In a candid interview with Frank Godla of Metal Injection, King Diamond, the iconic frontman of the legendary heavy metal band KING DIAMOND and the influential MERCYFUL FATE, has shed light on the recent significant lineup change within his namesake project. The departure of longtime guitarist Andy La Rocque and the subsequent recruitment of Greek guitar virtuoso Gus G. (known for his work with FIREWIND and as a former member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band) have been subjects of considerable discussion among fans. King Diamond provided detailed insights into the circumstances surrounding La Rocque’s exit, emphasizing that the decision was amicable and stemmed from diverging paths rather than conflict.
"We are certainly still friends. That’s never gonna change," King Diamond stated regarding his relationship with Andy La Rocque. He elaborated on the gradual nature of their divergence: "I think it’s a gradual thing that’s just been going different directions for a while. And it got to a point where it’s just, like, ‘Okay, something has to change. It’s not right.’" He extended his best wishes to La Rocque and his wife, clarifying that any speculation linking his departure to La Rocque’s side project, LEX LEGION, was unfounded. "The whole thing about the other band that he plays with now, the side project and stuff like that, it was never a part of any reasons for anything," King Diamond asserted.
The decision to part ways with La Rocque, a guitarist who had been a foundational member of KING DIAMOND for nearly four decades, was not a hasty one. King Diamond explained that while the final decision was made over a two-day period, the underlying sentiment had been developing for some time. "When it was decided was over two days," he revealed. "[But] it [had] been coming for a while. And it’s not one thing or ‘you said this’ or ‘did this or that.’ It’s not like that. It really is like moving apart a little bit here, a bit there."
A key factor, according to King Diamond, was La Rocque’s apparent disinclination towards the band’s increasingly demanding touring schedule. "I had a feeling recently that when Andy heard the new touring plans and the new plans overall, that it was not something that was, ‘Yay,’ but more like, ‘Oh my God. Are you kidding me?’ I don’t think he likes touring that much as we’re doing now," King Diamond observed. He drew parallels to past musicians who had stepped away from KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE due to the pressures of extensive touring and its impact on family life. He specifically mentioned former MERCYFUL FATE guitarist Michael Denner, former KING DIAMOND bassist Chris Estes, and former KING DIAMOND guitarist Herb Simonsen, all of whom reportedly cited family reasons and the strain of prolonged touring as their primary motivations for leaving. "For him, he was missing it too much and all this stuff. I totally understand it," King Diamond said, referring to Denner’s situation. "Most of those people that are not playing or stopped playing with us along the road was for that reason – family. We tour longer now these days, and we are gonna continue going that way because it’s very, very important." This statement underscores a strategic shift in the band’s operational philosophy, prioritizing extensive touring as a crucial element of their current artistic and commercial strategy.
The Arrival of Gus G.
The process of finding a replacement for Andy La Rocque led King Diamond to Gus G., a recommendation that initially came from MERCYFUL FATE guitarist Hank Shermann. King Diamond admitted he was not initially familiar with Gus G.’s work. "I talked to Hank [Shermann] and told him [that I was looking for a new guitarist to replace Andy in KING DIAMOND], and then he said, ‘You should check out Gus G’. And I did not know who Gus G was." The recommendation was further reinforced by Brian Slagel, the founder and CEO of Metal Blade Records. "Brian Slagel said to me, ‘Oh, Gus G, man.’ And then I didn’t respond to it because I wasn’t aware."
Upon receiving the second endorsement, King Diamond began to investigate Gus G.’s musical output. "Then I started listening and doing all the stuff that I got very interested, of course," he stated. Gus G. became the immediate and sole candidate for the position. "He’s the first person we talked about for this. We never talked about having an audition or anything like that. We talked about him, and then got in depth about him because it seemed, ‘Wow, wait a minute here. Okay.’" King Diamond then reached out to Slagel to facilitate an introduction. "Then I said to Brian Slagel, ‘Can you hook us up? Can you ask him if he would be okay with me calling him?’ or something like that."
Reflecting on the seamless integration of Gus G. into the band’s plans, King Diamond agreed with Godla’s observation that "some things are just meant to be." He elaborated, "It really feels like it. You’re right. That’s really what it felt like the whole time. And that’s also why it doesn’t feel [like it’s] this horrible thing, because it’s something that is good for both me and Andy. And we played for 40 years. Think about it. It’s, like, crazy that you think about it has been that long." This sentiment highlights the amicable nature of the transition and the recognition of La Rocque’s significant contributions over an extended period.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Regarding Gus G.’s role in performing KING DIAMOND’s extensive catalog, King Diamond outlined a clear approach that balances reverence for the past with the introduction of new dynamics. "First of all, he’s gonna copy Andy as close as he can [on the classic songs] and fully honor that. That’s what people want to hear and see. So, that’s one thing," King Diamond explained. However, he emphasized that Gus G. is not merely a session musician but a fully integrated member of the band. "But this is not like a hired hand. He’s in the band – 100%." This commitment extends to recording and touring indefinitely.
King Diamond expressed confidence in Gus G.’s ability to capture the essence of KING DIAMOND’s sound while also bringing his own unique flair. "He has the right attitude for getting the style correct with what I want. So we are already talking a lot. But I want him to play his own style, but it must also fit with what we’re doing. So [you’re] not gonna be hearing Gus, what he does with FIREWIND. It’ll be some of that, I’m sure, but there’ll be a new side of him that maybe he has not even explored himself. He might get into a new addition in his vast technique, because of how I put things together, what I might ask him to try and do." This suggests a collaborative environment where Gus G.’s established technical prowess will be channeled and expanded within the specific sonic architecture of KING DIAMOND.
Songwriting and the Creative Core
Addressing potential fan concerns about the impact of Andy La Rocque’s departure on the band’s songwriting, particularly given his role as a key composer, King Diamond emphatically asserted his own central role in the band’s musical creation. "Some people might think that, ‘Oh, Andy’s leaving now, It’s the songwriter [exiting the band]… What are they gonna do now?’ It’s, like, wait a minute. You’re forgetting something," he stated. "I have written by far the most in KING DIAMOND. Just the music I have written on an average 70%. And then all the lyrics. So, that’s an average through all the albums we’ve done together."
King Diamond revealed that he has a substantial amount of material already prepared for future KING DIAMOND releases. "I have enough for the first one and a half albums on KING DIAMOND, on that story that’ll be [told] over [the next] three [KING DIAMOND] albums, of just my stuff, that is now musically ready to be recorded, fully written. Lyrics, I have the whole story, all three complete." His vision extends beyond the music, encompassing stage production as well. "Also up in my head I have what it will look on stage like. When we finish the last note on the third album on stage live, I know what it’ll look like there at this point already. So I’m very far with everything."
While King Diamond will continue to be the primary songwriter, he has extended an open invitation for musical contributions from other band members. "But with regard to Gus, I also said to [KING DIAMOND’s other guitarist] Mike Wead and to Pontus [Egberg, KING DIAMOND bassist], ‘If you have something you feel like should be listened to, we can listen to it.’ I will always be writing the majority. That’s how it is. That style cannot be changed." He also discussed his approach with Gus G., acknowledging his songwriting abilities from FIREWIND. "I want him to write some of his own, but he wants to do something that was very nice for me to hear, that he wants to have me tell him the story as the first part to get into that mood, find out what kind of horror it is that’s going on, and then he wants to send some stuff to me." This collaborative process, though led by King Diamond’s vision, allows for the integration of new creative energies. "I can listen, I can pick and choose, if there’s anything that feels interesting to me, and then we’ll take it from there, see how we do that. If I suggest something for him to go try, he could go try that. Maybe write something together, this and this and that. But there’s open doors for this stuff."
A Dual Album Offensive: KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE Prepare New Releases
In a significant development for both KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE, King Diamond confirmed that both bands are actively working on new albums, with a strategic release schedule planned to keep fans engaged over an extended period. "I said to everybody, ‘I’m not gonna do one more show without us knowing that we have new albums out,’" King Diamond declared. "Both bands are in the studio, 100%, right now."
MERCYFUL FATE will receive a slight priority due to a looming deadline. "And MERCYFUL FATE is the one that will get the tiny priority, because the deadline for MERCYFUL FATE is December [of 2026]," he stated. "We have plenty of time. I mean, somebody has to break an arm or a leg or something like for that not to hold up. But we are far with the album. We have worked for quite a while on these things. But that album will be finished by that time so that Metal Blade have all the time they need to get everything ready, including vinyl and everything." The release of the MERCYFUL FATE album is anticipated around May 2027, coinciding with the band’s planned European tour in the summer of 2027, followed by a U.S. tour in the autumn.
The KING DIAMOND album is being meticulously timed to follow the MERCYFUL FATE release. "The KING DIAMOND album will be finished to be released when we leave for Europe to play with MERCYFUL FATE. That album will just sit there and wait," King Diamond explained. "We come back – it will be December ’27, probably, when MERCY is finished [touring]. Then we might do a little South American fling before KING DIAMOND start touring in the spring [of 2028]." The new KING DIAMOND album is tentatively slated for an April 2028 release, with touring to commence in late spring of the same year. This ambitious schedule includes extensive European festival appearances and a subsequent U.S. tour.
A New Era of Theatricality and Innovation
The upcoming tours for both KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE will feature entirely new stage productions, promising an elevated visual and theatrical experience for fans. "And we have new stage productions for both bands. KING DIAMOND is getting a really extra step up for when we go out with that. It’s gonna get even more, I would say, theatrical," King Diamond enthused. This commitment to evolving stagecraft further underscores the band’s dedication to delivering a comprehensive and immersive live performance.
Gus G.: A Virtuoso Joins the Ranks
Gus G. (born Konstantinos Karamitroudis), a highly respected figure in the global metal scene, brings an unparalleled level of technical proficiency and extensive experience to KING DIAMOND. His career includes over two decades as the founder and driving force behind the Greek power metal band FIREWIND, with whom he has released ten studio albums. Furthermore, his tenure as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne from 2009 to 2017, contributing to the Grammy-nominated album "Scream" (2010), cemented his status as a world-class musician.
Beyond his band work, Gus G. is a prolific solo artist with six albums to his name and has made guest appearances on recordings by numerous acclaimed artists, including Bruce Dickinson, ARCH ENEMY, Doro Pesch, and IN THIS MOMENT. His contributions have been recognized with features on prominent music publications like Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer, and Young Guitar, and he has received accolades such as Metal Hammer’s Golden God Award for "Best Shredder." His integration into KING DIAMOND signifies a powerful convergence of two iconic forces within heavy metal.
A Legacy of Innovation and Enduring Influence
King Diamond, both as an individual and as the leader of his namesake band, has left an indelible mark on heavy metal history. Revered by titans like METALLICA and PANTERA and inspiring countless emerging artists worldwide, his unique vocal style, theatrical stage presence, and dark lyrical narratives have defined a genre. The band’s history is punctuated by significant moments, including King Diamond’s memorable appearance with METALLICA at Ozzfest in 2008 to perform the MERCYFUL FATE medley, and his inclusion as a playable character in "Guitar Hero: Metallica."
After a hiatus, KING DIAMOND made a triumphant return to the stage in 2012 with performances at Hellfest and Sweden Rock festivals, showcasing an elaborate stage production. Subsequent years saw them gracing major international festivals such as Rock Hard Festival, Copenhell, Graspop Metal Meeting, Bloodstock Open Air, Loud Park, Wacken Open Air, and Psycho Las Vegas. In 2019, following the release of their first new single in twelve years, "Masquerade Of Madness," the band embarked on extensive European and North American tours.
More recently, in 2024, KING DIAMOND completed a highly successful North American headlining tour, where they debuted new material, including the track "Electro Therapy." On December 17, 2024, the band released "Spider Lilly," their first new single in five years and the lead single from their forthcoming horror trilogy. Part one of this trilogy is titled "Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920." Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk and directed by David Brodsky, the visually striking video for "Spider Lilly" was filmed at the Pennhurst Asylum. The single features a guest appearance by Danish vocalist Myrkur and was written entirely by King Diamond, receiving widespread critical acclaim and reaffirming the band’s enduring relevance.
The most recent studio album, the Grammy-nominated "Give Me Your Soul…Please" (2007), remains a critical and commercial high point in an already illustrious discography. With new albums on the horizon for both KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE, an ambitious touring schedule, and a continued commitment to theatrical innovation, King Diamond’s 40-plus-year musical journey is far from over. The future promises further exploration of horror concepts, intricate orchestrations, and the signature brand of heavy metal that has captivated audiences for decades.
The current KING DIAMOND lineup for 2026 is:
King Diamond – vocals
Gus G. – guitars
Mike Wead – guitars
Pontus Egberg – bass
Matt Thompson – drums
