“Them”

Shock rocker extraordinaire King Diamond’s love of horror didn’t stem from nowhere — this (very) loosely autobiographical concept album touches on his childhood relationship with his mentally ill grandmother. More demonic spirits here than in real life, but they hide real buried terrors. This time around he divested himself of his remaining Mercyful Fate bandmates, leaving him free reign to explore different characters with his insane vocal range (and some help from muse Andy LaRocque). Them contains some of the most chilling compositions in his extensive grimoire: “Welcome Home” and “Invisible Guests” remain fan favorites to this day.