Soon after
Mercyful Fate dissolved,
King Diamond recorded what has to be considered the first satanic
heavy metal Christmas song. Classic
holiday melodies are skewered by
Diamond's grinchy, yet operatic vocal styling, including a bizarre
Bing Crosby imitation, "I'm dreaming of a white...Sabbath!" Backed with the equally evil screamer
"Charon," this release has two different covers sharing the same catalog number. One is white with festive green and red lettering; the other features a campy picture of a decorated reindeer posed next to a sneering, face-painted
Diamond thumbing his nose. Although this collectable 12" and cassette single quickly disappeared into metal lore,
"No Presents for Christmas" is also available on
The Dark Sides collection, and
"Charon" is well represented on the full-length
Fatal Portrait. ~ Craig Curtice