{"id":1925,"date":"2008-05-07T13:02:12","date_gmt":"2008-05-07T13:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/?post_type=interviews&#038;p=1925"},"modified":"2024-09-06T09:45:09","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T09:45:09","slug":"andy-larocque-from-king-diamond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/andy-larocque-from-king-diamond\/","title":{"rendered":"Andy LaRocque from King Diamond"},"content":{"rendered":"<table border=\"0\" width=\"663\" cellspacing=\"5\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"653\"><span class=\"pienibanneriteksti\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1929\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy3.jpg\" alt=\"andy3\" width=\"243\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy3.jpg 243w, http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy3-182x300.jpg 182w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 243px) 100vw, 243px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"pienibanneriteksti\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"interview_otsikko\"><strong>ANDY LAROCQUE<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"pienibanneriteksti\"><span class=\"style19\"><span class=\"interview_otsikko\"><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"intervi_subtitle\"><strong>King Diamond axeman at the Mill<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em><span class=\"qa_name\">Interview By Ville Krannila \/ May 2008<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"interv_ingresis\" align=\"center\">This month Steel Mill features a guest who needs no introduction: guitarist Andy LaRocque! The man of course has been playing guitar with King Diamond since the very beginning nearly 25 years ago, but besides this has made a long career in producing several other metal bands and runs his own studio in Sweden. Steel Mill staff was more than happy to discuss with Andy, subjects touched on King Diamond\u2019s past and future, production side of things plus working with Death and Falconer among other interests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ingressi\" style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span class=\"style19\">Hello Andy, when you started out playing guitar, who were your biggest influences?<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>My first influences (mid-seventies) were bands like Status Quo, Slade, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, T-Rex, Uriah Heep, Priest, Thin Lizzy etc. All the good melodic stuff from the 70\u2019s!! A few years later I listened to everything from UFO to Ozzy with <strong>Randy Rhoads<\/strong>. Guitarwise I would say that <strong>Michael Schenker<\/strong> and Randy Rhoads are the guitarists that I always end up having as my two favourite players through the years..<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">How many bands did you play with before joining the King Diamond band? One of them was called Swedish Beauty right?<\/p>\n<p>Actually it was called Swedish Erotica, with the former singer of Norwegian Band TNT. Also played for a short time in a band called EF Band + other<br \/>\nlocal Gothenburg bands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">Back in 1985 how did you originally hook up with King?<\/p>\n<p>Me and <strong>Mikkey Dee<\/strong> (Mot\u00f6rhead) played together for a while in what was later going to be called Swedish Erotica. Mikkey then joined a band from Copenhagen, Denmark and after playing with them for a while and hanging out with local musicians, he met the guys from Mercyful Fate which in<br \/>\nearly 1985 broke up to be reformed as King Diamond.<\/p>\n<p>Mikkey was the asked to join, and when it didn\u2019t work out with the guitarist the had at the time they started to record \u201cFatal Portrait.\u201d In June 1985 Mikkey called me up and said that they wanted me to come down for an audition. The day after I went down to the studio in Copenhagen with a guitar and my Marshall 50 watt head, met the guys, listened to a track from \u201cFatal Portrait\u201d called \u201cDressed In White\u201d for a few times, played along, they recorded it and told me I was in!!<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\" align=\"left\">On early King Diamond releases, especially on \u201cConspiracy,\u201d and tracks like \u201cSleepless Nights\u201d I picked up some definite Priest-influences. Do you agree and on those early records, how much of those guitar sounds and solos came from you?<\/p>\n<p>Oh really? Well, Priest has always been an influence, but I would say that at the time before we recorded \u201cConspiracy\u201d I listened a lot to Ozzy, Black Sabbath and <strong>Steve Vai<\/strong>. The clean guitar part of sleepless nights is definitely inspired by <strong>Tony Iommi<\/strong>\u00b4s playing on the album \u201cNever Say Die&#8230;\u201d (laughs)<\/p>\n<p>We always used a pretty straight and simple way to record the guitars, so what you hear on the album is pretty much what came out of the speaker cabinet. Except that during the 80\u2019s there supposed to be some reverbs to make it sound big and then, same as now me and the other guitarist share the solos 50\/50.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">When Mercyful Fate reunited in early 1990\u2019s did you ever think that would spell the end of King Diamond band, or was it clear from the beginning both groups would continue to co-exist?<\/p>\n<p>The strange thing is that I didn\u2019t hear it straight from King himself at first, I just heard rumours about the MF reunion and it actually crossed my mind that maybe there was an end to the era of King Diamond. At that time we were still looking for a record deal, things went really slow and it took almost 4 years from the release of \u201cThe Eye\u201d until we started to record \u201cThe Spiders Lullaby,\u201d and it gave me some time to work with Death, and also write some songs for the band Illwill, that featured <strong>Sharlee D\u00b4Angelo<\/strong> and<strong>Snowy Shaw<\/strong> \u2013 even though the album wasn\u2019t released until 1998. But the KD fans screamed for more from the band, albums and concerts, so after that period we got pretty active again. \u201cThe Graveyard,\u201d \u201cVoodoo,\u201d \u201cHouse Of God,\u201d \u201cAbigail 2\u201d etc were released with not too long time in between.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"662\" cellspacing=\"5\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andystage.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1931\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andystage.jpg\" alt=\"andystage\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andystage.jpg 400w, http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andystage-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<span class=\"monthly_teksti\">\u00a9 H\u00e5kon Grav<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"style191\">Can you describe your creative relationship with King? When composing a new album does he come up with the concept first and then you write music around that or the other way around?<\/p>\n<p>It usually starts with the music even though King might have a vague idea of a story, but making the music first and when he has a more detailed version of the story he puts the songs in sequence to get the right expression, to make the music support the story, and the lyrics to enhance the modes of the music.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">There have been a lot of players in the band throughout the last 20 years. You are the only remaining member (besides King himself of course) from the line-up which recorded \u201cFatal Portrait.\u201d What is the secret of yours and King\u2019s longevity?<\/p>\n<p>We complement each other very good in everything from writing songs to mixing the album, and we\u2019ve always been able to find good solutions without fighting to much (laughs). I also think we have the same opinion when it comes to: \u201cwhat direction should we take the music?\u201d &#8211; and we usually get along well on and off stage&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">What\u2019s going on with the King Diamond band right now? You had a couple of tours booked after the release of \u201cGimme Your Soul&#8230; Please\u201d but had to cancel it?<\/p>\n<p>Due to King\u2019s back problems we had to postpone two tours &#8211; sorry to say but I hope King will get better soon so we can start working on some new songs. We just released a promo video of the song \u201cGive Me Your Soul\u201d and at this point we\u2019re just planning for the future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">A lot of fans have requested a King Diamond DVD, which would definitely be a stunning musical and visual experience. Do you see a project like that surfacing in the near future?<\/p>\n<p>Probably not a dedicated live DVD in the near future but we have lots of really cool material laying around, old stuff, backstage material, concert clips etc. which I think the fans would love, we hope to release that in the near future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">You did a sequel to classic \u201cAbigail\u201d story few years ago, how did this happen and would you consider doing sequels to other legendary KD records such as \u201cThe Eye\u201d or third part of \u201cThem\u201d as well?<\/p>\n<p>When we first talked about the second part of \u201cAbigail,\u201d we discussed a lot of things to make it a worthy follow up, also the possibility of having <strong>Michael Denner<\/strong> doing a guest solo, and maybe Mikkey playing drums on one song. We even talked briefly about having the producer of the first \u201cAbigail\u201d<br \/>\n<strong>Roberto Falcao<\/strong> to come in and give his touch on the album, but sound wise we wanted a fresh updated sound compared to the first \u201cAbigail\u201d album, and<br \/>\nI guess time and technical issues didn\u2019t make the guest appearances possible.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to make another sequel I wont say: never again, youll never know&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\" align=\"left\">If you had to choose, from all the King Diamond albums which one is your favourite and why? <a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-1926 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail.jpg\" alt=\"abigail\" width=\"270\" height=\"270\" srcset=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail.jpg 270w, http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I think it\u2019s \u201cAbigail,\u201d the songs and the whole recording session was just surrounded with magical moments, great spirit and a very creative atmosphere, I still remember it as one of the best studio sessions I ever been involved in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">How do you view the evolution of the band, comparing \u201cFatal Portrait\u201d to the latest King Diamond album what would you say is the biggest difference?<\/p>\n<p>Well, we have become more professional in many ways since we recorded \u201cFatal Portrait\u201d 23 years ago! At that time we just had the music which is the most important thing of course, but now I think we see the whole picture in a different way than we did back then, in everything from knowing how the first riff will turn out on the finished album to getting along as a band on tour.<\/p>\n<p>And as you mentioned earlier, many members have been in the band throughout the years but it seems that we have found a very good line up in the recent one, and we have good fun when we are together and everything is a little bit more relaxed these days..(laughs)<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">Besides playing guitar with King, you have produced several bands, what got you interested in the production side of things originally?<\/p>\n<p>This was back in the 80\u2019s &#8211; the idea of presenting and documenting something that sounded better than just record it onto my Walkman actually started the big interest, and also the very creative and fun parts of being in the studio also helped to build interest in studio work. But I also remember the part that I thought was boring in the beginning like checking tom sounds for hours and hours&#8230;and I couldn\u2019t for my life understand how anyone would want to become an engineer\/producer but I guess the long days and nights of sound checking, mic placing, equipment talk, playing and mixing finally sunk into my head. I\u2019ve had great use from all I learned from all the guys we<br \/>\nhave worked with&#8230;<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"662\" cellspacing=\"5\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1928\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy2.jpg\" alt=\"andy2\" width=\"243\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy2.jpg 243w, http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andy2-182x300.jpg 182w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 243px) 100vw, 243px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<span class=\"monthly_teksti\">\u00a9 Andy Larocque<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"style191\">In your opinion do you have a trademark sound that comes through on every band\u2019s recording or do you try to enhance band\u2019s own sound?<\/p>\n<p>Yeah I\u2019m the kind of guy who doesn\u2019t have a \u201cpreset\u201d to use on every band, I definitely want to enhance the sound of the band and take out the soul and spirit in every act. Then of course I have my preferences when it comes to sounds, but I prefer to listen to the band and work out the directions together with the artists.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">You have your own studio called \u201cLos Angered Recordings.\u201d How do strike a balance and find the time between producing, running the studio and playing guitar with King?<\/p>\n<p>It was called Los Angered Recording for about 13 years, then I relocated to a smaller city (Varberg) south of Gothenburg and since last spring the studio is called Sonic Train Studios.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to combine the things, it\u2019s just a matter of good planning. Usually we know at least 6 months in advance what\u2019s going to happen with Diamond so there\u2019s usually no problems with that. And after being producing bands for several months it\u2019s really great to go out on tour to meet the fans and have a great experience. Just as good as going back into the studio after being on tour for three months..(laughs)<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">You worked with Death on their classic \u201cIndividual Through Patterns\u201d album? How was the experience and how do you remember the late, great Chuck Schuldiner?<\/p>\n<p>Well people always ask me that question regarding Chuck, I thought he was a great person to work with, very friendly, respectful and cool! I thought we got along great during the recording of the album, which was a really cool experience for me, everyone was really friendly at the Morrissound too! The music was somewhat different to what I was used to playing, but when Monte from Road Runner Records called me up and asked me if I wanted to go to Florida to record with Death, I said to myself: \u201csure! why not?\u201d Just for the great experience! So I had a great time with the music and the guys and I thought the album turned out good too!<\/p>\n<p>After that session Chuck called me up every new years eve just to say hi and chat. I met him the last time on a King Diamond show in Florida -98 right after he had a surgery and you couldn\u2019t even tell he was that ill, he was in a great shape, it was really cool to see him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">One of my personal favourite albums you have also worked on is Falconer\u2019s folk metal influenced \u201cChapters From A Vale Forlorn\u201d. A band and an album that probably hasn\u2019t been given the recognition they deserve. What kind of memories do you have working with that band?<\/p>\n<p>Well I\u2019m still working with them, we started record their latest album right before x-mas and we are going to continue mixing it in May. I don\u2019t know when it will be released but they\u2019re still on Metal Blade Records.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00b4ve been working with these guys for 10 years now and I just love them! Very different style and great musicianship and the very special vocal style makes it very interesting I think. One of the recent memories I had with these guys was when we drank 80% Strong-Rum Airplanefuel! How did we survive? That was right around x-mas and haven\u2019t talked to the guys much since then&#8230;(laughs)<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"662\" cellspacing=\"5\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/group.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1934\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/group.jpg\" alt=\"group\" width=\"400\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/group.jpg 400w, http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/group-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<span class=\"monthly_teksti\">King Diamond on tour \u00a9 H\u00e5kon Grav<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"style191\">What is your current guitar gear both on tour and in the studio?<\/p>\n<p>Caparison Guitars all Stratstyle\u2019s and my all-time favourite: Gibson Flying V White 1978!! For amps I use Marshalls TSL 100 and I\u2019m going to try out a Preamp from Digitech (1101) for live purposes. 2 cabs with celestion vintage speakers and it\u2019s the same I\u2019ve been using for over 20 Years! Also been working on a cooperation with Randall as we speak. For studio stuff I use Engl, Digitech stuff, POD Marshalls, Peavey, tons of pedals, wahs, whatever I think is right for the situation. And always the vintage cabs!<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">What kind of advice would you could give to young guitar players, what is the most important thing if you hope to become a successful metal musician?<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s never to give up! Even if it feels impossible sometimes, if you wanna do it you CAN do it!!!<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">Finally, what are your goals for the future? Will there ever be Andy LaRoque solo album for example?<\/p>\n<p>I don\u2019t know if I ever had the goal of making a pure Andy solo album, I thought it would be kind of boring. If there weren\u2019t a band of some form then maybe, but you never know, let\u2019s see what the future holds&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"style191\">Thanks a lot for your time!<\/p>\n<p>Thanks, say hello to the Priest camp!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\">Andy LaRocque on the web:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.andylarocque.se\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.andylarocque.se<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"668\" cellspacing=\"5\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" height=\"1399\">\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"660\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andyguide.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1930\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/andyguide.gif\" alt=\"andyguide\" width=\"397\" height=\"73\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"165\">\n<div align=\"center\"><strong>Where from:<\/strong> Sweden<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"469\">\n<div align=\"center\"><strong>Active:<\/strong> Early 80&#8217;s -&gt;<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><strong>Style:<\/strong> heavy metal<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>www:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.andylarocque.se\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.andylarocque.se<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sonictrainstudios.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.sonictrainstudios.com<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"102\"><strong>Discography (with King Diamond): <\/strong>Fatal Portrait (1985), Abigail (1987), Them (1988), Conspiracy (1989), The Eye (1990), Live 1987 (1991), The Spider\u2019s Lullabye (1995), The Graveyard (1996), Voodoo (1998), House Of God (2000), Abigail II: The Revenge (2001), The Puppet Master (2003), Deadly Lullabyes Live (2004), Give Me Your Soul&#8230;Please (2007)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><strong>Trivia: <\/strong>Andy runs his own studio in Varberg, Sweden. Called Sonic Train Records, bands who have worked there include King Diamond, Falconer, In Flames and Witchery among others. Besides two separate studio rooms, the facilities also contain small kitchen, shower and an overnight possibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr bgcolor=\"#FF6600\">\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"31\"><strong>Essential releases (top4):<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/fatal_tiny.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1933\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/fatal_tiny.gif\" alt=\"fatal_tiny\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>King Diamond:<br \/>\nFatal Portrait (1985)<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Essential metal classic, formed onto the ruins of Danish horror legend Mercyful Fate, vocalist King Diamond kicked off things in spectacular fashion with this debut album. Guitars by Andy LaRoque and Michael Denner (also from MF) and powerhouse drumming of Mikkey Dee ensure \u201cFatal Portrait\u201d a place in metal history.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail_tiny.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1927\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/abigail_tiny.gif\" alt=\"abigail_tiny\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>King Diamond:<br \/>\nAbigail (1987)<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A metal concept album of course grew from 1970\u2019s progressive sounds and bands like Pink Floyd, The Who and Genesis. However none of those groups delivered anything as twisted and graphic as King Diamond. In the concept album stakes here we have one of the very best. The story of infant baby girl, Abigail and devastating curse that follows her backed up by sharp as steel heavy metal played with fire and conviction. !<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/houseofgod_tiny.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1935\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/houseofgod_tiny.gif\" alt=\"houseofgod_tiny\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>King Diamond:<br \/>\nHouse Of God (2000)<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Criminally underrated, yet the definite highlight of King\u2019s career on this side of the millennium. Menacing \u201cThe Trees Have Eyes\u201d sets the pace and the brilliantly evil title track stands head and shoulders above most doom efforts of recent days.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"176\">\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/puppet_tiy.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1936\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/puppet_tiy.gif\" alt=\"puppet_tiy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>King Diamond:<br \/>\nThe Puppet Master (2003)<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>One of King\u2019s most sinister, sad and affecting stories ever. The album\u2019s atmosphere is tight, gripping and almost mournful. Again visuals can be fully pictured by the listener.<span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/interviews\/andylarocque.html#\">review<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr bgcolor=\"#FF6600\">\n<td colspan=\"2\"><strong>Essential Guest appereance:<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/death_tiny.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1932\" src=\"http:\/\/kkdowning.net\/steelmill\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/death_tiny.gif\" alt=\"death_tiny\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>Death:<br \/>\nIndividual Thought Patterns (1993)<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During a break from King Diamond and reunion of Mercyful Fate, Andy produced and played guitar on this masterpiece by Florida\u2019s finest. In the age of grunge, this album is rightly considered a progressive death metal classic and a huge influence on all current black metal bands in both sound and style. It is also a testament to the genius of late Chuck Schuldiner. The song \u201cOveractive Imagination\u201d remains one of the defining moments of the genre.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ANDY LAROCQUE King Diamond axeman at the Mill &nbsp; Interview By Ville Krannila \/ May 2008 This month Steel Mill features a guest who needs no introduction: guitarist Andy LaRocque! 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