On June 14, 1956, Kim Bendix Petersen — known to the world as King Diamond — was born in Hvidovre, Denmark. One of the most distinctive and technically extraordinary vocalists in the entire history of heavy metal, King Diamond is renowned for his extraordinary multi-octave range, his piercing falsetto screams, and his elaborate theatrical performances. As the frontman of MERCYFUL FATE from 1981, he helped define Satanic and occult heavy metal, recording essential albums including Melissa (1983) and Don't Break the Oath (1984). His concurrent solo career produced a series of ambitious horror-concept albums — including Abigail (1987) and Them (1988) — that remain towering achievements in narrative heavy metal. King Diamond's vocal style and theatrical vision have influenced countless bands across black metal, doom metal, and power metal.