Halloween comes a month early this year, with King Diamond's latest treat entitled Deadly Lullabyes. This is the second live album in King's career with the previous one being In Concert 1987 – Abigail. Interestingly enough, this live album begins with a sort of an Abigail saga. The first 8 tracks are taken from the original Abigail and Abigail II: The Revenge. The second side features a 4 song section from King's latest studio album The Puppet Master. The remainder of the performance is drawn from The Eye ("Eye Of The Witch", "Burn"), Them ("Welcome Home", "The Invisible Guests") and only single song selections from Conspiracy and Fatal Portrait.
I find this kind of surprising since both of those albums seem to be also amongst fan favorites and only "Sleepless Nights" and "Halloween" (which is one I am sure could never be dropped from the setlist. The same goes for King's Yuletide classic "No Presents For Christmas"). I have to admit being disappointed in hearing no songs from Voodoo which I felt was one of the strongest post Conspiracy efforts. There are also no tracks from The Graveyard, House Of God, or The Spider's Lullabye. In all fairness however, due to the theatrical nature of King's performances that choices for the setlist I believe are partially determined on what he plans on doing theatrically for the show. From looking at the photos in the booklet the show itself is surely a sight to see, and some of the best metal theater this side of Alice Cooper!
The band King has nowadays is a rather formidable one, and are very impressive in live performance. This live album is ample evidence of this. Long time side kick Andy La Rocque and former Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead are a deadly duo, and bring back that same perfect contrast that the band had when La Rocque would be dueling with the Schenker like melodicism of Micheal Denner. Hal Patino from the Them era returns on bass, and drummer Matt Thompson is the most skilled the band has had since the departure of Mikkey Dee back in 1989. The band also is assited by female vocalist Livia Zita, and actress Jody Cachia. The CD sounds very crisp and punchy, but at the same time sounds authentically live. Unlike many other "live" albums that seem to have so much done in the studio.
After hearing this CD, and looking at the images in the booklet it reminds me of how much I have wanted to see King do a live concert video! If King performs that Trick someday, that will surely be a Treat! This year just sit back on all Hallows Eve, turn off the lights and turn up the stereo and prepare for the Deadly Lullabyes King has in store! Believe me either a "Sleepless Night" is in store, or if one dares close their eyes prepare for one hellish nightmare!
Tracklisting:
Disc 1
1. Funeral
2. A Mansion In Darkness
3. The Family Ghost
4. Black Horsmen
5. Spare This Life
6. Mansion In Sorrow
7. Spirits
8. Sorry Dear
9. Eye Of The Witch
10. Sleepless Nights
Disc 2
1. The Puppet Master
2. Blood To Walk
3. So Sad
4. Living Dead "outro"
5. Welcome Home
6. The Invisible Guests
7. Burn
8. "Introductions"
9. Halloween
10. No Presents For Christmas
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