KING'S X — Out Of The Silent Planet (review)

KING'S X — Out Of The Silent Planet album cover Album · 1988 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Stooge
It’s kind of tricky referring to Out of the Silent Planet as a straightforward debut album. The band had existed for a large chunk of the 80s (previously as Sneak Preview). They made some tweaks to their sound, and this album does not show a typically young band (Hell, Doug Pinnick is barely under 40 on this one). They came to these sessions ready to deliver.

“In The New Age” starts with a bit of a tacked-on intro, but develops into a rather solid rocker built around a crushing groove that would become a key aspect of their sound. “Goldilox” is a very warming power ballad, showcasing Doug Pinnick’s unique voice and Ty Tabor’s diversity on guitar.

“The Power of Love” has one heck of a memorable chorus that always gets me singing along. “Wonder” has great balance between the bright melodic and slamming heavy aspects of their sound. “Far, Far Away” has great crunchy riffing by Ty Tabor, with him and drummer Jerry Gaskil providing great harmonic vocal support throughout the song. Both men bring similar touch to “Shot of Love” and “King”, both of which made for well-chosen singles.

The weakest stuff here is probably “What Is This?” and “Visions”, but even in these cases they manage to at least have a fairly good chorus to crutch upon. It’s just too hard for these guys to mess up a chorus!!

It’s littered with some great material, but I do find the debut to be a bit uneven at times. It’s hard for me to describe. I think they have a bit more variety on subsequent releases and grow even more as songwriters, as well as having an increased sense of adventure. Regardless, I’d still consider this to be an excellent pickup as I consider each of their first 5 albums to be worth buying.
Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
Stooge wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I'll eventually be writing a 5 star review for Gretchen, and probably Faith Hope Love as well.
cannon wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Great review Dan. I agree for the most part. Thier next album, Gretchen is a classic. 5 Stars.

MMA TOP 5 Metal ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
Master of Puppets Thrash Metal
METALLICA
Buy this album from our partners
Paranoid Heavy Metal
BLACK SABBATH
Buy this album from our partners
Moving Pictures Hard Rock
RUSH
Buy this album from our partners
Powerslave NWoBHM
IRON MAIDEN
Buy this album from our partners
Rising Heavy Metal
RAINBOW
Buy this album from our partners

New Metal Artists

New Metal Releases

Piss Baby on Start Today Sessions Hardcore Punk
PISS BABY
Buy this album from MMA partners
Instrumentals Melodic Metalcore
OPAL IN SKY
Buy this album from MMA partners
SURFACING Groove Metal
DEVILSKIN
Buy this album from MMA partners
Summerlovin Electronicore
ONE MORNING LEFT
Buy this album from MMA partners
For Death And Eternity Metalcore
ANYALA
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Metal Online Videos

More videos

New MMA Metal Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Metal News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us