King Diamond – “Songs for the Dead Live” [DVD Review]

Songs for the Dead Live is the ultimate treat for King Diamond fans, and one that they are sure to be over the moon about. This release will be issued on DVD, Blu-ray, vinyl and digitally, and will feature two full-length sets filmed live at Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium and The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA, highlighting the band ripping through the seminal King Diamond record, Abigail.

As you might expect from a King Diamond show, the backdrop is fantastic and sets the scene for the creepy, theatrical spectacular that follows. Both sets open with “Out From The Asylum” and are complete with ‘Grandma’ and her wheelchair, all captured in amazing high definition with wildly unusual camera angles. Top to bottom, this is a masterpiece that views like a musical horror film.

The King’s longtime band is so tight and precise it is mind blowing, and nothing really needs to be said about King Diamond himself. Eight years after undergoing triple-bypass surgery and quitting smoking, he looks and sounds better than he ever has, prowling the stage with a commanding presence that captures and maintains the attention of all in attendance. It does not hurt that the set-list contains such gems as “Melissa”, “Come to the Sabbath”, and “The Black Horseman”.

At the end of the day, this is a film that every metal-head should check out, and it’s an absolute must-have for those diehard King Diamond fans, like myself. Do not miss this one!

You’re not dead yet, so watch the Songs for the Dead Live trailer, featuring ‘Grandma’.

Graspop Metal Meeting Track Listing:

01. Out from the Asylum
02. Welcome Home
03. Sleepless Nights
04. Halloween
05. Eye of the Witch
06. Melissa
07. Come to the Sabbath
08. Them
09. Funeral
10. Arrival
11. A Mansion in Darkness
12. The Family Ghost
13. The 7th Day of July 1777
14. Omens
15. The Possession
16. Abigail
17. Black Horsemen
18. Insanity

Celebrate your vitality by enjoying a live clip from “Come to the Sabbath”.

The Fillmore Track Listing:

01. Out from the Asylum
02. Welcome Home
03. Sleepless Nights
04. Eye of the Witch
05. Halloween
06. Melissa
07. Come to the Sabbath
08. Them
09. Funeral
10. Arrival
11. A Mansion in Darkness
12. The Family Ghost
13. The 7th Day of July 1777
14. Omens
15. The Possession
16. Abigail
17. Black Horsemen
18. Insanity

Run Time: 165 minutes
Release Date: January 25, 2019
Distributor: Metal Blade Records