| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: Sam Taylor & King's X |
| Record Label: Megaforce | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1988 | Artist Website: King's X |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 42:37 |
The history of King’s X can be traced back to the early eighties when bassist Doug Pinnick developed a vision for a band in which all its members were Christians but, at the same time, would not fall under the label "Christian band". Pinnick proceeded to play with drummer Jerry Gaskill in the rhythm section of Phil Keaggy's band for a year, and when the two caught a gig at Evangel College in Springfield, MO, they were impressed by a talented guitarist by the name of Ty Tabor. Gaskill and Tabor shared Pinnick's vision for a "band of Christians" and subsequently formed the first incarnation of King's X called The Edge. Later changing the bands name to Sneak Preview, the three independently released a self-titled debut album of all original material. A move to Houston ensued in 1986, and after meeting future manager and producer Sam Taylor, he suggested the band again change its name, this time to King's X. (King's X was the name of a local band Taylor followed in high school.) Following the bands showcase performance at the Cat Club in New York City in June 1987, Johnny Z. of Megaforce/Atlantic signed King's X on the spot. Out Of The Silent Planet, the bands 1988 Megaforce debut, is named after a science fiction novel by British author C.S. Lewis.
With musical influences ranging from Grand Funk Railroad, Rush, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, the Beatles and Metallica, King's X brings a unique and creative approach to the hard rock genre. Tabor contributes a rock solid rhythm guitar sound in addition to an abundance of skillfully played lead guitar work. Gaskill and Pinnick combine to form perhaps the tightest rhythm section this reviewer has heard. Pinnick brings out the best in the bands sound with his emotional flavored and gut-level lead vocal style.
While Out Of The Silent Planet features a clean but slightly raw sounding production job, a bit of big budget polish would help bolster its sonics. The rhythm guitar projects the needed edge and crispness, while the lead guitar evenly rises above the instrumentation. The rhythm section comes across in a tight and sharp sounding manner.
"In The New Age" fades in to keyboards that gradually build in intensity until a heavy handed and driving riff abruptly kicks in. Slowing in tempo, the rhythm guitar plays a reduced role in the mix as Tabor takes on lead vocal duties during the songs first verse. The rhythm guitar returns, however, as "In The New Age" reaches a chorus carried by Pinnick’s soulful vocal delivery. Tabor cuts loose and displays his abilities on lead guitar throughout a minute and a half long instrumental passage.
An edgy rhythm guitar backed by a punchy bass line introduces "Goldilox", the two carrying the song at a mid-tempo pace until it gains momentum for a catchy chorus accentuated by ethereal vocal harmonies. Tabor brings out the best in the song with his blues flavored lead guitar work. "Goldilox" deals with the issue of loneliness and the fear of failing to find the right person:
I can't believe summers almost here
I made it through another year, even if alone
But there's no tears in my eyes, life is full of surprises...
I hope I never sing my last song without someone
After "Power Of Love" moves through its first and second verse to a prominently mixed bass line, a crunchy rhythm guitar steps forward and bolsters a chorus delivered at a powerful upbeat tempo. Tabor's blazing lead guitar work bolsters a minute long instrumental passage. Lyrically, I find "Power Of Love" to be nothing less than inspired:
On my hand, I have no scars
But in my hearts a weary beat
If You go I will follow
Where You are I will be
An acoustic guitar slowly takes "Wonder" through its first verse until it picks up in pace at the start of the second, a hard hitting combination of rhythm guitar and vocal harmonies leading the way to a chorus in which all its lines come in the form of a question:
Should I go to the front?
Or should I go to the back?
Should I just pray?
Or should I just attack?
It makes me wonder...
King's X could have built upon an instrumental passage carried by several brief seconds of rhythm guitar.
Advancing from the start to an edgy rhythm guitar, "Sometimes" tapers off upon reaching its first verse as a muscular bass line dominates the mix. The rhythm guitar returns to its place of prominence as the song attains a catchy chorus that will refuse to leave your head. Tabor's fiery lead guitar work closes out the songs last forty seconds.
Jumping out of the gate to an abundance of fast paced energy, "King" progresses through its first verse to interplay between vocal harmonies and Pinnick's emotional vocal delivery:
(You are the one) Who causes me pain?
(You are the one) Who causes me grief?
(You are the one) Who lied to me?
It won't be long, soon you will see. King is coming...
The song does not miss a beat as it evenly flows to a brief but non-stop hook filled chorus. Melodic rhythm guitar harmony carries the song as it slows for a sweeping instrumental passage.
The driving and almost doom-like riff opening "What Is This" drops from the mix at the start of its first verse, the song moving forward to a heavy duty bass line as Pinnick talks about the trials and tribulations of everyday life:
Oh, Lord it gets so complicated
Oh, Lord I don't know what to do
God! It looks so hopeless
But I know it isn't true
"What Is This?" immediately picks up in pace as the rhythm guitar returns and drives an energy-laden chorus with a hope filled message:
What is this that gives me hope?
In the middle of the night and makes me run to You
What is this that lights my way?
Through the hours of the day
Tell me what to do, oh Lord
Beginning to a drum solo followed by a crisp rhythm guitar and a punchy bass line, "Far, Far Away" slows for its first verse before ethereal vocal harmonies bolster the melodic flavored chorus that follows. Stopping dead in its tracks, the rhythm guitar impels the song to an instrumental passage highlighted by several seconds of sharp sounding lead guitar work.
The groove flavored "Shot Of Love" takes off in an upbeat manner only to slow at the start of its first verse. Picking up in pace, the song regains its momentum for an infectious chorus that cannot help but force you to sing along. Tabor's very fine blues flavored lead guitar work places the song among the albums better material. "Shot Of Love" talks about an individual calling out for love from a higher power:
There is nowhere else to go
There is nothing else to do
There is nowhere else to turn
The first and last is You
Send us a shot of love
Across the mountain to the sea
From the poles of north and south
Wherever we may be
After "Visions" progresses at a slow and driving mid-tempo pace to a near heavy handed riff, the bands trademark flowing vocal harmonies enter the mix in time to underline a good hard hitting chorus. The song suddenly picks up in pace for an instrumental passage in which Tabor pulls-out-all-the-stops with a blazing guitar solo as Pinnick laughs in the background. On "Visions" Pinnick discusses the struggles facing a friend:
The lunatic says goodbye to those who say they love him
He's wise within himself as his craziness surrounds him
From his lips come truth within insanity
And people passing by don't hear and cannot see
On Out Of The Silent Planet King's X has produced a legitimate work of art highlighting the bands top notch musicianship and creative songwriting skills. Every song on the album holds up under repeated play; however, "Power Of Love", "King" and "Shot Of Love" all stand out with their catchy hooks and up-tempo energy, while the more progressive sounds of "In The New Age", "Wonder" and "What Is This?" hold up equally well.
Review by: Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: "In The New Age" (5:23), "Goldilox" (4:41), "Power Of Love" (4:57), "Wonder" (4:13), "Sometimes" (3:40), "King" (3:01), "What Is This?" (3:48), "Far, Far Away" (4:14), "Shot Of Love" (3:15), "Visions" (5:11)
Reference List
Peterson, Doug. "The Gospel According To Gretchen." White Throne 7 (1991): 46-51.
Van Pelt, Doug. "King's X Is Coming." Heaven's Metal 17 (1988): 26-29.
