Abigail II - The Revenge

Abigail II - The Revenge

King Diamond's 1987 concept album, <I>Abigail</I>, is generally considered to be King Diamond's most significant release. Though 15 years have lapsed between its release and its sequel's appearance, it appears not that much has changed. <I>Abigail II: The Revenge</I>, features the kind of heavy yet catchy melodies, intriguing tempo changes, and grinding riffs that mark much of the band's catalog, with creepy mood music and Diamond's notorious shrieks added to the mix to fit the horror theme. The driving "Miriam" twists from chugging riffs into a sweeping melody. The keyboard-driven "Broken Glass" boasts nice goth touches, while "Slippery Stairs" borders on speed metal. At times, gestures toward advancing the plot undermine the music, and Diamond's demonic-growl-to-falsetto range remains an acquired taste, but musically the band has never sounded stronger. <I>--Gail Flug</I>