Mercyful Fate Begins Work on First Album Since 1999, With Instrumentals Complete and Lyrics Next on the Agenda

Summary

• Mercyful Fate is currently demoing their first album in 26 years, with instrumentals mostly complete.
• The album’s release is expected after King Diamond’s solo album, which should drop this year, followed by a European tour.
• ‘The Jackal of Salzburg’, already performed live, will feature on the album, with potential singles arriving by the end of the year or in 2026.

After 26 long years, the wait for new music from Mercyful Fate may finally be nearing an end. While whispers of a fresh release from King Diamond and the band have been circulating for a while, bassist Becky Baldwin recently provided an update that confirms things are moving forward. During an interview at the Metal Hall of Fame gala (as cited by Blabbermouth), Baldwin shared that the group is currently working on demos for the follow-up to 1999’s 9.

According to Baldwin:

“It’s in the kind of demoing process at the moment. Instrumentally, it’s mostly there. The next step is for King to work on it, but King also needs to release the King Diamond album this year, hopefully. That album should drop first, followed by a European tour with King Diamond. Then it’s Mercyful Fate’s turn. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we’ll start finishing the Mercyful Fate album—finishing lyrics, polishing tracks, etc. ‘The Jackal of Salzburg’ is already confirmed for the album, as it’s been performed live. King’s done some incredible things with the demo version. Maybe we’ll even get singles later this year. If not, then next year for sure.”

Juggling priorities between King Diamond’s solo project and Mercyful Fate’s return means fans will need patience, but the thought of new singles before year-end? That’s something to hang onto.

When asked about the album’s themes, titles, or riffs, Baldwin wasn’t ready to spill the details (or perhaps wasn’t allowed to).

“I’m not gonna give anything away. I don’t feel qualified to divulge that kind of information. I haven’t been told what I am or am not allowed to say. [Laughs] There are songs with names, there are concepts. I’m not singing a riff for you, but trust me—there are riffs. [Laughs]”

It’s clear that Mercyful Fate’s comeback is building momentum, albeit slowly. For now, patience is key. Singles may land late this year, but a full album release might stretch into 2026. Regardless, metalheads everywhere can rest assured that the wait for Mercyful Fate’s new era is nearly over.

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