In 1986, I was only 8 years-old and I accidentally heard the first album of Iron Maiden, which completely changed my life: it was my first contact with heavy metal music, which is still by far my biggest passion ever. Two years later, as we just got cable TV, I've seen this video, with its made-up singer in this kind of haunted house. That video, "Welcome Home", showed me another side of metal which I didn't know yet. Later, as I was looking for something about this strange and intriguing artist called King Diamond, my sister’s friend gave me the tape of King's latest album, which was just released: "Conspiracy". After having listened to the whole album, it was clear this band was really not as common as the others. There was something special, something frightening that stucked in my mind and made it become my favourite band ever.

In 2001, my passion for King had just grew up through all those years as I probably became the biggest King Diamond fan ever. Even though I already knew many things about him since all those years, I was looking for some works on the Internet to learn more. So I've realized that I’ve known more than all the existing biographies, so I had this crazy idea: writing the most complete history of my long-time idol. In the following summer, as my work was finished, I've contacted Renzo Van Soelen, The Coven Worldwide webmaster; my goal was to see my work on King's official website, and it happened in August 2001.

In late September 2003, as King was about to release "The Puppet Master", I decided to improve the work I've done two years earlier. Then my quest for always getting some additional informations never seemed to end. For about six weeks, I've been working on it on average ten hours a day, six days a week. I've been reading hundreds of interviews with King and his former and actual band members, going at every King Diamond and Mercyful Fate websites I could find (did I missed any?), and re-arranging all the informations I've found. Finally I wrote it down as it would be in the more logical way as possible. Actually, its size improved by being nearly eight times bigger than its original version with its 28,000 words.

Then I had this even crazier idea; giving my work to King personally. The show in Montreal, which is at three hours from my home because I live in Quebec city, was planned on the next November 5th, so I began to work on the artwork, to give it the better look possible (I'm a professionnal infographist so this part was quite an easy task for me!) At the Montreal show, I didn't had the opportunity to meet King, however, just before I got kicked outside by security guards before the show while people were waiting in line to get in, I had a few seconds to give a copy to Andy LaRocque. I never had the chance to take a picture with Andy, or ask him for an autograph, I just had enough time to simply tell him that I wrote this book in honor of King, and ask Andy to give it to him for me. After the show, we had the chance to meet guitarist Mike Wead, bassist Hal Patino, drummer Matt Thompson, actress/dancer Jody Cachia and, I also briefly talked with manager Olé Bang. They all were incredibly cool, some very good memories remains from that evening. Mike and Matt told me that Andy gave the book to King, just like I asked him to do, Mike asked me for a copy for himself as he thought it was very interesting. Wow, what an honor!!

Two years later, on November 30th 2005, Arch Enemy came to my hometown, Quebec City, and as I'm a big fan of that band too, it was a show not to be missed. I asked the promoter if I could get a private talk with Sharlee D’Angelo concerning my work on King's life. He told me there would certainly be no problems with it. Around 4 or 5pm, he told me it was ok and I did a kind of interview with him, asking him many things mostly about his days in King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. He was very cool and relaxed, willing to take all the time for me that was necessary. At the end, I asked him to autograph my whole Mercyful Fate and Arch Enemy CD collection on which he plays, then we went outside smoking a cigarette, where my girlfriend and two friends of us were waiting. They took pictures with him and asked autographs too. Nice show, and mostly, nice meeting. Thanks again Sharlee!

Now, after many other dozen hours of work, here is the final result. I dedicate the whole work to you, dear King Diamond, as a matter of respect for all your hard work since over twenty years now. For many people, your achievements could have been only the albums, but to me, it's much more than that; it's the greatest masterpieces ever, as it contains incredible stories, filled by all the emotions that can be felt, and brought it the best music anybody can create. You have brought so much in my life, more than what you could think, and here is a way for me to say thank you. Thank you for all you've done, and most of all, thank you for being the one you are. I simply wish you'll always keep up the great work because you are, without any doubt, the most innovative and talented metal artist of our time.