Metal Blade Records has announced that Grammy Award nominated KING DIAMOND has signed a new three-album worldwide record deal with the label.

Says band namesake King Diamond: "This is gonna be awesome! Another perfect piece of the puzzle. We have the full backup of Metal Blade, and there's an understanding between us that goes much, much deeper than before. Our new business setup will noticeably benefit the fans in so many ways. You must have already noticed some of all the cool new stuff that is happening. Now we can't wait to get out there and start touring again!"

King Diamond is quite possibly the most recognizable and prolific personality ever in heavy metal. Revered by icons as big as METALLICA and PANTERA to inspiring new upstarts like GOATWHORE; King Diamond, the man and the band, have left an indelible mark on the history, and now again, the future of heavy metal.

In August of 2008, King Diamond joined Metallica on stage at Ozzfest in Dallas to perform the MERCYFUL FATE medley made famous from the Garage, Inc. album. Additionally, King Diamond was featured alongside MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister as a playable character in Guitar Hero: Metallica in 2009.

By 2012, King Diamond was prepared to return to the stage for a select number of shows. The band's triumphant return to the stage were the highlights of both the Hellfest and Sweden Rock festivals in France and Sweden. Fans at these festivals were treated to the largest and most involved stage production in the band's storied history. Horror concepts from multiple albums were used in the décor; fans can rest-assured that this show will only get larger and more impressive at future performances.

King Diamond's 30+ year musical career is one of the most storied in history of heavy metal, but the tale is not yet over. The most recent release, 2007's Grammy nominated albumM Give Me Your Soul…Please, stands as one of the most critically-acclaimed albums in an already iconic discography. Future albums will feature entirely new horror stories, concepts, haunting orchestrations, and the band's signature brand of heavy metal from the mind of King Diamond and the talented group of musicians in tow: Andy La Rocque, Mike Wead, Hal Patino, and Matt Thompson. Many more albums, tours, and ventures lay ahead.

Updates to follow. More on King Diamond here.