Them, the third solo LP from Mercyful Fate frontman King Diamond, is a masterclass in gothic storytelling. The King’s 1988 opus presents a vivid and gripping narrative about his mentally ill grandmother returning home from the insane asylum and introducing him to a deadly force known only as “them.” Brought to life with King’s theatrical vocal delivery and epic performances by guitarists Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk, Them is an essential heavy-metal concept album that’s best served from a turntable on wax.