King Diamond is diligently crafting a groundbreaking horror-themed trilogy of musical releases, each interconnected through a compelling narrative. In an engaging conversation with Full Metal Jackie, the iconic vocalist shared that the concept began to take shape following his challenging hospitalization in 2010, during which he underwent a triple bypass surgery. This pivotal experience sparked a creative journey, inspiring a fusion of personal struggle and artistic expression.

Reflecting on his hospital stay, King Diamond expressed the uncertainty he faced at that time, stating, “There were moments when I was unsure if I would ever sing again or even walk normally.” His determination led him to rigorous rehabilitation, as he sought to reclaim his identity as a performing artist. The emotional weight of his recovery is intricately woven into the narrative of his upcoming projects, illustrating the profound connection between personal experience and creative output.

As he reminisced about his time in the hospital, King shared, “I constantly envisioned horror stories, contemplating the fragility of life while confined within those sterile walls.” He described the eerie atmosphere, pondering the potential for darkness hidden beneath the surface of such institutions. This blend of personal reflection and horror fiction has fueled his creative endeavors and shaped the thematic elements of his music.

King Diamond has already unveiled the track “Spider Lilly” from the forthcoming album St. Lucifer’s Hospital, 1920, which delves into the haunted and chilling narrative he is developing. The music video shoot for this track took place in a real haunted location, adding an authentic layer to the storytelling. In this chat, he offers a glimpse into the concept he?s exploring and shares updates on the progress of the music, including the exciting addition of Myrkur to the band’s live performances.

In this captivating interview, Full Metal Jackie expresses her excitement about welcoming back the legendary King Diamond. She highlights the recent release of “Spider Lilly,” one of the first glimpses into the upcoming horror trilogy. Jackie also touches on the unique artistic choices made for the music video, particularly the decision to film at the infamous Pennhurst Asylum. King responds by elaborating on the atmosphere of the location and how it enriched the visual storytelling.

Describing the filming experience, King stated, “The mood at Pennhurst was unparalleled; it served as the perfect backdrop for our creative vision.” He emphasized that the location’s haunting history and ambiance contributed significantly to their artistic process, allowing them to capture the essence of the story they wanted to tell. This setting is not just a backdrop; it embodies the emotional and thematic threads of the music they are creating.

As the conversation turns back to the experience at Pennhurst Asylum, King Diamond elaborates on the challenges of filming in such a notorious and eerie location. “It was important for us to communicate our respectful intentions to the spirits and history of the asylum,” he explained. He views this project as an opportunity to shed light on the dark past of Pennhurst, inviting others to explore the horror that permeates the site.

He continues, “Every red scenario depicted in the video unfolds in what they call the basement of the Mayflower House, a location steeped in ghostly legends.” King recounts his interactions with the spirit known as King, who is said to dwell in that space. His conversations with the spirit were aimed at ensuring a peaceful collaboration during their filming, underscoring the intertwining of reality and the supernatural in this project.

Delving deeper into the narrative he is crafting, King Diamond reveals, “The story spans across a timeline of nearly two hours. The initial release only explores events leading to 1920, where characters stumble upon portals bridging our world and the other side.” He hints at the complex mechanisms at play in this narrative, teasing the audience with glimpses of the experiments taking place at St. Lucifer’s Hospital.

He expresses excitement about the expansive story arc, noting that it may require more than one or two albums to fully explore. “There?s so much happening that it?s already too vast for just one album,” he shared, indicating the depth and intricacy of the characters and situations he is developing.

King Diamond is not only focused on his own musical endeavors; he has noticed interest from other musicians eager to contribute to this ambitious project. This collaboration hints at a larger artistic community coming together, showcasing the universal appeal of the horror narrative he is weaving.

King Diamond discusses the driving inspiration behind the horror trilogy, particularly how his personal experiences in the hospital have shaped his creative vision.

His time in the hospital was not just a physical challenge but a profound emotional journey. He shared, “The experience was so intense that I felt like a child relearning basic abilities.” The struggles of rehabilitation, coupled with visions of the hospital’s dark corners, fueled his creativity, leading to a wealth of material that resonates with themes of survival and fear.

King vividly describes his memories of being wheeled through the hospital, reflecting on the sterile environment filled with ominous doors marked “authorized personnel only.” This secrecy, combined with the clinical atmosphere, sparked a flood of horror-inspired thoughts, compelling him to explore these themes musically.

His recollections of being surrounded by medical equipment and the isolation he felt during recovery serve as a foundation for the rich storytelling elements in his music. “The secrecy and uncertainty added layers to my experience, which I now channel into the narratives of my songs,” he explained, emphasizing the emotional gravity behind his artistry.

As he discusses the progress of his upcoming music, King reveals, “We’ve composed a significant amount, including a new track titled ‘Lobotomy,’ which is nearly finished.” He mentions that while the lyrics are still being refined, the overall structure and emotion are firmly in place. This track promises to feature guest collaborations that will enhance its narrative depth.

He also teases another song, “The Nun,” which showcases a raw and haunting sound, characterized by tempo changes and powerful instrumentation. King noted that this song reflects the darker themes prevalent in the trilogy, hinting at a complex interplay of light and dark within the music.

As he discusses the ongoing integration of Myrkur into their live performances, King highlights the positive impact of her involvement. “Having her on board has opened up new creative avenues for us both live and in the studio,” he shared, reflecting on the seamless collaboration that enhances their collective artistry.

With a clear vision for the future, King Diamond is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the upcoming European tour. He recognizes the importance of balancing personal commitments while continuing to create music that resonates deeply with his audience.

Looking ahead, King expresses his ambition for the stage presentation of the trilogy, stating, “I have a vivid idea of what the final stage setup will entail, and I’m confident in our team’s ability to bring that vision to life.” He acknowledges that the theatrical aspects are as crucial as the music itself, enhancing the storytelling experience for fans.

As he reflects on the integration of thematic elements into their live shows, King hints at the dramatic visuals that will accompany the music, captivating audiences and immersing them in the horror narrative. “The wheelchair prop from ‘Lobotomy’ is just one example of how we plan to elevate the storytelling,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of visuals in enhancing the musical experience.

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He continues to elaborate on the intricacies of songs like “The Nun,” which will also feature unique narrative elements that connect directly to the overarching story. “The characters will intertwine, revealing deeper layers of the plot,” he explained, indicating that fans can expect a rich narrative tapestry woven throughout the trilogy.

The complex storyline involves a nun who has been drawn into the 1920 timeline, unveiling her tragic past and the consequences of her miraculous abilities. King elaborates, “Her journey is filled with tension as she navigates the challenges posed by those seeking to exploit her powers for their own purposes.” This deepens the emotional resonance of the trilogy, inviting listeners to engage with the characters on a profound level.

As the conversation progresses, King shares his experiences of crossing into alternate timelines, hinting at the intricate connections he has established between the worlds. “The duality of existence allows for fascinating story arcs, where characters can experience both sides of the narrative,” he noted, showcasing the complexity of the project.

While he teases the unfolding storylines and character arcs, King emphasizes the importance of allowing the audience to discover the narrative organically. “I want fans to experience the journey alongside the music, creating a visual and auditory adventure,” he stated, highlighting his desire for immersive storytelling.

In discussing his work with Mercyful Fate, King Diamond is optimistic about balancing both projects.

He reassures fans that following the release of the first album in the trilogy, he anticipates a new Mercyful Fate album and subsequent tour. “We have exciting plans for the stage presentation of that album as well,” he added, indicating that both bands will receive the creative attention they deserve.

As he looks forward to the future, King Diamond remains committed to delivering captivating stories through his music and performances. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his artistic vision with fans, ensuring that they remain engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative.

Thanks to King Diamond for the interview. Stay up to date with King Diamond through his website, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Spotify accounts. Find out where you can hear Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show here.