Conspiracy (King Diamond album)
Conspiracy is the fourth studio album by King Diamond, being the second part of a story that began on the album "Them". It was released in 1989. The song "Cremation" appears in the 2009 video game Brütal Legend. Conspiracy is the last album to feature drummer Mikkey Dee who left the group but recorded the album as a session member.
| Conspiracy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 21, 1989 | |||
| Genre | Heavy metal | |||
| Length | 46:58 | |||
| Label | Roadrunner | |||
| Producer | Roberto Falcao, King Diamond, Andy LaRocque, Chris Tsangarides | |||
| King Diamond chronology | ||||
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| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
Plot
In this sequel to "Them", an adult King returns to the House of Amon to reclaim his rightful place as heir to the house. However, unanswered questions about his sister's death, his mother's involvement with his diabolical therapist, and his own madness all prove to be difficult if not insurmountable obstacles.
He makes a deal with "Them" (the unseen antagonists from the album of the same name, part one of the story) to return control of the house to Them in exchange for the chance to see his now-dead sister Missy again. He believes she can help answer some of his questions. An agreement is reached, and Missy returns from the grave nightly to help King uncover some of the mysteries from "Them". As a spirit, however, she cannot save him from the plot against him, try as she may to warn him. His mother and his doctor have conspired to get rid of him permanently in order to inherit the house themselves. While they think they are ultimately successful, the album closes with King's promise to torture and haunt them forever from beyond the grave.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "At the Graves" | King Diamond | 8:56 |
| 2. | "Sleepless Nights" | King Diamond, Andy LaRocque | 5:05 |
| 3. | "Lies" | King Diamond | 4:22 |
| 4. | "A Visit from the Dead" | King Diamond, Andy LaRocque | 6:12 |
| 5. | "The Wedding Dream" | King Diamond | 6:01 |
| 6. | "'Amon' Belongs to 'Them'" | King Diamond, Andy LaRocque | 3:52 |
| 7. | "Something Weird" (instrumental) | Andy LaRocque | 2:07 |
| 8. | "Victimized" | King Diamond, Andy LaRocque | 5:21 |
| 9. | "Let It Be Done" | King Diamond | 1:13 |
| 10. | "Cremation" (instrumental) | King Diamond | 4:12 |
"The Wedding Dream" contains the elements of "The Wedding March" by Richard Wagner in the introduction.
Remaster bonus tracks
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "At the Graves (Alternate Mix)" | King Diamond | 7:18 |
| 12. | "Cremation (Live Show Mix)" | King Diamond | 4:12 |
Personnel
- King Diamond - vocals, keyboards, Falsetto
- Andy LaRocque - guitars
- Pete Blakk - guitars
- Hal Patino - bass
- Additional Personnel
- Mikkey Dee - drums
- Roberto Falcao - keyboards
- K.K. Downing - Additional Guitars