Former Mercyful Fate dual lead guitar players Hank Shermann & Michael Denner are back in action with a group that will definately impress the fans of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. All members of Force of Evil, with the exception of vocalist Martin Steene , were associated with Mercyful Fate or King Diamond at one point in their career. I feel this is what makes the group have a very Fate-like musical quality, and of course it would be hard to avoid this sound with the dual shredding of the Fate axemen. However, do not anticipate that singer Steene sounds like King Diamond, for he does not. He is a great metal singer just the same yet has more in common with Joey Belladonna, formerly of Anthrax, than King if one were to form a quick comparison of vocal styles. In all honesty, this is better for the group in that if Steene sounded exactly like Diamond he would probably risk being called a copy cat.
Notable tracks include 'Hell On Earth' & 'Mindbreaker' with quick tempos and great rhythms. It did not take me long to have these at the most played numbers. Slower tunes such as 'Eye Of The Storm' & 'Misery Man' roll along with a solid heavy grind, while 'The Calling' is a thunderous piece that uses the bands title in it as it rumbles through the stereo.
Members roll call is Hank Shermann, Michael Denner (both on lead guitar), Martin Steene (vocals), Hal Patino (bass) and Bjarne Holm (drums).
The group has begun touring and have already issued a live DVD. Since the band is so new I would hope to hear some classic Fate in their set. Whether their live show will be as theatrical as that of King Diamond remains to be seen but I do advise the Fate/Diamond fanbase to snare a copy of this as it is quality metal. I am sure this will be a great band to see live.
Track Listing
1. Dawn Of Dominion
2. Hell On Earth
3. Mindbreaker
4. Eye Of The Storm
5. Misery Man
6. Samhain
7. The Calling
8. Fountain Of Grace
9. Under The Blade
10. Demonized
11. Eternity
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
