KING'S X

In 1992, almost all the elite of metal and hard music had nothing but good things to say about King's X (even Yngwie Malmsteen, although not a model of open-mindedness). Between the lack of recognition and the tensions with producer Sam Taylor, King's all the usual ingredients are present on the record, the recipe is scrupulously followed but the sauce does not take. The riffs lack substance, the choruses are too predictable, and in short, there is no enjoyable and spontaneous feeling of Gretchen Goes to Nebraska and Faith Hope Love. When Doug Pinnick admits to not even remembering the recording of this album, it helps to identify the problem: King's X makes an appearance, and that's it. The highlight of the album is "Dream in My Life"

If I could sum up the majority of King's X's output in one word, I would call it "reliable". Their signature blend of hard rock, progressive rock/metal, and alternative metal really hasn't changed much over the years, despite a few experimental releases here and there (Please Come Home? Mr. Bulbous immediately comes to mind). But in all fairness, their sound never really needed to change in the first place; despite only bubbling up beneath mainstream success, you'll find no shortage of musicians who have praised them over the years. From Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament proclaiming that they invented grunge to Devin Townsend including Gretchen Goes to Nebraska in his list of the "Five Albums That Made Me", King's X have garnered a reputation as "your favorite band's favorite band" for a reason. With that said, the last decade hasn't exactly been kind to our rock trio: in the time since 2008's XV, drummer Jerry Gaskill and frontman Doug Pinnick had suffered their share of health issues, including two heart attacks in the former's case and a lymph node infection in the latter. Combine that with the members' respective solo projects, and it was understandable that production on Three Sides of One would be a slow and difficult process. But now that it's finally out, how exactly does it stack up against their previous works?

Right from the get-go, opener "Let It Rain" makes it apparent that these guys haven't lost a step since their absence. It's a warm, inviting midtempo rocker with all the spiritual imagery and charismatic vocals that you would typically expect of a King's X song. You have to give it to Pinnick as well: the dude is in his 70s now, and yet his vocals sound like they did in the band's early days. His singing manages to range from low vibrato sections to high impassioned wails, as if he's still exalting the music he heard in "Over My Head" all those years ago. Meanwhile, Ty Tabor is cooking up all sorts of diverse guitar tones and techniques throughout the record; you've got the absolutely nasty sludge-influenced intro to "Flood Pt. 1", the bluesy crunch found in the riffs of high- octane rocker "Give It Up", the gorgeous clean tones of power ballad "All God's Children", and much more. While Pinnick and Gaskill provide an excellent rhythm section as always, it's Tabor who brings much of the stylistic diversity on Three Sides of One.

What's especially welcome about the record is the presence of the gospel and soul elements that defined the trio's best works. "Take the Time", for instance, is rife with lush vocal harmonies and an overall life-affirming atmosphere; the whole song just exudes feel-good vibes. The aforementioned "All God's Children" is another good case of this, as even its heavier sections retain the reverent spirit of its subdued acoustic moments; of course, having lovely vocal interplay between Tabor and Pinnick helps too. But if there are any genuine surprises found in Three Sides of One's tracklist, they're in the metal side of things; seriously, this record gets startlingly heavy at times. "Flood Pt. 1" and "Swipe Up" are both marked by sludgy downtuned riffs that channel the likes of Alice in Chains or Melvins, although the former does ease up in its verses. Elsewhere on the album, we get the proggy off-kilter riff that introduces "Holidays" and the down-and-dirty southern grooves of "Watcher", displaying a band who aren't afraid to express their heavier side in new ways 43 years into their career. However, it would have been nice to have just a few more of such experiments on the record. Much of Three Sides of One is just business as usual for King's X, the tracklist largely being occupied by midtempo melodic rockers in the group's traditional style without a ton of surprises; a little dose of unpredictability could have strengthened the experience as a whole.

Still, having a new record by these guys is like hugging an old friend you haven't seen in years; even after such a long absence, there's still a warm familiarity you get as a King's X fan when putting the album on for the first time. The classic Beatles-esque melodies? The soulful vibes? The rock-solid musicianship? The heavy semi- proggy riffs? They're all here, and all get their due spotlight over the course of the album. Three Sides of One doesn't reinvent the wheel in any major way, but it serves as a nice continuation of the band's career after such a long gap between releases; moreover, it's just incredibly satisfying to see them finally putting out new material again.

This is Kings X in London, and as they say, it's their favorite place to play. Perhaps as the English love good heavy hard melodic rock music with a message. KINGS X has always had something to say and they say it with passion. They are probably one of the few bands in rock music that writes interesting lyrics as RUSH is no longer active. This band writes about their spiritual struggles and how emotion collides with the intellect. They are a musician's band and have always attracted people who love the beauty and technically of music. Bands come and go but this band has stayed and they are still here and they will release new music soon. They are probably the greatest rock trio outside of RUSH and ZZ Top.

King's X were back a fourth time with a self-titled album!

But unfortunately, forgetting their progressive roots along the way to offer us a collection of hard rock songs of great quality, but with moderate interest for lovers of this genre.

In any case, it's impossible not to enjoy the good number of fine tracks that this "King's X" includes, with a pristine production and great musicianship from all the components of this power trio.

Best Tracks: World Around Me (good vocals and a contagious chorus), Prisoner (great guitar work, especially in the verses), Lost in Germany (a house brand song, with all the good that this band encompasses), Not Just for the Dead (fine sitar touches and another killer chorus) and Black Flag (very compelling hard rock song, with a hilarious video clip)

My Rating: ***

Third album from King's X and a firm entry in the 90's!

With their habitual producer Sam Taylor, the band decided to simplify their style leaving a bit the psychedelic and progressive elements of their (excellent) two previous albums, focusing more in the guitar riffs and commercial chorus and choirs which remind me to the equally great contemporaty band Extreme. Very 90's style!

Nevertheless, I miss a bit the complexity and variation of Out of the Silent Planet and Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. And despite I really enjoy hearing Faith Love Hope I think that this album has aged not so well as the two aforementioned ones. And of course, in this record there is any track so resounding like Goldilox or Over My Head, although It's Love is a little King's X classic.

Best Tracks: It's Love (a bit cheesy and commercial, but a great song), Moanjam (outstanding guitar work), We Were Born to be Loved (a good funky-metal song!) and Faith Love Hope (long and the most prog-influenced track of the album)

Conclusion: King's X simplified their style in this third effort and despite having a stunning instrumental work and good voices (although I think that Ty Tabor is not as good as Pinnick on vocals, and he sings a lot here) I think the result was not so notable this time, being a bit repetitive and boring in the long term.

Nevertheless, if you like the hard rock of the beginning of the 90's, you should check Faith Hope Love out! Despite its flaws, it's a lot of quality to be found here.

My rating: ***

Born from the ashes of the Christian rock group "Petra", King's X was the response from the breakup of one of the band members coming out of the closet. Suddenly, that well loved Christian band didn't want to back up their band anymore. A shame really, Petra was a decent enough band and actually had more progressive leanings than King's X ever would. However, as proven once again in this album "XV", their rock would become harder and somewhat darker.

"XV" is named for the fact that, counting their live releases, this was their 15th official release. As for myself, I am not real familiar with this band, but I was curious how the band would sound considering their legacy. It's a shame that Dug was judged the way he was by a group of people that are told not to judge others. But he would go on making music, which was his love. The music on this album is well produced, but there is not much here (if anything at all) that is progressive. It is hard edged rock, straightforward and based on blues, and it is also made up of some softer ballads. Some of the lyrics are corny, as on "Rocket Ship", "Broke", and "Blue", but there are some first rate rock music here too. They shine the most on the harder edged songs, but even some of those are kind of "washed-out". They do have some harmonies that are nice and reminiscent of "Galactic Cowboys" as in the song "Stuck" which also has a great, but short, guitar solo.

The vocalists are pretty good, they are a fresh difference from most hard, edged bands, but there are times when they suffer too. I am disappointed somewhat that this band has been around for as long as they have, but not much has changed or progressed from their earlier days. Their are some great guitar hooks, but all the songs are short and don't really have a chance to develop much. Choruses are often repetitive and they sound like they were trying to find the right song to be an anthem, but they haven't been able to come up with anything that can be considered a hit, or showstopper. That is another problem, nothing here or really anywhere in their discography stands out. By the time you get to the middle of the album, you are starting to think things sound the same.

So, overall, this is a good album, but not as far as prog terms go. It's pretty standard rock that tries really hard, but doesn't accomplish anything that makes the band stand out. There will be a lot of rockers that would love this, but it's not "different" enough for my liking. 3 stars.

King's X consolidated their sound and status with this very good second effort!

In my opinion this album does not reach the outstanding song writing levels of their debut, but it sounds better and the band is even more consolidated than before. And more varied too, because they increased the progressiveness of the songs and they also incorporated some new-age and psychedelic elements.

The production is a bit strange, because it not really homogeneous. Some tracks just sound different, and I'm not talking about the style, just the production. I don't know if it's deliberated, but strange nonetheless.

Out of the Silent Planet is a surprising mid-tempo with a psychedelic interlude and even sitar on it, with some kind of weak sounding guitars and Ty Tybor on vocals. And Over My Head, on the contrary, contains some incredible guitars and very original riffs, making this track on of King's X finest. A real classic!

Summerland starts with some mellow guitars which automatically bring Goldilox to mind. But this track is harder and more intense, despite being not so good. Pinnick's voice is also different on this album. His singing is higher pitched and rough this time, and I prefer his style on King's X debut which was more gospel oriented. Just my personal taste! And don't take me wrong? His voice is still incredible here.

Everybody Knows a Little Bit of Something is a more typical hard rock track, with some nice riffing and great bass lines at the verses. The chorus is a bit repetitive, but the song is still pretty good, specially the instrumental section and the solos. The Difference is a mellow acoustic track with Ty Tybor again on the vocals, who sings great vocal melodies this time. But the guitars are even better! Splendid track.

I'll Never be the Same is another hard rock mixed with some prog elements and another very good solo, just like Mission, a song which talks subtly about religion. Fall on Me follows the same path. Just good hard rock with splendid musicianship and some experimental elements towards the end.

Pleiades is another slower song with Ty Tybor on vocals, also in the style of the hit Goldilox at the beginning, but harder and more progressive after that. Don't Believe It is another competent hard rock song with fine choirs which will appeal to Extreme fans, and Send A Message is a very catchy tune with great verses, funky elements and funny lyrics wonderfully interpreted by Doug Pinnick.

The Burning Down has also Ty Tabor on leads vocals, and it has some incredible guitar melodies. The final part is just a little masterpiece with some new age influences and flutes on it. What a good way to give to end this album!

Conclusion: Gretchen Goes to Nebraska is not as cohesive as Out of the Silent Planet, and sometimes is even too long and repetitive. But it contains a lot of great songs and very innovative ideas, making it a very interesting listening for every prog rock and hard rock fan.

I still honestly prefer their debut, but that's just my personal taste because from an objective point of view this second effort is just as good, if not better. Strongly recommended!

Best Tracks: Over my Head, Summerland, The Difference, Pleiades, Send a Message, The Burning Down.

My rating: ****

After almost 30 years after its release, Out of the Silent Planet still sounds fresh and surprising!

King's X are not strictly progressive. They are an alternative hard rock band from the end 80's which decided to mix their Rush and progressive influences with a strong song-oriented songwriting, a bit commercial but complex enough to appeal the prog fans. It's like Saga meets Rush but with a touch of grunge and alternative rock in the vein of Pixies or Sonic Youth. That makes the sound of King's X kind of unique and interesting.

The sound is the album is also pretty good, with emphasis on the strong Ty Tabor guitars and the outstanding voice of Doug Pinnick, one of the best prog singers of all time in my opinion. Jerry Gaskill is also solid on his drums, making King's X a true power trio in the best tradition of the mentioned Rush.

Out of the Silent Planet opens with In the New Age, a powerful and modern song with great guitar sound making a very good alternative hard rock tune. But Goldilox is even better with its great lyrics and the impressive vocals from Pinnick. A mellow and catchy song, and a real King's X classic. Power of Love is a bit more conventional, typical hard rock from the 80's very well sung.

Wonder is maybe the lowest point of the album, despite its good chorus. Just too repetitive! But the album gets better with Sometimes, funnier and with another good chorus. King is even better with its distorted bass line and good choirs, while What is this? offers interesting psychedelic voices together with an impressive singing on the choir.

Far, Far Away is the most progressive track of the album and one of my favorites. Great guitar melodies! A song which influenced in the progressive sound of the 90's. Shot of Love remembers me to the best Extreme with its vocal melodies, and it has surprising folk melodies in its riffs. Visions is a mid-tempo with an accelerated final section, leaving a very good impression.

Conclusion: Out of the Silent Planet supposed a great debut for King's X. A band which sounded just great despite its youth, with powerful guitars, an impressive voice talent who also plays bass pretty well, together with a strong drummer. This album is a very stimulating mixture of hard rock, alternative rock and some prog elements, with full of splendid songs, catchy chorus and great songwriting. Recommended!

Best Tracks: In the New Age, Goldilox, King, Far Far Away.

My rating: ****

KING'S X seemingly came out of nowhere in 1988 with their debut album OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET melding progressive metal with funk and soul in midst of the sea of glam metal, dance pop and corporate controlled MTV. The band has consisted of the same three members since its inception in Springfield, MO all the way back in 1980 and despite never reaching extreme heights in their success have been cited as a major influence in the alternative rock that would dominate the 90s and to this day have a very loyal following. The band actually started when bassist and vocalist Doug Pinnick and drummer Jerry Gaskill were brought together by Greg Volz of the Christian rock band Petra to do a project. Guitarist Ty Tabor met them at one of the gigs, they hit if off and the rest is history. Although the lyrics tend to be based on spiritual themes and the group makes no secret that they are Christians they nonetheless reject the Christian rock band label.

OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET is one of my favorite releases by KING'S X along with the following three. Starting with the first track 'In The New Age' we get a new age intro that shrouds and obfuscates the band's true sound until the grungy alternative rock guitar finally breaks in and dominates the soundscape. All of the songs are catchy and edgy at the same time. There is a subdued funkiness to the bass that is totally independent of the dirty guitar sounds and there's a pseudo-sloppiness that is held together in some strange way that gives them a rather unique sound. Also on board are the famous harmonizing vocals between all three members with Doug Pinnick belting out some strong lead vocals that are often personal and often dark but always ultimately uplifting lyrics.

Like all really good power trios, KING'S X makes the most out of their three instruments and contributing vocals. Despite their music not being significantly different from other hard rock and alternative bands, there's something about it that is distinctly KING'S X. The catchy songs are simply infectious and the band's ability to mix distinct tones, rhythms and atmosphere give them a very unique sound. The harmonizing vocals, down tuned guitar and bass create some interesting dynamics. I find this a very strong debut with very few weak tracks like 'Power Of Love' which was obviously a hopeful radio friendly potential hit that never came to be.

For me, this album is a big fat pile of I Don't Get It. I find the production lukewarm, the performances uninspiring, and the overall aesthetic and atmosphere insipid and irritating. A few attempts here and there at Beatles-like vocal harmonies don't amount to much; nor does an attempt to make the guitars sound a little like sitars. And when the band do attempt to rock out, it just sounds like ugly 80s hair metal. On the balance, the album exhibits everything I find distasteful about hard rock and is perhaps one of the most deeply uninteresting musical experiences I have ever endured.