OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET

In the stark rock and roll landscape circa 1988, dominated by cookie cutter hair metal bands and modern rock acts addicted to overplayed neo-psychedelica, came Out of the Silent Planet, the fabulous debut album from King's X. The trio from Houston, Texas by way of Springfield, Missouri offered up an amazing sound so unlike anyone or anything else of its time, a sound ruled by heavenly guitar riffs, gospel-inspired lead vocals, thunderous rhythm section work, wonderous melodies, gloriouus 3-part harmonies, and myriad lyrics of faith without ever sounding like a sermon. Out of the Silent Planet was the album that made it cool to rock again in a world of campy hard rock excess.

Killer riffs and basslines abound on this release, from the hard rocking opener In the New Age to the jamming Visions. Ty Tabor's guitar tone is as instantly recognizable as any guitar hero's, and it is front and center on just about every track along with Dug Pinnick's church-trained wail. The melodies are indeed catchy, and the harmonies are tight. Furthermore, King's X were not afraid to wear their faith on their sleeve on the tracks Power of Love, King and Shot of Love because they made it perfectly clear that despite such lyrical content they were a band of Christians playing secular music, not a Christian band.

For the uninitiated, Out of the Silent Planet is the natural place to start. Although it sounds a bit dated in places, when taken in context it is phenomenal for its time. However, it is important to note that King's X would only get better from here including a masterpiece of a sophomore effort the following year. For fans of progressive music, Out of the Silent Planet is highly recommended.