not want to take part in touring.<ref name="Band members"/><ref name="About">{{cite web |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/archenemyinterv_2.htm |title=Sharlee D'Angelo Interview |publisher=[[About.com]] |access-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023202437/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/archenemyinterv_2.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} On June 27, 1994, the band released ''[[The Bell Witch (EP)|The Bell Witch]]'', an EP of live tracks, as well as studio recordings from ''In the Shadows''.<ref name="The Bell Witch">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-bell-witch/ |title=''The Bell Witch'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214012859/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-the-bell-witch/ |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:King Diamond live 1999.jpg|thumb|upright|[[King Diamond]] performing with Mercyful Fate in 1999]]
On October 25, 1994, Mercyful Fate released its fourth album ''[[Time (Mercyful Fate album)|Time]]'', which was recorded and mixed at the Dallas Sound Lab during May and August of that year.<ref name="Time">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |title=''Time'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904031657/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the album's release, drummer Snowy Shaw was replaced by Bjarne T. Holm for the Time Tour.<ref name="Band members"/> Holm had originally been asked to join Mercyful Fate back in 1981, but had declined due to prior commitments.<ref name="Band members"/> The band spent January through February 1996 recording and mixing their next album ''[[Into the Unknown (Mercyful Fate album)|Into the Unknown]]'', which was released on August 20, 1996.<ref name="Into the Unknown">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |title=''Into the Unknown'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904031657/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-time/ |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the album's release, guitarist Michael Denner left the band and was replaced by [[Mike Wead]].<ref name="Band members"/> In October 1997, Mercyful Fate began recording its sixth album ''[[Dead Again (Mercyful Fate album)|Dead Again]]'' at the Nomad Recording Studio in [[Carrollton, Texas]].<ref name="Dead Again">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dead-again/ |title=''Dead Again'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215070649/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-dead-again/ |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Dead Again'' was released on June 9, 1998.<ref name="Dead Again"/> In February 1999, Mercyful Fate began recording its seventh studio album ''[[9 (Mercyful Fate album)|9]]'', which was released on June 15, 1999.<ref name="Nine">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-9/ |title=''9'' at KingDiamondCoven.com |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215065942/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/discography/mercyful-fate-9/ |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Hiatus and sporadic reunions (1999–2018)===
After the supporting tour for ''9'', Mercyful Fate was put on hiatus. King Diamond focused on his eponymous band, along with guitarist Mike Wead, who joined the group during the European ''[[House of God (album)|House of God]]'' tour.<ref name="King Diamond band members">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/king-diamond-band-members/ |title=King Diamond - Band members |publisher=KingDiamondCoven.com |access-date=December 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709010035/http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/site/king-diamond-band-members/ |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hank Shermann and Bjarne T. Holm reunited with Michael Denner to form Force of Evil, while Sharlee D'Angelo joined the band [[Arch Enemy]].<ref name="Force of Evil">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/Force%20of%20Evil-MN0000660617 |title=Force of Evil |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}</ref> When asked about the current state of the band in 2008, Diamond stated that Mercyful Fate is currently "hibernating", and that "it's definitely not finished, at least in my book."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=92517 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - KING DIAMOND: MERCYFUL FATE 'Is Definitely Not Finished, At Least In My Book' |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=July 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422014547/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=92517 |archive-date=April 22, 2008 }}</ref> In August 2008, King Diamond was asked by [[Metallica]] drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] if Mercyful Fate would be willing to participate in [[Activision]]'s ''[[Guitar Hero: Metallica]]'' video game.<ref name="Guitar Hero">{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115135 | title = King Diamong Comments On 'Guitar Hero: Metallica' Game Inclusion | date = February 26, 2009 | access-date = December 8, 2012 | publisher = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301115003/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115135 | archive-date = March 1, 2009 }}</ref> Ulrich requested the original masters for two of the band's songs, so they could be used in the game.<ref name="Guitar Hero"/> Unable to locate them, Diamond suggested to Activision the band re-record the songs, and as a result, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen and Bjarne T. Holm reunited to re-record the songs "Evil" and "Curse of the Pharaohs".<ref name="Guitar Hero"/> King Diamond was also made into a playable character in the game.<ref name="Guitar Hero"/>

On December 7, 2011, King Diamond, Hank Shermann, Michael Denner and Timi Hansen reunited onstage at Metallica's 30th Anniversary concert, at the Fillmore in [[San Francisco, California]], where they, alongside Metallica, performed the latter's "Mercyful Fate" medley from ''[[Garage Inc.]]''<ref name=GWorld>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/metallica-joined-mercyful-fate-anthrax-armored-saint-members-second-30th-anniversary-show |title=Metallica Joined by Mercyful Fate, Anthrax, Armored Saint Members for Second 30th Anniversary Show |publisher=[[Guitar World|GuitarWorld.com]] |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref>

On January 28, 2017, the original line-up of Mercyful Fate (minus Diamond) reunited to receive the Pioneer Prize at the [[Steppeulven]] ceremony by the Danish Association of Music Critics at the [[Bremen Teater (Copenhagen)|Bremen Teater]] in Copenhagen. This was the first time drummer Kim Ruzz appeared with the band since the 1985 split.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2017-01-30 |title=MERCYFUL FATE Honored At Denmark's STEPPEULVEN Awards |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-honored-at-denmarks-steppeulven-awards/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>

===Full-time reunion (2019–present)===
[[File:Mercyful Fate (52202517675).jpg|thumb|upright|Mercyful Fate performing in 2022]]
On August 1, 2019, it was announced that Mercyful Fate would be performing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe in the summer of 2020. The band's line-up consists of King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann on guitar, Bjarne T. Holm on drums, Mike Wead on guitar and [[Joey Vera]] on bass, the latter of whom was filling in for Timi Hansen, who was battling cancer;<ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Sacher|title=Mercyful Fate's Timi Hansen sitting out reunion tour because he's battling cancer|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/mercyful-fates-timi-hansen-sitting-out-reunion-tour-because-hes-battling-cancer/|publisher=[[BrooklynVegan]]|access-date=August 13, 2019|date=August 2, 2019}}</ref> Vera then became their full-time bass player after Hansen died on November 4, 2019, shortly after his 61st birthday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-bassist-timi-hansen-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/|title=MERCYFUL FATE Bassist TIMI HANSEN Dies After Battle With Cancer|date=November 4, 2019|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> Aside from previously released material, the band was also going to perform new songs over the course of the summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-to-reunite-for-appearance-at-denmarks-copenhell-festival/ |title= MERCYFUL FATE To Reunite For Summer 2020 European Festival Appearances |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019}}</ref>

In a May 2020 interview with Heavy magazine, Shermann said that he had "written six or seven songs" for the band's new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavymag.com.au/mercyful-fate-return-to-their-origins/|author=Griffiths, Dave|title=MERCYFUL FATE Return To Their Origins|website=heavymag.com.au|date=April 30, 2020 }}</ref> On June 2, 2022, Mercyful Fate performed their first live show since 1999 in [[Hanover]] as part of a European tour, where they debuted a brand new song titled "The Jackal of Salzburg".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/king-diamond-says-mercyful-fate-will-play-new-nine-minute-song-on-upcoming-tour-its-quite-a-monster|title=KING DIAMOND Says MERCYFUL FATE Will Play New Nine-Minute Song On Upcoming Tour: 'It's Quite A Monster'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 29, 2022 |accessdate=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/av/mercyful-fate-played-their-first-show-in-23-years-and-they-sounded-fantastic|author=Kennelty, Greg|title=MERCYFUL FATE Played Their First Show In 23 Years And They Sounded Fantastic|date=June 3, 2022 |accessdate=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

On January 16, 2024, Mercyful Fate announced that they had "mutually decided to split ways" with Vera.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-parts-ways-with-bassist-joey-vera|title=MERCYFUL FATE Parts Ways With Bassist JOEY VERA|date=January 16, 2024|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=January 16, 2024}}</ref> Three days later, it was announced Becky Baldwin was the new bassist of the band, who filled in for Vera during the band's 2022 tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/mercyful-fate-announces-new-bass-player-becky-baldwin|title=MERCYFUL FATE Announces New Bass Player BECKY BALDWIN|date=January 19, 2024|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=January 19, 2024}}</ref> In the following month, Baldwin stated that the new Mercyful Fate album is not expected to be released before 2025, due to [[King Diamond]]'s focus on his [[King Diamond (band)|namesake band]]'s upcoming thirteenth studio album ''The Institute''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-mercyful-fate-music-in-on-the-way-says-bassist-becky-baldwin|title=New MERCYFUL FATE Music Is 'On The Way', Says Bassist BECKY BALDWIN|date=February 12, 2024|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=February 12, 2024}}</ref>

==Style and legacy==
Mercyful Fate were a part of the [[first-wave black metal|first wave of black metal]], along with other groups, such as [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Bathory (band)|Bathory]], and [[Hellhammer]].<ref name=sam>{{cite video |last=Dunn |first=Sam |year=2005 |title=[[Metal: A Headbanger's Journey]] |type=motion picture |publisher=Seville Pictures}}</ref> Many of these groups helped establish the style upon which future black metal artists would later build.<ref name=sam/> Unlike the other first-wave bands, typical elements of Mercyful Fate's style are influences from [[progressive rock]],<ref name=rhi1>Götz Kühnemund: ''A History of Horror''. In: ''Rock Hard'', no. 282, November 2010, p. 20-27.</ref> epic 1970s [[hard rock]],<ref name=szt/> and traditional heavy metal. As many of the band's songs featured lyrics about [[Satanism]] and the [[occult]]<ref name="Melissa Review"/><ref name="Don't Break the Oath Review"/> and King Diamond was among the first black metal musicians to use the now famous [[corpse paint]],<ref name="metalstrom">{{cite web |url=http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/article.php?article_id=66 |title=On the Role of Clothing Styles In The Development of Metal – Part I |publisher=Metalstorm.ee |date=July 5, 2005 | access-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref> Mercyful Fate was a pioneer in developing black metal,<ref name="Melissa Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r12968 |title=Mercyful Fate: ''Melissa'' - Review |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Don't Break the Oath Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r12969 |title=Mercyful Fate: ''Don't Break the Oath'' - Review |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 9, 2012}}</ref> although their musical style was not as much an influence as that of other first wave bands.<ref name=szt/> The band has also been cited as an influence on or inspiration to bands of the then-emerging [[death metal]] genre, including [[Death (metal band)|Death]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/chuck-schuldiner-lust-life|title=Chuck Schuldiner: Lust for Life|website=[[Guitar World]]|date=May 13, 2009|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> [[Morbid Angel]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deathmetal.org/article/the-craft-of-metal-2-abominations-of-desolation/|title=The Craft of Metal #2: Abominations of Desolation|website=deathmetal.org|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Donald Tardy (Obituary) interview|url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/donald_tardy_obituary.htm|website=metal-temple.com|access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> and [[Cannibal Corpse]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CANNIBAL CORPSE's GEORGE 'CORPSEGRINDER' FISHER: Why I Love MERCYFUL FATE's 'Don't Break The Oath'|url=https://metaladdicts.com/corpsegrinder-why-i-love-mercyful-fates-dont-break-the-oath/|website=metaladdicts.com|date=March 23, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref>

Mercyful Fate have been cited as a formative influence on the 1980s thrash metal scene, including two-fourths of the genre's "Big Four" – [[Metallica]] and [[Slayer]].<ref name="Kerry King" /><ref name="metalinjection" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/Band%20History.htm |title=The History of Metallica |publisher=Metallicaworld.co.uk |access-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605102501/http://metallicaworld.co.uk/Band%20History.htm |archive-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Other thrash metal bands that have cited the band as an influence or inspiration to them include [[Testament (band)|Testament]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/testaments-chuck-billy-says-new-record-has-some-mercyful-fate-black-metal-influences|title=TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy Says New Record Has Some MERCYFUL FATE & Black Metal Influences|website=Metal Injection|date=September 30, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Exodus Family Tree — The Metal|url=https://www.givememetal.com/thrashmetaltrees/exodus-family-tree|website=givememetal.com|date=May 20, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> and [[Kreator]].<ref>{{cite web|title=KREATOR Frontman: 'I Try Not To Sound Like Anyone Else'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kreator-frontman-i-try-not-to-sound-like-anyone-else/|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> Slayer guitarist [[Kerry King]] has stated that he and then-guitarist [[Jeff Hanneman]] were big fans of Mercyful Fate and cited them as influence on their second album ''[[Hell Awaits]]''.<ref name="Kerry King"/><ref name="Metal Hammer">{{cite web | title = Kerry King interviewed by Metal Hammer.| date = June 15, 2010| publisher = YouTube| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiLGIw2KXm0&list=FLOb0w15YR6aG-n_TxKIZg9Q&index=88&feature=plpp_video| access-date = December 8, 2012 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} Metallica recorded a medley of Mercyful Fate songs on their 1998 covers album ''[[Garage Inc.]]'' Since then, the band has performed the song various times live with several members of Mercyful Fate.<ref name=GWorld/><ref name="Metallica 1999">{{cite web | title = Metallica performing "Mercyful Fate" w/King Diamond and Hank Shermann in 1999.| publisher = YouTube| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20_5rQAbBQ| access-date = December 9, 2012 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}}<ref name="Metallica 2008">{{cite web| title = Metallica performing "Mercyful Fate" w/ King Diamond on August 9, 2008 in Dallas, Texas.| publisher = Metallica.com| url = http://www.metallica.com/tour/2008-tour-videos.asp| access-date = December 9, 2012| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130101134934/http://www.metallica.com/tour/2008-tour-videos.asp| archive-date = January 1, 2013}}</ref> [[Lars Ulrich]] from Metallica has said in about 2008: "Mercyful Fate has made two of the best heavy rock records ever. We have been friends with them for 23 years. The first time I ever played on some other record was with them – I was in Dallas to make ''[[Return of the Vampire]]'' in 1992. They have been a very, very big inspiration for our sound."<ref>{{cite book|title=Husker du – dansk rock gennem 50 år|last1=Hegnsvad|first1=Kristoffer|last2=Maegaard|first2=Sofie|publisher=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]]|year=2008|isbn=978-87-7680-812-9|page=108|language=da|quote=Mercyful Fate har lavet to af de bedste heavyrock-plader nogensinde. Vi har været venner med dem i 23 år. Første gang jeg nogensinde spillede med på en anden plade, var med dem – jeg var i Dallas og lave ''Return of the Vampire'' i 1992. De har været en meget, meget stor inspiration for vores sound.}}</ref> [[Gary Holt (musician)|Gary Holt]] of Exodus and Slayer recalls, "We were all listening to the early Mercyful Fate demos. I was like, 'Who's this fuckin dude reciting the [[Lord's Prayer]] backwards? He's awesome.' [...] All that stuff had a huge influence on us in the beginning."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |title=Raising Hell |publisher=Diversion Books |year=2020 |pages=141}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

'''Current line-up'''
* [[King Diamond]] – lead vocals, keyboards (1981–1985, 1992–1999, 2008, 2011, 2019–present)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Hank Shermann]] – guitars (1981–1985, 1992–1999, 2008, 2011, 2019–present)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Bjarne T. Holm – drums (1994–1999, 2008, 2019–present)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Mike Wead]] – guitars (1996–1999, 2019–present)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Becky Baldwin – bass (2024–present; touring 2022)

{{col-2}}

'''Former members'''
* [[Timi Hansen]] – bass (1981–1985, 1992–1993, 2008, 2011, 2019; died 2019)
* Carsten Van Der Volsing – guitars (1981)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Ole Beich]] – bass (1981; died 1991)
* Ole Frausing – drums (1981)
* Jan Lindblad – drums (1981)<ref name="Return of the Vampire"/>
* Nick Smith – drums (1981)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Kim Ruzz – drums (1981–1985)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Benny Petersen – guitars (1981–1982)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Michael Denner – guitars (1982–1985, 1992–1996, 2008, 2011)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Sharlee D'Angelo]] – bass (1993–1999)<ref name="Band members"/>
* Morten Nielsen – drums (1992–1993)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Snowy Shaw]] – drums (1993–1994)<ref name="Band members"/>
* [[Joey Vera]] – bass (2019–2024)
{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:130 bottom:90 top:5 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1981 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1985
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981

Colors =
 id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals,_keyboards
 id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars
 id:Bass   value:blue legend:Bass
 id:Drums  value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
 id:Album  value:black legend:Studio_album
 id:bars   value:gray(0.95)

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LineData =
 layer:back
  color:album
   at:10/30/1983
   at:09/07/1984
   at:06/22/1993
   at:09/25/1994
   at:08/20/1996
   at:06/09/1998
   at:05/15/1999

BarData =
 bar:King    text:"King Diamond"
 bar:Hank    text:"Hank Shermann"
 bar:Carsten text:"Carsten Van Der Volsing"
 bar:Michael text:"Michael Denner"
 bar:Benny   text:"Benny Petersen"
 bar:Mike    text:"Mike Wead"
 bar:OleB    text:"Ole Beich"
 bar:Timi    text:"Timi Hansen"
 bar:Sharlee text:"Sharlee D'Angelo"
 bar:Joey    text:"Joey Vera"
 bar:Becky   text:"Becky Baldwin"
 bar:Jan     text:"Jan Lindblad"
 bar:Nick    text:"Nick Smith"
 bar:OleF    text:"Ole Frausing"
 bar:Kim     text:"Kim Ruzz"
 bar:Morten  text:"Morten Nielsen"
 bar:Snowy   text:"Snowy Shaw"
 bar:Bjarne  text:"Bjarne T. Holm"

PlotData=
 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
 bar:King    from:01/01/1981 till:04/11/1985 color:red
 bar:King    from:01/01/1992 till:12/31/1999 color:red
 bar:King    from:01/01/2008 till:12/31/2009 color:red
 bar:King    from:12/07/2011 till:12/07/2011 color:red
 bar:King    from:08/01/2019 till:end        color:red
 bar:Hank    from:01/01/1981 till:04/11/1985 color:green
 bar:Hank    from:01/01/1992 till:12/31/1999 color:green
 bar:Hank    from:01/01/2008 till:12/31/2009 color:green
 bar:Hank    from:12/07/2011 till:12/07/2011 color:green
 bar:Hank    from:08/01/2019 till:end        color:green
 bar:Carsten from:02/01/1981 till:04/01/1981 color:green
 bar:Michael from:04/01/1981 till:06/01/1981 color:green
 bar:Benny   from:06/01/1981 till:07/01/1981 color:green
 bar:Michael from:07/01/1981 till:04/11/1985 color:green
 bar:Michael from:01/01/1992 till:11/20/1996 color:green
 bar:Mike    from:11/20/1996 till:12/31/1999 color:green
 bar:Michael from:01/01/2008 till:12/31/2009 color:green
 bar:Michael from:12/07/2011 till:12/07/2011 color:green
 bar:Mike    from:08/01/2019 till:end        color:green
 bar:OleB    from:01/01/1981 till:02/01/1981 color:blue
 bar:Timi    from:02/01/1981 till:04/11/1985 color:blue
 bar:Timi    from:01/01/1992 till:09/25/1993 color:blue
 bar:Timi    from:01/01/2008 till:12/31/2009 color:blue
 bar:Timi    from:12/07/2011 till:12/07/2011 color:blue
 bar:Timi    from:08/01/2019 till:11/04/2019 color:blue
 bar:Joey    from:11/04/2019 till:01/16/2024 color:blue
 bar:Becky   from:01/16/2024 till:end        color:blue
 bar:Sharlee from:09/25/1993 till:12/31/1999 color:blue
 bar:Jan     from:01/01/1981 till:04/01/1981 color:orange
 bar:Nick    from:04/01/1981 till:06/01/1981 color:orange
 bar:OleF    from:06/01/1981 till:07/01/1981 color:orange
 bar:Kim     from:07/01/1981 till:04/11/1985 color:orange
 bar:Morten  from:01/01/1992 till:09/25/1993 color:orange
 bar:Snowy   from:09/25/1993 till:11/25/1994 color:orange
 bar:Bjarne  from:11/25/1994 till:12/31/1999 color:orange
 bar:Bjarne  from:01/01/2008 till:12/31/2009 color:orange
 bar:Bjarne  from:08/01/2019 till:end        color:orange
}}

==Discography==
{{Main|Mercyful Fate discography}}
* ''[[Melissa (Mercyful Fate album)|Melissa]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Don't Break the Oath]]'' (1984)
* ''[[In the Shadows (album)|In the Shadows]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Time (Mercyful Fate album)|Time]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Into the Unknown (Mercyful Fate album)|Into the Unknown]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Dead Again (Mercyful Fate album)|Dead Again]]'' (1998)
* ''[[9 (Mercyful Fate album)|9]]'' (1999)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
* {{Official website|https://mercyfulfatecoven.com/}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{allmusic}}

{{Mercyful Fate}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1981 establishments in Denmark]]
[[Category:1985 disestablishments in Denmark]]
[[Category:1999 disestablishments in Denmark]]
[[Category:Cthulhu Mythos music]]
[[Category:Danish black metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Danish heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Danish musical quintets]]
[[Category:Metal Blade Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1992]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1999]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2019]]