Abigail - King Diamond (1987)

Part 1 of Concept albums - Abigail by King Diamond (1987)

In this episode, your hosts Andrew, Eric, Rob, and Mike are kicking off a brand-new theme: concept albums. And what better way to start than with Rob’s Pick the 1987 metal masterpiece "Abigail" by King Diamond?

This episode isn’t just a music review—it’s an exploration of the very idea of a concept album. The hosts discuss what sets a great concept album apart, from narrative cohesion and musical consistency, to the ways these records blur the lines between theme and story. Along the way, you’ll hear shout-outs to some of the genre’s giants, thoughts on everything from Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift, and a fair share of nostalgia and basement metal listening memories.

Then, the crew takes a close look at King Diamond himself—the striking, face-painted Danish metal icon—and unpacks the dark horror story at the heart of "Abigail." With its operatic vocals, gothic atmosphere, and face-melting guitar solos, this album pulls the listener into a haunted mansion narrative full of horsemen, possession, and betrayal.

Tune in as the hosts debate the album’s strengths and weaknesses, imagine how it might play out on the big screen (casting Willem Dafoe, naturally), and even touch on numerology, graphic novels, and why some things should never be moved out of the 18th century. Whether you’re a longtime metalhead or just curious about the wild side of concept albums, this episode is packed with spooky stories, musical insight, and the off-the-wall tangents that make Rare Cuts Media Society a cult favorite.

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