King’s X – a band that really defies logic. The critics loved them! Every album got glowing 5 star reviews, and yet other than a hardcore following, they never got the sales they deserved. I tried to it work out myself numerous times, and other than being Christians and some of their songs having Christian elements (it’s not in your face like Stryper for example), and maybe the songs were quite complex in places, but I’m at a loss. They have the classic band set up, a three piece with guitar, bass, and drums – and one of them sings – so the music has a chance to breath. They have one of the best rock singers in Doug Pinnick, an amazing guitarist in Ty Tabor, and a killer drummer in Jerry Gaskill. Everything should have been gold for these guys.
In The New Age is a great opening track, and right from the get go you know these guys are a cut above everyone else. This was ’88, and they were so much better than what was around them. The absolute awesome Goldilocks is next. The ultimate power ballad with so much feel and soul in the vocal. It has an epic solo in the middle, with wonderful melodies and harmonies. It makes a grown man cry!
This is a Metal Blade reissue, so it’s a double heavyweight LP and the tracks are spaced out more. It’s on to Side 2 we go with The Power Of Love, which is a somewhat simple song, but with great harmonies and a killer solo it turns into a whole different uplifting song. Wonder follows and is another epic song. The way it builds and grows is a joy to hear, and again the vocals and harmonies are insane.
Change the disc and to Side 3 we go, and the quality continues with Sometimes. A great riff and more superb harmonies. They really do compliment each other with different tones in their voices. Every song on this album would be a centerpiece song for any other band, but they just keep rolling them out. King is next, and again another great song and more of the same epic writing and delivery. Just when you think they can’t get any better up pops What Is This. I’m running out of superlatives to bestow on this greatness. This is a contender for my desert island song. It has everything!!! A killer vocal with so much soul and feel, and superb guitar playing (not just in the solos) -it sounds so huge.
Over to Side 4 and yet more greatness with Far Far Away. Just take my word for it – another amazing tune. The very commercial sounding Shot Of Love is next, and in a real world it would have made the singles chart. Then we come to the big ending with the track Visions. This was a great tune live as the pace really picks up in the song, and Ty just wails on the guitar.
I know I say this a lot but you really need this album in your life and soul. I find it a very uplifting record. Just a heads up that their first 5 albums are this good.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
