The Entity (album)
The Entity is the second studio album by American heavy metal band King Diamond, released in 1998 via Massacre Records. It is a concept album revolving around themes of religious fanaticism, corporate greed, and the corruption of faith.
Concept and Story:
The album tells the story of a young woman who is raped and impregnated, and the subsequent events that lead to her being driven to madness by the religious community around her. The narrative explores themes of hypocrisy, guilt, and the destructive power of judgment. Corporate involvement, implied through a pharmaceutical company's actions, adds another layer to the story. King Diamond utilizes his signature falsetto vocals and theatrical storytelling to bring the dark and disturbing tale to life.
Musical Style:
The Entity continues King Diamond's established style of melodic heavy metal with elements of progressive metal and horror-themed lyrics. The album features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and King Diamond's distinctive vocal performance. It is considered a more straightforward and less complex album compared to some of King Diamond's earlier works, but it still maintains the band's characteristic atmosphere and dark imagery.
Track Listing:
Typical tracks include (but may vary depending on release):
- "The Crypt"
- "Abigail II"
- "The Family Ghost"
- "Black Hill Sanitarium"
- "Spark"
- "The Invisible Guests"
- "Live to Tell"
- "Fatal Portrait"
- "By the Grave"
Personnel:
The album features King Diamond on vocals, and other musicians filling roles such as guitar, bass, and drums, although the specific personnel may vary slightly based on the edition and the band's lineup at the time.