Artist: King Diamond
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release Date: 10/21/03
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Title: The Puppet Master Artist: King Diamond Label: Metal Blade Records Release Date: 10/21/03 |
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Abyss's Review:
This one’s got me scratching my head. The Evil Danish Dwarf has returned with another spooky story, his first since the sequel to Abigail. I’ve never been the biggest fan of King, his voice just seems far too hokey for me to take seriously, but I have been a fan of the lyrics and the guitar work. My favorite album is Them, but even that one is an effort in endurance for me.
"One word review: Intriguing." The Puppet Master is nowhere near as good as Them, that’s for sure, but it is interesting never-the-less. Most notably, this album features much less of King’s over the top banshee wailing, as he utilizes his mid and lower ranges throughout most of the album. He does break out every once in a while, but it seems like it is used more for emphasis rather than as a main component of the sound. I, for one, really like that about the record, but I have a feeling the King Faithful will have a different opinion.
Andy LaRocque has always been a terrific guitarist, and nothing has changed. More often than not the songs on The Puppet Master invoke all of the craft and style that one would expect in a King Diamond album, and if the disc has one weakness it is that it’s not as consistent as it could be. There is some filler strewn throughout, but the killer songs really kill - if you get my drift. My early favorite is “The Ritual”, a classic King song if ever there was one, but the album has at least four to five cool tunes on it - reason enough to pick this one up.
I find myself a little unimpressed by the storyline on this record, but it does get the job done. Don’t get me wrong, it has all of the characteristics you’d expect in a King Diamond storyline (read: blood), it just doesn’t send that chill up my spine that I felt the first time I realized what “Tea” was. Overall the true fans will enjoy this album, but I doubt it will be anyone’s favorite. One word review: Intriguing.
Death's Review:
King Diamond rules. I was into him years ago, and then got bored. But seeing the live show recently drew me back in. Now that the inevitable Abigail 2 is out of the way, the King has returned with veterans like Andy LaRoque in tow to deliver another chilling tale of metallic horror. This time, he includes a DVD of him telling the story in full makeup too. The tale is a good one, and the lyrics clearly draw you into the story. The music is also first-rate, and while in many ways this is standard King Diamond fare (translation – if you’ve heard anything from the King in the last ten years, you know what to expect), that’s pretty much what I want from the King – standard King Diamond fare. That means songs with lots of parts, dramatic narrative, and cool guitar solos courtesy of Mr. LaRoque. All are present here. In fact, I think this album is a notch better than most other later-era King Diamond material. Songs like “Blood to Walk” and “No More Me” have a certain songwriting catchiness that has been missing from most recent material.
"It really is kinda cool." It’s no secret that if you don’t know the King Diamond catalogue, you have to start with Abigail and Them, two classic metal masterpieces for the ages. The release of The Puppet Master does not change that fact. But if, like me, you’ve felt recent releases to be a bit lackluster (although I did kinda get into 2000’s House of God), but you really want to get into a new King Diamond record, then by all means check this one out. It really is kinda cool.
Hel's Review:
After all this time, the reviews that are most difficult for me to write are the ones about my favorite bands. I have to admit that I am somewhat unable to look at them objectively, since I am always predisposed to like anything they release. I feel the need to preface this review with a disclaimer, as I am well aware that not everyone holds the same affection for King that I do. The following review is written with the assumption that the reader is also a fan, so I recommend you read it with this in mind.I've loved King Diamond for many years, and have always looked forward to his new albums. A few years ago, I did a King Diamond interview and when I asked him about the story, he launched into an extended telling of the concept of his new album, taking about an hour to do so. He proved to be an enthralling storyteller, even without employing his unique singing voice. It was an incredible experience, and a memory that I cherish to this day. So when I learned that The Puppet Master would be released with a DVD of him telling his new story, I decided I definitely needed to see that. The 3-song advance version that was mailed out included a note stating that the press would not be receiving the DVD. I swallowed my disappointment and went out on the day it was released and picked up the full version from the store.
"The music on The Puppet Master is of the quality you expect from King Diamond." The DVD is just what it purports to be - King essentially is sitting at a desk, in full makeup, with candles all around, telling you his tale. The cameras switch angles occasionally, there is some moody background music, and an occasional effect on his voice, but otherwise, it is very straightforward. Still, it is a great addition for faithful King Diamond fans. This telling is only 30 minutes long, and without the actual one-on-one factor that I had experienced, this proves to be an adequate length. I highly recommend watching it, as it is a rare opportunity to experience his oratory ability, which nearly equals his skill as a musician, and, moreover, it adds additional depth to the tale told on the album.
The music on The Puppet Master is of the quality you expect from King Diamond. Andy La Rocque returns to his seat at the right hand of King's throne and provides us with more of the incredible riffs he is famous for. The concept unfolds masterfully, and King's voice is perfect, as always. The addition of female backing vocals works well for me, and though her delivery is in an unusual key, it contrasts perfectly with King's unique vocals. Of course the usual high level of songwriting is also present, and is perfect accompaniment to his chosen tale.
The biggest surprise on this album, for me, was the Christmas theme that runs through the tale and some of the music as well. This makes it extremely relevant during my rush to prepare for the quickly approaching holiday, and I have placed it back in my player again and again. While its place in the grand scheme of King's accomplishments has still not been decided in my mind, I have no doubt that it will ultimately rank high. Fans of King Diamond simply must go and pick this one up. It would make a great stocking stuffer for the special King fan in your life...
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