King Diamond

Kim Bendix Petersen (born 14 June 1956), better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Danish rock musician. As a vocalist, he is known for his powerful and wide-ranging countertenor singing voice, in particular his far-reaching falsetto screams. He is the lead vocalist and lyricist for both Mercyful Fate and the eponymous King Diamond. He also plays keyboards and guitars on studio recordings but uses live shows to focus solely on his vocal performance. Diamond is renowned for his dark lyrical content and his story concepts. He is also known for his distinctive shock stage persona (in particular his black and white facepaint). He has been an influence for other rock and metal artists, including Metallica, Slayer and Cradle of Filth..

Career

Early days Kim Petersen was born in Hvidovre, a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark on June 14, 1956. His father worked as a foreman at a storage facility, while his mother was secretary to the city's mayor. He grew up alongside his younger brother Stig. He revealed that growing up there was strict discipline in the way he and his brother were raised but lived a "very normal childhood." Petersen first became curious about occultism after...