Not many bands can claim to be as influential as Mercyful Fate. As one of the early purveyors of true metal, the band's impact is felt far and wide; from the new wave of black metals' Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir to international metal gods Megadeth and Metallica.

Mercyful Fate's iconic full-length debut album 'Melissa' was released in 1983. It was the first album for Roadrunner Records and established Mercyful Fate as pioneers of extreme metal. Known for its Satanic themes, King Diamond's high-pitched vocals, intricate guitar work, and its massive influence on black, death, and thrash metal. Featuring classics tracks "Evil," "Curse of the Pharaohs," "Black Funeral," "Satan's Fall," and the epic title track "Melissa", named after a fictional witch and a skull used by the band.