King Diamond

This article is about the musician. For the associated band, see King Diamond (band).

King Diamond
King Diamond performing in 2022
King Diamond performing in 2022
Background information
Birth nameKim Bendix Petersen
Born (1956-06-14) 14 June 1956 (age 68)
Hvidovre,[1] Denmark
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, musician, producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, keyboards, guitar
Years active1974–present
Member of
Websitekingdiamondcoven.com

Kim Bendix Petersen (born 14 June 1956),[1] 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,[3] Slayer[4] and Cradle of Filth.[5]

  1. ^ a b Bille, Torben, ed. (2002). Dansk rockleksikon (in Danish) (1st ed.). Politikens Forlag. p. 253. ISBN 87-567-6525-8. Kim Bendix Petersen. Født 14. juni 1956 i Hvidovre. [English: Kim Bendix Petersen. Born 14 June 1956 in Hvidovre.]
  2. ^ Staff (4 September 2018). "A Brief History Of The World's Greatest Shock Rockers". Kerrang!. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  3. ^ "The History of Metallica". Metallicaworld.co.uk. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  4. ^ "Kerry King interviewed by Metal Hammer". YouTube. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  5. ^ "KNAC.COM - The Loudest Dot Com on the Planet!". Knac.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2020.