Hank Shermann

René Krolmark (born 11 July 1958), better known by his stage name, Hank Shermann, is a Danish musician best known for his work with the heavy metal band Mercyful Fate.

Career Shermann started playing guitar in 1977, influenced by the likes of Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker, Uli Roth, K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. In 1978 he co-founded and performed with the Danish punk band Brats (under the name Hank de Wank), where he first met future bandmates King Diamond and later Michael Denner. The band released one album and was dissolved in 1981 after a disagreement with their record label.

In 1981 he formed Mercyful Fate alongside King Diamond, where they deviated from punk music and started to write heavier songs. During this time Shermann composed all the music for 1983's Melissa and most of 1984's Don't Break the Oath, widely considered Mercyful Fate's most seminal albums. Mercyful Fate disbanded in 1985 due to creative differences, as Shermann wanted to create a more commercial approach.

Shermann formed and performed in the arena rock band Fate from 1984-1988, while King Diamond formed the eponymous King Diamond alongside Mercyful Fate members Michael Denner and Timi Hansen.

In 1992 Mercyful Fate reformed with four of the five original members, and after several lineup changes the group released five albums before going on hiatus in 1999. In 2002 Shermann and Denner formed the band Force of Evil and two albums were released.

In 2008 Shermann formed the band Demonica with Klaus Hyr, and released a single album before disbanding. In 2012 Shermann toured with Volbeat for 74 shows across North America, Europe and South America when they were supporting Megadeth. In 2014 he teamed up with his old bandmate Michael Denner to form Denner/Shermann, before the two disbanded in 2018. with plans to release their first album in over two decades.

Discography Brats 1980 (1980) The Lost Tapes: Copenhagen 1979 (Compilation) (2008)

Mercyful Fate Mercyful Fate (EP) (1982) Melissa (1983) Don't Break the Oath (1984) The Beginning (1987) Return of the Vampire (1992) In the Shadows (1993) The Bell Witch (EP) (1994) Time (1994) Into the Unknown (1996) Dead Again (1998) 9 (1999) Evil 2009 (Single) (2009)

Fate Fate (1985) A Matter of Attitude (1986)

Zoser Mez Vizier of Wasteland (1991)

Gutrix Mushroom Songs (1997)

Virus 7 Sick in the Head (2000)

Force of Evil Force of Evil (2003) Black Empire (2005)

Demonica Demonstrous (2010)

Denner/Shermann Satan's Tomb (EP) (2015) Masters of Evil (2016)