Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 03/24/1998
Like its predecessor (the comeback disc
In the Shadows),
Time has a mostly original
Mercyful Fate lineup delivering strong material that might not exactly stand up to the group's best early-'80s work, but still packs a nasty horror-
metal punch. As always, the distinctive frontman
King Diamond leads the way on
Time with his epic (if a little silly) lyrics and bizarre vocal range that defined the group's sound. Often overshadowed by
Diamond's theatrics, the other bandmembers (guitarist
Hank Sherman, bassist
Sharlee D'Angelo, and relative newcomer
Snowy Shaw on drums) do their usual fine job cranking out retro and near
thrash metal riffs with biting precision. The sprawling
"Lady in Black" is a clear standout, with its superior guitar grooves and relatively melodic and intelligible vocals. Other choice cuts include the crushing opener,
"Nightmare Be Thy Name," and the title track,
"Time. If there was any concern that
In the Shadows was going to be a one-off treat exclusively designed for nostalgic old-timers,
Time proved that
Mercyful Fate was back and ready to build upon its massive '80s underground
metal reputation.
~Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
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