7 Figures walk the streets of Louviers..."
One Word Review: Bewitching
The Eye is among my favorite King Diamond albums, and since it is also one of his simpler albums, it serves as a good introduction to his work. The songs are very catchy and don't take long before they stick in your mind, all the while showcasing all the different facets of King's music very well, that being, raging guitar work, his insanely cool voice (a matter of taste) and a pretty consistent atmosphere.
The major part of the album is set in the 17'th century, during the French inquisition, taking up themes like witch burning and religious exploitation. It is not a true concept story, meaning that not the whole album is one big story, as so many of King Diamond's other albums, this is more like a collection of short stories.
A heavy guitar and what sounds like a church organ gives the opening moments of The eye a great sinister feel. Though not the best song on the album, it serves as a nice little introduction. In The trial things take a darker turn. I love the monstrously heavy guitar riff opening, taking you back in time, deep down a dungeon where a trial is about to begin. The song gives a taste of King's unique vocals, as he plays prosecutor, victim and narrator all at once. It is a most interesting and disturbing highlight. Extreme!
The execution takes place in Burn, a fast and catchy song with many cool moments, including a thunderous opening, while the aftermath is hinted in the chilling Two little girls, a twisted and haunting song in its own evil balladry sort of way. With just keyboards and King's voice, the song is very different from the rest. It is an experiment that works extremely well, worth the price of admission alone, for the "No let me have it" line... Priceless!
The thundering drums are back as Into the convent kick into gear. King's performance is especially good in this one and the ending part is really powerful and is one of the highlights of the album. Father Picard is driven by some agressive guitar work. Well placed breaks and the lyrics keep up the interest, while the "Drink my sweet holy wine" line deserves a special mention.
Behind these walls was a favorite since I first heard it. The killer keyboard intro got me right away. King's voice and the guitar work give this song a forceful drive and makes me try to sing along every time, of course failing miserably... The verse sections are completely brilliant, rising in intensity before the chorus releases.
1642 Imprisonment is another favorite. I absolutely love the way King sings the last verse, and just the chilling delivery of "Madeleine was leaving hell" makes me play this over and over.
The Curse finishes the album by continuing the story of the first song and with great breaks, catchy melodies and King giving yet another vivid performance, it is a fitting closer to an outstanding album.
Andy La Roque and Pete Blakk on guitars are both brilliant throughout, playing one killer lead after another. Meanwhile, the drums have somewhat flat, thin sound, and it is said that Snowy Shaw programmed his parts on a drum machine. I don't mind, since it somehow gives the album part of its atmosphere and I could not imagine the album sounding any other way.
King Diamond's career is filled with unique high quality albums. The Eye is one highlight among several others and a great place to start discovering the King of Horror Metal.
Written By Steen
Online: Sunday, January 8, 2017
Video Section
Behind These Walls
The Curse