Fate

In the closing months of 1984, Danish heavy metal stalwarts Mercyful Fate divided into opposing factions following the release of a pair of groundbreaking records. While vocalist King Diamond sought to persist with the ensemble's atmospheric heavy metal approach, guitarist Hank Shermann grew weary of its theatrical elements and aimed to pursue straightforward hard rock directions. Unable to bridge their differences, Diamond launched his acclaimed solo endeavors, prompting Shermann to assemble Fate alongside vocalist Jeff "Lox" Limbo, whose actual name is Jens Meinert, along with bassist/keyboardist Pete Steiner and drummer Bob Lance.

The elevated status of Mercyful Fate ensured that the newly formed Fate secured a recording contract from EMI shortly after coming together. They promptly commenced work on their self-titled first record, incorporating guitar contributions from former MF collaborator Michael Denner, which appeared in 1986. Diverging markedly from Mercyful Fate's eerie aesthetic, Fate's blend of metal and hard rock, coupled with their stylish long hair and tight outfits, led both the group and their label to anticipate substantial success.

Nevertheless, the release achieved limited sales beyond Denmark, generated no notable chart performance or airplay in the U.K., and remained largely unknown in America. The next release, 1987's A Matter of Attitude, performed even more disappointingly, leading Shermann to depart for the heavier outfit Lavina, much to the label's dismay. Surprisingly, Fate opted to continue, recruiting guitarist Jacob Moth and keyboardist Floyd Lafayette to produce their third effort, Cruisin' for a Bruisin', in 1998.

This album marked the end for singer Limbo, who departed around the same time as Moth, the latter joining power metal act Blind Guardian. The core rhythm section of Steiner and Lance endured to welcome vocalist Per Henriksen and guitarist Mattias Eklundh, resulting in the final record, 1990's Scratch'n Sniff. Ultimately, this signaled the end, as Lance, now known by his birth name Bjarne T. Holm, rejoined Hank Shermann first in the brief project Zoser Mez and subsequently in a complete Mercyful Fate reformation several years afterward.