King Diamond

King Diamond is a Danish heavy metal vocalist known for his powerful vocals and extensive vocal range. He is the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and the band King Diamond, and has influenced many bands in the heavy metal genre.

Metal Singer

June 14, 1956

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Kim Bendix Petersen, also known as King Diamond, is a renowned Danish musician who pioneered the “horror metal” sub-genre of Heavy Metal music. He gained fame as the lead vocalist for Mercyful Fate and has released several successful solo albums, including “Abigail” and “Them.” In addition to his solo work, King Diamond has been involved with various bands such as Brats and Black Rose and has collaborated with Metallica and Motley Crue.

As a Grammy nominee, King Diamond has had a significant impact on the Heavy Metal music scene. He is also the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and his eponymous band, King Diamond, which was formed in Copenhagen, Denmark. The band has released twelve albums, known for their themes of horror, occultism, death, darkness, literature, and tales. King Diamond’s vocals have been heavily influenced by David Byron from Uriah Heep, and he is considered one of the most recognizable and prolific personalities in heavy metal, admired by icons like Metallica and Pantera.

Apart from his musical career, King Diamond is an art collector who supports artists by purchasing their work. He has also designed many of his album covers and stage sets, demonstrating his artistic talents beyond music. As a horror movie enthusiast, he cites films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby as some of his favorites.

In the ’90s, King Diamond’s most popular album was “Voodoo,” which defied prevailing musical trends and solidified his legacy. He also contributed to Mercyful Fate’s album “In The Shadows,” marking the band’s strong return after their 1992 reunion.