"GRANDMA! WELCOME HOME!"
When that voice kicks in on the classic song by King Diamond, "Welcome Home," you know you are in for a treat that is rarely heard at that time in metal when this song was released, the late 1980s. The subject matter of songs at that time involved boning whatever woman came your way, drinking as many Jack Daniels bottles as possible, or snorting lines of cocaine the size of swords (not like anything is wrong with that. It's just that every big hard rock/metal song at that time involved that subject matter.) But, along comes King Diamond, changing the game with an ambitious concept record about a Grandma who is mentally ill that finally comes back to her home and has her grandson take care of her (who would be King) and pretty much, through all the ordeals he goes through, the grandson turns insane near the end of the record. That record is "Them" and it is one of the more interesting records I have heard in all genres. Music wise, it is a classic metal record, complete with dualing guitars and killer drumming from future Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee. How I heard of this record was because of the single and one of King's most popular songs, "Welcome Home." I saw the video of this song and was...just, wow. I didn't know what to think. King Diamond is quite the character, with his Satanic makeup and unique Metal voice. But, the music. The music was something else, along with the lyrical matter. I really haven't heard such ambitious lyrics before, especially ones about a mentally ill grandmother who is finally coming back to her home. As a drummer, this song is fun to play, especially with that killer intro drum fill by Mr. Dee. It really drives the song throughout. And then there's the guitars. I love the guitars in this song as much as the drums, because I think they compliment each other quite well and play off each other. I love also how the drums and guitars are pretty much playing the same thing too. A real driving musical deal. Around the 2:50 mark is one of my favorite parts of the song, with the dueling guitars and increased tempo. It really drives one to bang their head. This song is one of the most unique in metal and has helped King Diamond become legendary in the metal community, along with his work in the influential black metal band Mercyful Fate (who even influenced Metallica.) I recommend you listen to this whole concept album that is "Them," but if you don't wanna do that, at least check out this classic tune.
FUN FACT:
This song was featured in the movie "Clerks II," along with lyrics from the song "Invisible Guests," also off of "Them."
INFO
Band: King Diamond
Song: "Welcome Home"
Album: "Them"
Released: 1988
Written by: King Diamond
Label: Roadrunner Records
PERSONNEL
King Diamond: Vocals, Keyboards
Andy LaRocque: Guitars
Pete Blakk: Guitars
Hal Patino: Bass
Mikkey Dee: Drums
Here's the music video to "Welcome Home" I was talking about. Very dark, much like the character of King Diamond himself. But, an awesome song and great video. Check it. (Sorry about the subtitles, but hey! It'd be nice for you kids to learn this en espanol. Plus, this was the only video I could find of the actual video to put on this site.)
Later days, my friends,
Bonzo Brad
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