Not many bands can claim to be as influential as Mercyful Fate. As one of the early purveyors of true metal, the band's impact is felt far and wide; from the new wave of black metals' Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir to international metal gods Megadeth and Metallica.

The Mercyful Fate compilation 'The Beginning' was originally released through Roadrunner Records in 1987. Collecting their early, rare material like the 'Nuns Have No Fun' EP, BBC sessions, and alternate versions of tracks from their 'Melissa' album, showcasing the band's raw, occult-infused metal roots before their 1985 split. It serves as an essential release for fans, featuring their pioneering sound that influenced black metal.