Review by Emir for King Diamond - "Them" (1988)

The first impression I have regarding this album is that it lacks the musical integrity Abigail has. In other words, the album doesn't sound as monolithic as its predecessor. But don't get me wrong, Them isn't bad at all. Indeed, it's one of the best albums King Diamond has ever produced. The major drawback is that in Abigail, the story and the music were so in tune and integrated that the whole album flowed like a stream, while in Them, the technical proficiency of the band and the level of progressiveness in song structures seem to level up, but this also makes the album less fluent, less memorable, and naturally, more ambitious. Even the album cover, showing a house in the night, seems to evoke "A Mansion in Darkness" in Abigail, as if pointing out an idea that the major story was told previously. Nevertheless, you still have a very good record and one of the finest moments in King Diamond's career.

Recommended songs for the first listeners:

- "Welcome Home": the legendary opener of the album - if you don't count the intro "Out from the Asylum" - and one of the most popular King Diamond songs.

- "The Invisible Guest": a song that is quite "power metal" in essence, but delights in horror!  Also, many good solos.

- "Bye, Bye Missy": I think the best riff in the album opens this song.

- "Twilight Symphony": the last show in the album is there.

If you loved King Diamond at first sight, it is almost impossible to neglect Them.