It’s been 20 years since Mercyful Fate last took the stage. Over the years, vocalist King Diamond has assured that the act will rise again, and today, those words came true.

Mercyful Fate will reunite to perform at a handful of European festivals next year. This lineup is the one featured on their 9 album with the exception of Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera filling in for Timi Hansen for these select gigs. Mercyful Fate have also revealed that new music is in the works and will be performed at these gigs. One festival they’re confirmed for is Copenhell, which takes place from June 17 through June 20 in Denmark.

NEVER BREAK THE OATH @mercyfulfatecoven will be playing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe during the summer of 2020, including @copenhell . It will be the "9" lineup, featuring: Hank Shermann - Guitar. King Diamond - Vocals. Bjarne T Holm - Drums. Mike Wead - Guitar. with Joey Vera on the bass while Timi Hansen is away. We asked Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) to fill in because he has a very unique style and sound playing with his fingers, much like that of Timi Hansen. This is very important, since the set list will only consist of songs from the very first "mini LP", the "Melissa" album, and the "Don't Break The Oath" album, plus some brand new songs written specifically in that very same style. This will very much be Mercyful Fate as we were in the very beginning, except for a brand new major stage production. See you at the Ruined Bridge. Stay Heavy...

8,148 Likes, 372 Comments - King Diamond (@kingdiamond) on Instagram: "NEVER BREAK THE OATH @mercyfulfatecoven will be playing an unspecified number of concerts..."