Mercyful Fate Don't Break the Oath LP (Orange, Yellow & Black Smoke Vinyl)

Not many bands can claim to be as influential as Mercyful Fate. As one of the early purveyors of true metal, the band's impact is felt far and wide; from the new wave of black metals' Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir to international metal gods Megadeth and Metallica. Originally released in 1984, this album is a pure satanic black metal masterpiece. Featuring the piercing vocals of King Diamond, many have argued that this is the best Mercyful Fate album ever. Joining the King on this album is Michael Denner (lead guitar), Hank Shermann (lead guitar), Timi G. Hansen (bass) and Kim Ruzz (drums). Don't Break the Oath is every bit as essential, and as groundbreaking as Master of Puppets, Number of the Beast, or Screaming for Vengeance.

All of Mercyful Fate's potential was fulfilled on Don't Break the Oath, a doomy, gothic collection of post-Priest/Maiden black metal preoccupied with Satan and the occult. Hank Shermann and Michael Denner keep their progressive rock tendencies reigned in while still delivering plenty of the neo-classical feel that gives the music its atmosphere, and King Diamond uses his vocal range to great theatrical effect. Fate's sound and attitude were highly influential on later gothic/black metal bands, especially in Europe, and Don't Break the Oath consistently encapsulates their appeal.