King's X

Atlantic

produced by Sam Taylor

the fourth album

All three of King's X's albums have had critical success and have sold at least well enough for the band to stay together without taking construction jobs. Despite this and a little airplay on MTV (way too little, in my opinion), King's X is not a household word. Maybe they are too good. Hopefully, their recent project, a self-titled release on their new label, Atlantic, will push them over the edge.

As with other albums, King's X provides superb musicianship. None of the members of this trio are merely adequate at his respective instruments. Doug Pinnick's bass is, for my money, one of the best in the business. Ty Tabor, with every listen to this album, constantly amazes me with what he does with the guitar (not to mention the addition of a sitar and dulcimer on some tracks -- how's that for a different sounding metal album?). Jerry Gaskill on drums doesn't just pound and thrash; he pounds and thrashes with authority and finesse.

These are not just catchy tunes with forgettable lyrics. With creativity, these songs invite the listener to examine the turbulence of both the planet and the inner person, rather than preach and offer simple solutions to complex problems. The first song, "The World Around Me," could have been an appropriate title for this project, as well as being a really cool tune.

Highlights of the album are "Not Just For The Dead," "Lost In Germany," and the first single and video "Black Flag." In the latter, the speaker finds that he is as much a sinner as those he has judged. "Lost In Germany" and "Not Just For The Dead" have powerful choruses that beg the listener to sing along.

"Chariot Song" is likely to become a fan favorite, if for no other reason than it seems to be trying to mention every song that the band has previously recorded ("Out of the planet comes Gretchen with faith, hope, and love. . ." Humm.).

The albums King's X makes have a quality of timelessness that most modern music lacks. I never get tired of listening to any one of their projects. This disc is no exception. It is difficult for me, when the last song is finished, to keep from playing the album again.

I can't honestly say whether or not this is King's X's best album. Faith, Hope, Love and Out Of The Silent Planet, in my opinion, are better albums than their sales have revealed. Gretchen Goes To Nebraska is one of the finest and most overlooked projects in recent memory. This album just might be as good. If anything, the arrangement of songs is done in such a way as to perhaps garner more radio success: the hooks seem less complex without taking away the smooth kick of the band's fresh and original sound. King's X takes a big bite out of life on this and chews heartily.