Artist page · 03/07/2026

Mercyful Fate

CopenhagenFormed in 1981Black Metal11 vinyl albums
Mercyful Fate, formed in Copenhagen in 1981, is a Danish band influential in the early black metal scene, blending heavy metal with occult themes.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
11Albums on Vinyles.com
1676Discogs releases
338kLast.fm listeners

About

7 studio albums and 2 EPs with rare limited editions and picture discs on vinyl.

Mercyful Fate originated in Copenhagen in 1981, founded by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. Known for their blend of heavy metal, progressive rock influences, and dark lyrics centered on satanism and the occult, they stand as pioneers of the first wave of black metal emerging in the mid-1980s. Their discography includes seven studio albums, two extended plays, and several compilations. On vinyl, their releases include notable titles such as "Melissa" (1983), "Don't Break The Oath" (1984), and "In The Shadows" (1993), with several reissues and limited editions available.

Vinyles.com tracks multiple pressings, including original German 1999 picture disc pressings of "9" and limited edition numbered vinyls of "Into The Unknown." The band's catalog remains sought af…

Discography

Mercyful Fate discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

9Metal Blade Records · 1999
1999
9
CD, Album
Studio
Dead AgainMetal Blade Records · 1998
1998
Dead Again
CD, Album
Studio
Into The UnknownMetal Blade Records · 1996
1996
Into The Unknown
CD, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
TimeMetal Blade Records · 1994
1994
Time
CD, Album
Studio
In The ShadowsMetal Blade Records · 1993
1993
In The Shadows
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Don't Break The OathRoadrunner Records · 1984
1984
Don't Break The Oath
Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue
Studio
MelissaRoadrunner Records · 1983
1983
Melissa
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Mercyful FateRave-On Records · 1982
1982
Mercyful Fate
Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Mini-Album
Studio

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Mercyful Fate's career.

01
Evil
Evil
Melissa · 1983
02
A Dangerous Meeting
·
03
Curse of the Pharaohs
Curse of the Pharaohs
Melissa · 1983
04
Come to the Sabbath
·
05
Into the Coven
Into the Coven
Melissa · 1983
06
Gypsy
·
07
Melissa
Melissa
Melissa · 1983
08
Black Funeral
Black Funeral
Melissa · 1983

The essentials

The 3 Mercyful Fate albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1983
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Melissa

A key album featuring dark occult themes and complex compositions across 7 tracks, defining Mercyful Fate's sound.

7 tracksStereoRoadrunner Records1983
Discover the album
#2 · 1984
Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue
Don't Break The Oath (ri)

Crucial black metal album originally released in 1984, noted for influential tracks and a staple in their vinyl catalog.

Vinyl LPReissueRoadrunner Records1984
Discover the album
#3 · 1993
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
In The Shadows

This 1993 album includes progressive elements within heavy metal, offered on limited edition vinyl with 10 tracks.

10 tracksLimited EditionMetal Blade Records1993
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Mercyful Fate

Artists who share part of Mercyful Fate's musical DNA.

King Diamond
King Diamond
Manilla Road
Manilla Road
Cirith Ungol
Cirith Ungol
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Venom
Venom
Angel Witch
Satan
Crimson Glory

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Mercyful Fate

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Mercyful Fate emerged as a pioneer of the first wave of black metal in the mid-1980s."
— Artist history
01Studio

Formation in Copenhagen in 1981

Mercyful Fate was formed in Copenhagen in 1981 by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann, marking the beginning of the Danish heavy metal band.

1981Copenhagen
02Pressing

1999 Original German LP Picture Disc of "9"

The 1999 German Metal Blade Records limited edition picture disc pressing for the "9" album is sought by collectors, with a catalog number 3984-14242-1 PD.

1999Germany
03Collector item

Rare numbered limited edition vinyl of "Into The Unknown"

Released in 2007 by Night Of The Vinyl Dead Records in Italy, a numbered limited edition LP pressing of "Into The Unknown" is available with a high price around 300 € for some copies.

2007Italy
04Vinyl release

Limited edition LP of "In The Shadows"

The album "In The Shadows" was released as a limited edition LP in 1993 on Metal Blade Records, featuring 10 tracks with heavy and black metal styles.

1993Metal Blade Records
"King Diamond's vocals and occult themes set Mercyful Fate apart in the heavy metal scene."
— Band commentary

Records by Mercyful Fate

See all
Time - Front Cover

Time

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $32.67 2 offers
Into the unknown - Front Cover

Into the unknown

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $32.98 1 offer
In the shadows - Front Cover

In the shadows

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $25.49 2 offers
9 - Front Cover

9

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $25.49 1 offer
Mercyful Fate EP (ri) - Front Cover

Mercyful Fate EP (ri)

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $25.49 1 offer
The Beginning (ri) - Front Cover

The Beginning (ri)

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $28.97 1 offer
Don’t Break The Oath (ri) - Front Cover

Don’t Break The Oath (ri)

Mercyful Fate
Metal / Fusion Metal
Metal Blade
From $27.09 1 offer
Melissa (ri) - Front Cover

Melissa (ri)

Mercyful Fate
French Metal / Fusion Metal
Metal Blade
From $27.09 1 offer
The Unknown - Front Cover

The Unknown

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $35.00 1 offer
In The Shadows - Front Cover

In The Shadows

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
View details
Dead Again - Front Cover

Dead Again

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $31.78 1 offer
Into the Unknown - Front Cover

Into the Unknown

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $25.49 2 offers
Image manquante

Time

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade Records
From $30.13 2 offers
Time - Front Cover

Time

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $30.13 2 offers
In the Shadows - Front Cover

In the Shadows

Mercyful Fate
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Metal Blade
From $29.99 1 offer

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When was Mercyful Fate formed and where?

Mercyful Fate was formed in 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

How many studio albums and EPs does Mercyful Fate have?

The band has released 7 studio albums and 2 extended plays to date.

Which Mercyful Fate album is considered a pioneer in black metal?

"Melissa" from 1983 is considered one of the early pioneering albums in black metal.

Are Mercyful Fate vinyl records available in limited editions or special pressings?

Yes, several albums including "9" and "Into The Unknown" have limited edition and picture disc pressings.

What is a notable pressing of the album "9"?

A German 1999 original limited edition picture disc pressing with catalog number 3984-14242-1 PD is notable.

Where can I find rare Mercyful Fate vinyl pressings in Europe?

Italy and Germany have pressings including numbered limited editions and test pressings that are often sought by collectors.

What are common themes in Mercyful Fate's lyrics?

The lyrics often explore satanism and occultism, which are central to their black metal identity.

Which tracks are among the most played Mercyful Fate songs?

Tracks like "Evil," "A Dangerous Meeting," and "Curse of the Pharaohs" have garnered significant play counts and fan attention.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 03/07/2026