Now we’re talking! This one is along with ‘Them’ is my favourite King Diamond record, thus making it one of my favourite records of ALL time! I used to listen to this every night as I went to bed. I had it in my headphones for weeks on end and still listen to it a couple of times a month. It’s nothing less than breathtaking all the way through!

For the first time we get a full-on concept album and this evolution was inevitable I think. It was just a matter of time. The band is playing on all cylinders, better than ever! The sound is polished, big and crystal clear. The solos are just not of this world, drums are almost over-inspired the song writing is impeccable, the vocals are an unstoppable dominating force from HELL! To be honest there’s not much else to be said about this release other than that it’s a pure metal masterpiece that cannot be missed.

All the tracks on this one are outstanding but to mention a few, ‘A Mansion In Darkness’, the nice ride cymbal pattern alone made me write a few riffs. The single ‘The Family Ghost’ remains a KD classic, ‘7th Day Of July 1777’ is partly responsible for my interest in blending electric and acoustic guitars, and ‘Omens’… the riff for fucks sake!! I don’t know, I get weak when I listen to this record, it’s just so fucking fantastic!!

There is also a special edition CD/DVD version of ‘Abigail’ available. The Audio CD includes 4 bonus tracks, while the DVD offers 7 cuts recorded live in concert in Sweden back in 1987. And if you thought that was kick ass, add the video clips for ‘The Family Ghost’, ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Sleepless Nights’.

By Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth