As one of my all time favorites, I must admit that I am indeed a little bit biased when it comes to my opinion of King Diamond, and his workings. After a career spanning more than 2 decades of making Metal, King decided to forego the common releasing of a "Best Of" album, and instead took his "Best Of" on the road with him during the "Puppet Master" tour of 2004. Each night of the tour was recorded with the intention of releasing a double live album, and therefore we are now blessed to have "Deadly Lullabyes" finally released!

This album is certainly a "must-have" even for those who have perhaps missed out on King's solo workings since the "Abigail / Them" releases. Beginning with opening track "Funeral" taken from the "Abigail" album, King then takes us on a journey throughout nearly all of his greatest works. Early classics such as "Welcome Home", "Halloween", and "Family Ghost" as well as some of his most recent works such as "Mansion in Sorrow" and "Blood to Walk" round out this release of 20 amazing tracks!

One of the things I'm most impressed with on this release is the sound quality is nearly perfect, and consistent from track to track. Very impressive considering that many of these tracks were recorded in different locations all around the world. Another thing I find impressive is the backup vocalist Lydia Sitter who sings harmony behind the high parts of King's lyrical phrases. The addition of a female backup vocalist works amazingly well when combined with King, as well as during her solo parts featured on King's latest album "The Puppet Master" (IMO - King's best work in nearly a decade!).

Of course with King Diamond, either you love him or (curse you if...) you hate him! King's vocal style doesn't work for everyone, although I personally admire his vocal versatility. Seeing King live during this tour was easily the best tour I witnessed in 2004. The incredible intensity of the music and King's vocal prowess live is certainly something that in my opinion should be admired.

If you don't have this CD, I highly recommend it, however, I would also recommend that everyone should buy "The Puppet Master" before buying anything else!