'Them' is a theme album from one of the most original heavy metal acts ever, King Diamond. Actually, I'm not quite sure that this actually is heavy metal, maybe it should be called horror metal. I decided to start a series of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate (King's other band) reviews with this album because it's actually part one of two.

The story is continued in a 1989 release 'Conspiracy' so check that one out also. The story is told by young King. It starts as King's grandmother returns from an asylum to live with King's family. Very soon strange things start to happen; there's insane laughter in the grandmothers room and some sort of poltergeist seems to throw cups around. King falls under the spell of the grandmother and "Them" and starts to lose control. Grandmother makes tea from the blood of King's mother for the invisible guests. As the mother gets weaker, King's sister Missy starts to suspect something and destroys grandmother's teapot. She soon faces punishment and is taken away by "Them". Destroying the teapot has weakened "Them" and King manages to clear his head a bit. He decides to get rid of the evil grandmother and kills her with an axe. King gets some well deserved psychiatric care, but Missy has disappeared without a sight.

So as you have propably figured out, there's no way to listen just parts of this album. You have to listen to it as a whole. King Diamond has succeeded in what so many bands have failed; they have made a theme album that actually works. The playing is good, Andy La Rocques and Pete Blakk's guitars are great. There's more variety in a single song than on most bands albums. And then of course Kings singing: Well, it's a matter of taste. I know people that just can't listen to that high pitched screaming and I'm the first to admit that it takes some getting used to.

But King acts the parts of all the characters on the story, an admirable feat. There really isn't much more to say; if you like horror stories and original heavy metal, this is the thing.

Reviewed by Tommi
01/03/2002 12:58