9 is the seventh studio album by Danish heavy metal band Mercyful Fate. 9 was recorded during February and March 1999, and was released on June 15, 1999, on Metal Blade Records. This album continues the heavier sound that was introduced in their previous album Dead Again, and also marks the return of the Satanic- and occult-based lyrical themes which were prevalent during the band's first incarnation, as the primary lyrical focus.