KING DIAMOND’s Andy La Rocque and Pontus Egberg Speak on New Tour, Upcoming Album, and "Spider Lilly"
Lately, the metal scene has been buzzing with excitement as KING DIAMOND’s North American headlining tour continues to captivate audiences. The tour, titled "Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920," has seen the band perform new songs like "Spider Lilly" and "Electro Therapy." The Metal Voice recently caught up with guitarist Andy La Rocque and bassist Pontus Egberg to discuss their new creations and the upcoming album, "The Institute."
Two New Anthems on Tour
La Rocque and Egberg speak enthusiastically about the newly introduced "Spider Lilly" and "Electro Therapy" that the band is performing live on tour. "Spider Lilly" was expediently learned and recorded for their tour set, with only days to spare before the onset of the tour. La Rocque admits that the song is a somewhat fresh addition to their recent repertoire, explaining that it came together due to King’s relentless progress and input. This new addition features unique lyrics and a captivating narrative, blending existing themes seamlessly.
"Electro Therapy," on the other hand, has been in the works for a while. La Rocque shares that it started as early as 2019 and has gone through several iterations over the past few years. It promises to be a part of their upcoming album and appears to be an evolution of their signature sound, with subtle yet significant changes to adapt it to King’s vocals and overall vision.
Upcoming Album "The Institute"
The topic of the new album was also prominent in the discussion. La Rocque revealed that while the recording process has continued, the album is still in progress and is anticipated for release in 2025 via Metal Blade Records. He clarified that the album, "The Institute," will be a sprawling, two-part horror concept story, set in a 1920s mental institution. This backdrop is rich with historical context and allows for an exploration of darker subjects through the band’s signature metallic edge.
La Rocque expressed his excitement for the upcoming release, sharing that it will encapsulate the band’s ethos of great melodies and organic sound. The guitarists emphasized the pivotal role of Matt Thompson, the current drummer of KING DIAMOND, in achieving this goal.
Planning and Release Strategy
While details are still being ironed out, the band has outlined their strategic plan for the album. The first part is expected to be released in 2023, followed closely by the second part. The use of a two-LP structure allows for a more expansive narrative and ensures that the complexity of the story grounds the recording as an integral part of their legacy.
In addition to the musical components, King discussed how the staging and lighting would be pivotal in creating a unique visual experience for the audience. The band’s creative efforts promise a deeply immersive experience for fans, showcasing their commitment to the storytelling aspect of their craft.
Other News and Insights
KING DIAMOND recently received an RIAA Gold certification for "Every Day … Is Christmas Eve," reflecting their reinvigorated presence on the stage and in the hearts of their audience. They have a video single release planned for "Spider Lilly," likely to be a companion piece to the song’s new live performance.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As KING DIAMOND continues to push the boundaries of their artistic vision, fans of their musical and conceptual prowess eagerly await their latest recording and subsequent performances. Keep your eyes on their official channels for more updates and ticket information as the tour rolls on and their soon-to-be-released album entices listeners with its dark yet captivating allure.
Be sure to follow KING DIAMOND’s journey and sync with their social media for all the latest insights, exclusive content, and upcoming releases. Stay tuned and ready to dive into the depths of their newest masterpiece, set for a thrilling emergence in the world of metal.
Mark your calendars for their upcoming concerts and join them in exploring the intricate and chilling narratives "The Institute" promises to unfold.
