Mercyful Fate bring original lineup back to home turf in Copenhell 2020

(Image credit: Fin Costello/Redferns via getty)

Mercyful Fate are the biggest and no doubt most influential heavy metal band to emerge from Denmark, so it seems only fitting that they are the first band to be announced for Copenhell 2020 – Denmark's biggest rock and metal festival.

King Diamond and co will be making a spectacular return, performing with the "9" linup of Hank Shermann (guitar), King Diamond (vocals), Bjarne T. Holm (drums), Mike Wead (guitar) and Joey Vera (Bass) – who is filling in for Timi Hansen.

Mercyful Fate formed almost 40 years ago and are often credited for being an important influence on the development of black metal, as well as being cited as an influence on thrash's "big four", namely Metallica and Slayer. 

The set list will consist solely of tracks taken from their very first 'mini LP', albums Melissa and Don't Break The Oath and brand new songs written in the style of their earlier days.

(Image credit: Copenhell)

Copenhell will be taking place from June 17-20, 2020, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Tickets are to be released later this year. For more information on Copenhell visit the official site.