King’s X – ‘In The New Age (The Atlantic Recordings 1988-1995)’ (HNE Recordings)

King’s X – ‘In The New Age (The Atlantic Recordings 1988-1995)’ (HNE Recordings)

If you were to ask me to name a criminally underrated band, an artist that in an ideal world should’ve become a household name, I could give you a big list, but somewhere at the top of that list would be Texas 3-piece band King’s X.

Formed in Springfield, Missouri in 1979, the trio consisting of Doug Pinnick on vocals/bass, Ty Tabor on vocals/guitar and drummer Jerry Gaskill burst onto the rock scene in 1988 with their debut album ‘Out Of The Silent Planet’. Their heady mix of progressive rock with three-part vocal harmonies and clever arrangements was lauded by music critics and music lovers alike, they graced the cover of Kerrang! magazine and gained high profile tours with the likes of Cheap Trick, Robert Plant and Anthrax.

Their albums got stronger with each release, and with the advent of Grunge and their influence on the likes of Pearl Jam and Pantera, it seemed inevitable that success would be theirs. Yet even with high profile tours with the likes of Iron Maiden, AC/DC and Motley Crue, commercial success eluded them.

The excellent Cherry Red Records have stepped up to the task and cover their classic Atlantic period albums, with full sleeve artwork and extra bonus tracks.

With a mohawk-sporting singer who played a 12-string bass left-handed, bared a striking resemblance to Jimi Hendrix and had a gospel-tinged croon, King’s X were as far removed from the chart-bothering hair metal bands or the thrash heavyweights of the late 80’s, they stood out like a sore thumb and could not be pigeonholed.

With an album title taken from a CS Lewis book and lyrical themes of introspection and Christian beliefs ‘Out Of The Silent Planet’ was in a world of its own back in 1988. Complex arrangements, multi-layered Beatle-esque vocal harmonies, soulful lead vocals and a unique guitar tone laid the basis for their career and highlights such as the beautiful ‘Goldilox’, ‘King’ and ‘Shot Of Love’ remain firm fan favourites to this day. This led to the album being named ‘Album of the Year’ over at Kerrang! magazine.

The sophomore ‘Gretchen Goes To Nebraska’ was released in 1989. A concept album based on a short story written by drummer Jerry Gaskill, it is regarded by many as their defining album. The story follows a girl’s spiritual journey and all the obstacles and characters she encounters on her way to Nebraska.

The defining moment ‘Over My Head’ is a celebration of music, Doug welcoming all to the church of rock n’ roll with his soulful, gospel-tinged croon. The arpeggiated riff to beautiful ballad ‘Summerland’, a song full of whimsical mystery, Beatle-esque harmonies and an outstanding guitar solo, no rhythm guitar to fill the sound out, just the pulsing bass groove and the powerhouse beats.

The funereal ‘The Difference (in the Garden Of St Annes On The Hill)’ still sends shivers down my spine. About as ethereal and spiritual as music can get.

As every concept album should be ‘Gretchen..’ is a rapturous journey from start to finish. A musical journey that sucks you in, covering multiple moods and musical genres, yet always sounding like King’s X. An essential album in the history of rock let alone King’s X discography.

Even though it was their most commercially successful album, 1990’s ‘Faith Hope & Love’ is probably the weakest of the six on offer here. It was never going to be able to compete with its predecessor. While it contained some great tunes such as the killer rocker ‘We Were Born To Be Loved’ and the sublime Crowded House pop of ‘It’s Love’ and was as imaginative and ambitious as you came to expect from the band, it lacked the cohesion and direction of ‘Gretchen..’. In hindsight and with the musical tides turning, maybe the band were searching to find who they really were.

Their self-titled fourth album came out in 1992 and was the last to feature longtime producer Sam Taylor. ‘King’s X’ saw the band tighten things up songwriting-wise and things were getting a bit darker and heavier, maybe due to the rumblings in Seattle. The experimentation and the clever arrangements were back in force, the melodies on point and they had a newfound urgency and anger to their sound which was evident from the off on opener ‘The World Around Me’ and first single ‘Black Flag’.

The ambitious and clever ‘Chariot Song’ is like 10 songs in one and veers off on all sorts of tangents to itself with Queen-like reversed backing vocals.

The experimentation continued in the skulking ‘What I Know About Love’ and the beautiful ‘Dream In My Life’, a song that remains a career highlight. It is not average by any means.

1994 was a defining year for rock music. Alternative was mainstream and all the bands had to adapt to the musical and political climate. Music seemed more edgy, and it brought out the best in many bands, King’s X included.

‘Dogman’ is King’s X piece de resistance, their masterpiece if you like. From the massive riffage of the opening title track to the closing live in the studio version of Jimi Hendrix’ ‘Manic Depression’ it is an album of the time that stands the test of time itself. ‘Dogman’ is the sound of a band totally in tune with itself. Three men playing as one with years of experience, delivering one massive of act of defiance. With go-to Grunge producer Brendan O’Brien at the helm, King’s X sound pissed off, heavier and stripped back to a raw sounding live beast.

The powerful punch of ‘Complain’ hits right in the chest, Ty’s detuned guitar tone is sublime and the 3-part harmonies as beautiful as ever. That year they thrilled fans at Woodstock ‘94 and they played live in a tv studio to no audience when the LA riots were in full flow, that was what was going on in 1994.

The sublime ‘Flies And Blue Skies’ sends shivers down the spine and the band have never sounded as heavy as they do on ‘Black The Skies’. The raw anger and energy of the minute long ‘Go To Hell’ would never have worked on a King’s X album pre ‘94, but here it sounds just perfect.

This version adds live era versions of ‘Shoes’ and ‘We Were Born To Be Loved’, yet with the emphasis on groove and melody, bass that will rattle your bones and harmonies that will reach the depths of your soul, ‘Dogman’ set a high benchmark for all King’s X albums that would follow it.

The last of the Atlantic albums released in 1996 would mark the end of an era for the band and it’s a fitting benchmark. In complete contrast to ‘Dogman’, ‘Ear Candy’ draws on the more psychedelic influences of the band, here they tone down the heaviness and concentrate on a more commercial sound, veering on many songs into power pop territory.

While Ty took a back seat in the vocal department on ‘Dogman’, his lead vocals are more prolific on ‘Ear Candy’. From the psychedelic cover art, and the band members sporting short hair, it marked a change in direction. His 60’s influenced psychedelic pop songs like ‘Mississippi Moon’ and Jerry’s ‘American Cheese’ mark a nice direction for the band and album closer ‘Life Going By’ is filled with introspection and harmony as the band take a look deep inside their souls.

Fans who yearn for the King’s X of old are satisfied by the likes of ‘Looking For Love’ and ‘The Box’ is classic King’s X and has traits of the early albums, it remains a firm live favourite to this day.

While the addition of a few live tracks, alternate mixes and only one previously unreleased rarity (‘Freedom’) is not really much to attract hardcore fans into purchasing these albums again, ‘In The New Age’ is the perfect starting point for new or casual fans to find out what all the fuss was about and to have all of King’s X classic albums together in one nifty package. And while remastered versions of the albums and some extra updated interviews, notes or pictures would’ve been nice, this stunning collection of work is still an essential purchase in my book.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Two for Tuesday

Two for Tuesday

The legendary King’s X, comprised of dUg Pinnick, Ty Tabor & Jerry Gaskill, are pleased to announce the release of their 13th studio album ‘Three Sides of One’ on the 2nd September 2022. This is their first new music in 14 years Hit the link to ‘Let It Rain’.

KING’S X online:

https://www.kingsxrocks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KingsXofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/kingsxofficial/

“Better Than Saturday Night”, from the new album ‘Wrong Side of Paradise’, out 20th January, 2023. Pre-order now on signed CD, limited edition coloured vinyl, special collector’s sets and more Here

The Album, featuring 11 tracks, was recorded in the Autumn of 2021 at Studio 606 in Northridge California and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond Oregon with producer and longtime BSR associate, Jay Ruston.
 
With Ricky Warwick on Lead Vocals / Guitar, Robert Crane on Bass, Christian Martucci on Guitar and drummer Zak St, John, the band will release their first single and video entitled “Better Than Saturday Night” (with backing vocals from Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott) TODAY June 6th 2022.  
 
The video features a lightning-hot performance from the four-time UK Top 25 band, and teases the watcher into suspecting a standard rock video cliché before flipping it on its head with the entrance of the rough’n’tough Roller Derby Dolls.
 
Ricky Warwick: ““Better Than Saturday Night” is a feel-good, uplifting tune about staying strong in the face of adversity, being true to yourself, and the power of positivity. I wrote it for my kids, but subliminally I think I also wrote it for myself and everyone for those days when we need to find a little bit of extra strength.”
 
He continues: “We wanted to reflect the positivity, power, attitude and strength to endure sentiment in the lyrics of the song. And no better way to do that than Black Star Riders rockin’ out with the Los Angeles Roller Derby Dolls.”
 
About the album Ricky adds “I am very proud of this record, Black Star Riders fifth release and the first with our new and exciting relationship with Earache Records. As with all BSR albums, ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’ is an anthemic statement of intent,  driven by ferocious guitars and thundering drums. I can only write about my own personal experiences, my families, my friends and how I see a world that is unraveling and changing faster than we can comprehend. That being said, I’m a firm believer in the power of positivity, something that echoes throughout this album”

Tour dates to support the album release are as follows –

Monday 13th February          Nottingham, Rock City
Wednesday 15th February    Norwich, UEA
Thursday 16th February         Ipswich, Corn Exchange
Friday 17th February              Manchester, O2 Ritz 
Saturday 18th February         Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
Sunday 19th February            Leeds, O2 Academy
Tuesday 21st February           Cardiff, Tramshed
Wednesday 22nd February    Bristol, O2 Academy
Thursday 23rd February         Glasgow, SWG3
Friday 24th February              Newcastle, O2 City Hall 
Sunday 26th February            London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Chris Catalyst – ‘Kaleidoscopes’ (Self Release)

Chris Catalyst – ‘Kaleidoscopes’ (Self Release)

From noisy, mohawked one man band Robochrist to Leeds power pop heroes Eureka Machines, Chris Catalyst has had a varied and colourful musical career. While The Eurekas may not be a full-time job these days, let’s not forget he has also been a hired hand for the likes of The Sisters Of Mercy, Ugly Kid Joe and Ginger Wildheart along the way to help pay the rent.

‘Kaleidoscopes’ is the sophomore solo album from the Leeds based singer/songwriter, the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2017 album ‘Life Is Often Brilliant’.

 

 

Album opener ‘Make Good Art’ is a surprise departure for Chris and sees him explore new territories. Using samples of an inspirational Neil Gaiman speech set to indie dance beats, it’s got an instant Primal Scream meets NIN vibe. The message of the value of art and the importance of creation on your own terms seems quite fitting at a time when artists have been creating in new and exciting ways. It has a gospel choir, trumpets and distorted guitars blended together by everyone’s go-to producer extraordinaire Dave Draper.

The influences on ‘Kaleidoscopes’ are as varied and interesting as the lyrical themes. 90’s Brit Pop is a major influence, but you will also hear inspiration from the likes of Duran Duran and Tears For Fears, as well as the more obvious Beatles and Bowie influence. Always an artist who looks for the cloud with a silver lining, lyrically, Chris tackles Politics, Brexit, keyboard warriors, mental health, and basically just striving to be dead happy with life.

And his upbeat sentiment on life comes through in the music. ‘Happy’ is a simple, indie-fied, acoustic strummer, with a sweet verse that leads into a stadium-sized, sing-a-long chorus designed to put joy in your heart and a spring in your stride. A musical antidote to suppress the demons. A simple message full of sentiment can be more powerful than a handful of pills and a damn site better for you. This is the one you will be singing along to long after the black vinyl/silver disc/virtual thingy (delete as applicable) has stopped spinning. Similarly, one of the most instant and memorable songs on offer is ‘I’m Not Ok’, where a dampened riff gives backing for Chris’ message of getting back on your feet when things are crashing all around you. Weezer eat yer heart out! There’s even a Slash inspired solo thrown in for good measure.

 

While you could say these songs are typical Chris Catalyst power pop fodder, there are plenty of curve balls, departures and just dead nice musical moments to discover. Be surprised at how ‘King Of Everything’ sounds like Madness in the verses before blasting into a trademark, upbeat Eureka chanting chorus. Savour the fact that the grungy ‘Divide and Rule’ comes on like King’s X with lush Beatle-esque vocal harmonies and a signature Catalyst power pop hook. Then laugh at the fact there is an instrumental named after an episode of Aussie soap Neighbours where the dog had a dream sequence. Yes, ‘Bouncer’s Dream’ is for real!

The overly familiar sounding ‘Never Going To Change’ pilfers from Supergrass and Oasis which is never a bad thing, and ‘The Ride’ is one of those slow burners that creeps up on you after repeated listens. A chuggy riff here, a stadium-sized chorus there and a nifty detuned section that will make the metal heads cream their denim jeans.

 

Taking his collective influences from Brit Pop, 80’s pop music and turn of the century Pop Punk, Chris Catalyst has shaped an album that wins on every level. ‘Kaleidoscopes’ is a layered album that brings something new with every listen. One of those albums where your favourite track changes with each listen. A lot of work and a lot of love has gone into this album, from the songwriting to the production and onto the presentation and artwork. Hell, it even comes with a fanzine packed with information on the songwriting process that smells like the plastic ice cream container I kept my toy soldiers in as a kid! You can’t get more nostalgic than that!

Buy Kaleidoscopes Here

Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KING’S X EUROPEAN TOUR CANCELLED DUE TO FAMILY EMERGENCY

KING’S X EUROPEAN TOUR CANCELLED DUE TO FAMILY EMERGENCY

It is with our deepest apologies that we must announce that due to a family emergency, King’s X will be cancelling their upcoming European Tour, including their appearance at the Veruno Prog Rock Festival in Italy.

We are truly heartbroken that we will not be able to see all of our European fans, as we have been clamouring for these dates since we announced them. We would like the fans and all those concerned to know the band is ok, please respect the band’s privacy and please give them some time. We are doing everything in our power to reschedule the tour for 2020. (More news to come).

Tickets will remain valid for the new dates or refunds can be obtained from the point of sale.  ]

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – JL

KINGS X and TROPE kick off their UK shows on 17th September.

KINGS X and TROPE kick off their UK shows on 17th September.

The tour starts the build-up to the release of the long-awaited new album from KINGS X which is due early spring next year.

Supporting the band is LA’s TROPE. Trope’s music has been likened to A Perfect Circle and Tool with female vocals, their sound falling into the Art-Rock genre. Their ‘music first’ focus pairs with the group’s sound, which is quite progressive.

17 Sept Wales Cardiff Tramshed Cardiff
18 Sept UK Nottingham Rescue Rooms
20 Sept UK Holmfirth The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
21 Sept UK Gateshead Sage Gateshead – Hall 2
22 Sept Scotland Glasgow The Garage
24 Sept UK Manchester Manchester Academy 2
25 Sept UK Wolverhampton KK’S Steel Mill – Live Music
27 Sept UK Cambridge Cambridge Junction
28 Sept UK Norwich The Waterfront Norwich
29 Sept UK London Islington Assembly Hall

KING’S X online:
www.kingsxrocks.com
www.facebook.com/kingsxfanpage
www.twitter.com/kingsx
www.instagram.com/kingsxofficial

Kings X enter studio to begin work on new album

Kings X enter studio to begin work on new album
Rock legends KING’S X are thrilled to announce that they are entering the studio to record their highly-anticipated new album – the first to be released in over a decade – scheduled to drop this year via Australia’s leading international independent record label, Golden Robot Records.
The label announced their global signing of KING’S X in December.
Today, KING’S X enters Blacksound Studio in Pasadena, California with renowned producer Michael Parnin – recognized for his work with a varied range of artists, from Rage Against the Machine and Missy Elliott, to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Barbara Streisand.
Commenting on how it feels to be returning to the studio after 10 years, dUg Pinnick says, “Good question! I haven’t thought about it much, been super busy. But got a ton of tunes to submit. I never know what to expect. I’m always surprised when it’s done and can see it as a whole picture. And we’re making a record after how long?! I’ve been waiting for this to happen for a very long time, and I’m totally looking forward to it.”
Jerry Gaskill adds, “It’s been a while since we’ve made a record together. I go back and forth between excitement and fear. But when it gets right down to it, I think excitement wins. I look forward to sharing all of our ideas together and seeing what comes of it all. If nothing else, it will be the next KING’S X record.”
Ty Tabor says, “I’m excited to see where we are at these days. We’re all bringing ideas in.” 
Michael Parnin adds about recording the new album with KING’S X, “A great story in the making… As a huge fan of the band from the beginning, I am unbelievably excited to work on the next long-awaited chapter. Some of my favorite and most artistically rewarding projects have been working with dUg over the past 10 years, namely “Strum Sum Up” and the fun Hendrix Tribute Album we did together… Likewise, I’m honored and looking forward to working with Jerry and Ty who are each masters of their craft.”
Derek Shulman, Executive Chairman of Worldwide Expansion for Golden Robot Records adds, “I am delighted to finally be able to work with one of the most respected, creative rock bands of the past 30+ years. KING’S X is not only a superb rock band with an ardent fan base, but are also a ‘musician musicians’ band. Golden Robot Records is determined to finally help KING’S X receive the worldwide recognition it fully deserves.”
Since the release of their debut record, Out Of The Silent Planet, in 1988, KING’S X released over a dozen albums that have seen them rightfully earn their place on the rock royalty family tree. Fusing progressive metal, funk and soul grooves with vocal arrangements rooted in blues, gospel and even the British Invasion era influences, KING’S X created a style all their own which continues to be an inspiration for bands to this day.
Featuring vocalist and bassist Doug Pinnick, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill, KING’S X have never changed their line-up, a rarity in the music world and a testament to the band and musicians and friends.
Critically acclaimed from the start, KING’S X are musician’s musicians, name-dropped by everyone from Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden and Blue Murder for their instrumental prowess. Pearl Jam’s bassist Jeff Ament even declared that “KING’S X invented grunge”. They also enjoyed a long life via the David Letterman Show with their track, “We Were Born To Be Loved” (from 1990’s Faith Hope Love), also a favorite of the Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra to play during commercial breaks.
In 1992, KING’S X signed to Atlantic Records/Megaforce Records, released three albums and toured with bands as diverse as Scorpions, Type O Negative and Pearl Jam. In the early 2000’s, KING’S X released three studio albums and their first official live album via Metal Blade Records. In 2005, the band signed to German-based progressive music specialty label, InsideOut Music, and released Ogre Tones, an album described as a return to the bands classic sound. KING’S X forged ahead with new albums, DVD’s and tours up until 2012, when drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a major heart attack. The band then quickly compiled an exclusive live release from their archives entitled, Burning Down Boston. The proceeds of which went directly to assisting Gaskill with his medical expenses. They rolled on for two more years until Jerry suffered another heart attack, which resulted in him having a double bypass operation and ultimately led to the band taking an indefinite hiatus.
This break didn’t last long, as they were back on the road in mid-2015, shortly afterward announcing they would begin work on a new studio album. This would be the band’s first since 2008’s XV. KING’S X began meetings with Golden Robot Records management in Los Angeles in early 2017, eventually signing a global deal in October 2018.
While it’s been a decade since KING’S X have released a new record, the wait has definitely been worth it! Watch this space for news on the forthcoming album in the very near future.
FOLLOW KING’S X
Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Beauty In Chaos – ‘Finding Beauty In Chaos’ (33.3 Music Collective)

Beauty In Chaos – ‘Finding Beauty In Chaos’ (33.3 Music Collective)

The brainchild of Human Drama/Gene Loves Jezebel guitarist Michael Ciravolo, Beauty In Chaos is a goth-tastic supergroup project that brings together legendary names from the likes of The Mission, The Cure, Gene Loves Jezebel, Cheap Trick and Ministry to contribute on their debut album ‘Finding Beauty In Chaos’.

Influenced by the like of My Bloody Valentine, The Cocteau Twins and Lush, the LA-based guitar slinger hooked up his delay and reverb pedals joined forces with Ministry producer Michael Rozon and set about creating soundscapes rich in gothic goodness. Then enlisted the help of various musical acquaintances, such as Michael Aston, Wayne Hussey and Al Jourgensen, to add their own unique talents.

 

Opener ‘Road To Rosario’ sets the scene. With Michael Aston taking lead vocals, it unsurprisingly comes on like a lost Gene loves Jezebel cut as haunting, effect-ridden guitars weave in and out between a pounding bass line and lush distinctive vocals. A crisp production job ensures no sound goes unnoticed as guitars and vocals build in unison to create a killer opener.

Up next, ‘The Storm’ is the first of a trio of tracks to feature The Awakening main man Ashton Nyte on vocals. Atmospheric and emotive old school Goth, just the way we like it, baby! Later on, he opens his dark soul on the nomadic, Eastern tinged ‘Bloodless & Fragile’ and the moody closing title track. These tracks would not sound out of place on The Crow soundtrack.

Al Jourgensen lends his dulcet tones to an industrial tinged take on T Rex’s ‘20th Century Boy’ and pulls it off with ease, while the unmistakable vocals of The Mission main man Wayne Hussey are perfect for ‘The Long Goodbye’ and the simply enthralling ‘Man Of Faith’ (also featuring the talents of The Cure bassist Simon Gallup), possibly the stand out tune of the day for me.

Human Drama vocalist Johnny Indovina adds ethereal Bowie textures to ‘Memory Of Love’ and Ville Valo romanticism to ‘Beauty Lies Within’.

There’s a couple of unexpected diamonds in amongst the black ashes that permeate this collection of dark, gothic goodness. Namely, the power pop of ‘Drifting Away’, featuring an on form Robin Zander and top backing vocals courtesy of a certain Michael Anthony amongst others. Then Dug Pinnick and Ice T pump up the volume to industrial levels for ‘Un-Natural Disaster’, a song that retains the de-tuned, grungy feel of King’s X, while the spoken word rap of Ice T takes things down a darker street.

 

Collaborative musical projects run the risk of losing direction and focus, but Ciravolo takes the signature sound of each vocalist and adds his own textures to create an outstanding work of art that is both dark and cinematic and flows as a complete album.

‘Finding Beauty In Chaos’ is an album that celebrates the alternative late 80’s and puts a modern, edgy twist on a genre that has a place in the dark hearts of rockers, ravers and lovers the world over.

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Buy ‘Beauty In Chaos’ Here

Rock Legends KING’S X, Sign to Golden Robot Records, Set to Release First New Album in Over a Decade in 2019!

Rock Legends KING’S X, Sign to Golden Robot Records, Set to Release First New Album in Over a Decade in 2019!
Rock Legends KING’S X Join Golden Robot Records, Set to Release First New Album in Over a Decade in 2019
Australia’s leading international independent record label, Golden Robot Records continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The label is absolutely thrilled to announce that globally revered, Billboard-charting rock icons KING’S X are now part of their ever-growing international roster. KING’S X recently signed a global deal with Golden Robot Records which will see their long-awaited forthcoming new album released worldwide in 2019 via Golden Robot Records’ partners in the U.S., Europe and Japan.
“I’m really excited to release the next KING’S X album with Mark, Derek and the crew at Golden Robot! May the groove be with us all,” says vocalist/bassist dUg Pinnick. Guitarist Ty Tabor adds, “I’m looking forward to working with Golden Robot Records!“
Drummer Jerry Gaskill adds, “It’s been a while since we’ve made a record. During that time, I’ve been thinking, when and if we make a new record, I want it to be the best we can do. I want to believe in it. I want to make it great, whatever it takes. I don’t want to just make another KING’S X record. I think and hope that we are in that place. I think and hope its time and I feel good about the team we’ll be working with at Golden Robot Records. I’m going to do my best. Let’s do this thing.”
“When we started to talk to KING’S X about signing with Golden Robot in the U.S. and we met dUg in LA a few times, I knew 100% that we would end up working with them. I’m loving the fact they are still the original members and I really believe this new album will be there best yet! It’s incredible how many people inside the industry – and I’m talking about very well-known musicians – love these guys and can’t wait for a new album. We are all very excited indeed,” says Mark Alexander-Erber, Group Founder and President.
“I am delighted to finally be able to work with one the most respected, creative rock bands of the past 30+ years. KING’S X is not only a superb rock band with an ardent fan base but are also a ‘musician musicians’ band. Golden Robot Records is determined to finally help KING’S X receive the worldwide recognition it fully deserves,” says Derek Shulman, Executive Chairman of Worldwide Expansion.
Since the release of their debut record, Out Of The Silent Planet, in 1988, KING’S X released a dozen albums that have seen them rightfully earn their place on the rock royalty family tree. Fusing progressive metal, funk and soul grooves with vocal arrangements rooted in blues, gospel and even the British Invasion era influences, KING’S X created a style all their own which continues to be an inspiration for bands to this day.
Featuring vocalist and bassist Doug Pinnick, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill, KING’S X have never changed their line-up, a rarity in the music world and a testament to the band and musicians and friends.
Critically acclaimed from the start, KING’S X are musician’s musicians, name-dropped by everyone from Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden and Blue Murder for their instrumental prowess. Pearl Jam’s bassist Jeff Ament even declared that “KING’S X invented grunge”. They also enjoyed a long life via the David Letterman Show with their track, “We Were Born To Be Loved” (from 1990’s Faith Hope Love), also a favourite of the Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra to play during commercial breaks.
In 1992, KING’S X signed to Atlantic Records/Megaforce Records, released three albums and toured with bands as diverse as Scorpions, Type O Negative and Pearl Jam. In the early 2000’s, KING’S X released three studio albums and their first official live album via Metal Blade Records. In 2005, the band signed to German-based progressive music speciality label, InsideOut Music, and released Ogre Tones, an album described as a return to the bands classic sound. KING’S X forged ahead with new albums, DVD’s and tours up until 2012 when drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a major heart attack. The band then quickly compiled an exclusive live release from their archives entitled, Burning Down Boston. The proceeds of which went directly to assisting Gaskill with his medical expenses. They rolled on for two more years until Jerry suffered another heart attack, which resulted in him having a double bypass operation and ultimately led to the band taking an indefinite hiatus.
This break didn’t last long, as they were back on the road in mid-2015, shortly afterwards announcing they would begin work on a new studio album. This would be the band’s first since 2008’s XV. KING’S X began meetings with Golden Robot Records management in Los Angeles in early 2017, eventually signing a global deal in October 2018.
While it’s been a decade since KING’S X have released a new record, the wait has definitely been worth it! Watch this space for news on the forthcoming album in the very near future.
Golden Robot Records online:
www.goldenrobotrecords.com
www.facebook.com/goldenrobotrecords
www.twitter.com/goldenrobotrec
www.instagram.com/goldenrobotrecords