What is up with King's X?

King's X is apparently one of the most influential bands of the late 80s - early 90s. They contributed to tons of prog bands, grunge and alt bands, modern metal bands, and even pop music. Prog legends like Portnoy and Gildenlow have mentioned some of their innovations.

Yet nobody seems to know anything about them. If you asked your average prog or metal fan what their most "classic" or greatest album is, they may not answer. Forums rarely talk about them, even on PA I don't recall a single topic on them. Despite their "classic" or "legendary" status, nobody really seems to talk about them.

Heck, I'm not sure this topic will even take off, because not many people seem to listen to them. But discuss please.

I have two albums (XV and Faith, Hope, Love). I wasn't blown away by either, but I guess they were pretty important in the early prog metal world. 

UMUR wrote: I only have one album and it never did much for me ( is it called Black Sunday or something like that?). I too have wondered why they have the "Classic" status stamped on them. A fan might be able to give us some recommendations to clear things up.

That's the worst King's X album in my collection (I own 7 of their albums).  It was basically an album of pre-Out Of The Silent Planet songs re-recorded.  I'm a pretty big fan of their first 5 albums.  Gretchen and Faith Hope Love are my two favorite.

Currently listening to Out of the Silent Planet = Yum!!!

rushfan4 wrote: I think that the Self-titled 4th album is probably my favorite, although I like them all to varying degrees.

Their self-titled is pretty underrated.  Not a fan of every song on it, but I love "World Around Me", "Prisoner", and "Lost In Germany" among others.

rushfan4 wrote: Do you like Black Flag, or is it too commercial for you?

Oh no,  I like Black Flag.  That was actually the first King's X song I ever heard.  It was on a compilation album I used to own, which also introduced me to Dream Theater with "Pull Me Under".  I was going to a Dream Theater/Joe Satriani concert in 2002 that King's X opened.  I just needed a little taste of what I was getting into.

Here's the album "Hard Music":


http://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various_artists_f2/hard_music_volume_1/

Wow, I didn't even remember Faith No More was on that album!!  I didn't start getting into them until 2006/2007 if I was to guess.


Edited by Stooge - 12 Jan 2011 at 4:17pm

rushfan4 wrote:   Do you happen to know the story behind the album cover for Dogman from King's X?  Is there any specific reason why they put it out in 4 different colors?

I'm not really sure, but I have the blue one.

I wonder how many die-hards bought all 4 covers. 

King's X is my favorite band of all time. I discovered them in high school when Out Of The Silent Planet was released. To this day they remain, in my eyes, the greatest active band on the planet. 

AtomicCrimsonRush wrote: The new Live in London album is very good - perhaps their best, esp CD 2.

Yeah, I got the DVD/CD version of this for Christmas...I love it!