The story of 'Voodoo', the 8th King Diamond (also in Mercyful Fate) album is placed in Louisiana along the Mississippi river, U.S. of A. As the name suggests, it is all about voodoo, but sadly no zombies this time! I love those rotting braineaters, but maybe King doesn't... Daaamn....

No, the story itself is very good indeed. The Lafayettes move to an old mansion by the river. Surprisingly, there's a burial ground on their lands. Soon the new household wants to get rid of the graveyard and what happens? Great Wanga fights for its dead. Well, I do not give it all out, you should try it all by yourself. King's best since 'The Eye' (1990), easily! 'Voodoo's vibe is actually very similar when compared to 'The Eye'. Nice to hear King's back to the right tracks after his mild "John Carpenter" period (read: some very bad outputs, notice the word "mild" here). Still, I take the music as enjoyable heavy metal, not a thing to chill me.

The music is varying, always following the story closely enough. The mild "J.C." period have plagued King's close past before this album, so it is great to hear this. Every song has its moment. Yes, every single one of them. What more can one ask? The album holds well together, and one can expect some great heavy metal after more atmospheric parts (like haunting synth tracks etc.). Together with guitarists Andy La Rocque and Chris Estes, King has composed a totally intriguing album. Dimebag Darrell (ex-Pantera) guests on the title song, adding his heaviness to it. King's vocals are extremely demanding. You can or can't listen to him. Still, some stuff he does here is just funny, eg. 'Life After Death's opening (also heard later). But generally King's vocal delivery is good and every character is acted differently. Great cover art adds even more atmosphere.

Sadly, this has a few drawbacks, but they do not affect the whole too much. First, drum sound is far too powerless. Second, drummer doesn't sound like he's a metal drummer at all. It also sounds like the guy drags a bit. So, the drums are crap. It took a while for me to get over this drawback, but I am glad I did. Might have been the other way... Otherwise, the album sounds good, but could be heavier in my opinion. But on the other hand, this way it sounds like it was ten or so years old... Good ol' memories. There is no music for over an hour, but a gap of silence after 'Aftermath' and then some backwards stuff. Quite funny, but totally pointless and annoying, since I hate these gaps! Kill the gaps!!!

'Voodoo' is one of the better King Diamond stories, there's something new in it, too. Enjoyable if you like King. If you don't, you will...

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/26/2003 20:19