Return of the Vampire is a compilation album of rare demo tracks by Mercyful Fate recorded before their first, official release in 1982. It was released on 12 May 1992 through Roadrunner Records. The album features early versions of songs that would later appear on the albums Melissa (1983) and Don't Break the Oath (1984), as well as two previously unreleased tracks.
The album's sound is a mix of heavy metal, doom metal, and black metal. The songs are often characterized by their dark and occult lyrics, as well as their heavy riffs and King Diamond's unique vocal style.
Some of the album's highlights include the title track, "Burning the Cross", "A Corpse Without Soul", and "Return of the Vampire". The album is a must-have for fans of Mercyful Fate and early black metal.
The album was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised the raw and unrefined sound of the demos. The album was also a commercial success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart in the United States.
If you are a fan of Mercyful Fate or early black metal, then you should definitely check out Return of the Vampire. It is a classic album that is sure to please.
| Original Release: 1992. |
| Catalog No: 3984-15702-1. |
| Size: 12" Single Vinyl Record. |
| Color: Black. |
| Additional: 180 Gram / Includes Download Card. |