Black Flag

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Black Flag" by King's X, a track from their 1992 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its heavy, introspective grooves. This song, the album’s lone single, is a standout for its darker tone, reflecting the band’s shift from the upbeat sound of earlier records. According to a 2017 article on Last Rites, "Black Flag" is about shaking off negativity and moving forward, but its moody, edgy vibe marked a bold departure for the band. The song’s video, described as “hilarious” in a Prog Archives review, complements its compelling hard rock energy with quirky visuals, making it a fan favorite. In a retrospective Billboard interview, bassist Doug Pinnick shared a heartfelt story about the song’s impact, recalling how Dimebag Darrell of Pantera expressed his love and support for the band after Pinnick’s 1998 coming out, a moment that underscored the song’s resonance in the rock community.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s production context. Released on Atlantic Records, the King’s X album marked the end of the band’s relationship with producer Sam Taylor, with tensions leading to a more introspective sound. Despite critical praise, "Black Flag" only saw moderate airplay on MTV and radio, as noted on Wikipedia, but its influence endures among musicians. Drummer Jerry Gaskill once said in an interview that he’s honored by how musicians are drawn to their work, a sentiment echoed by fans on King’s X fan pages, where "Black Flag" is often cited as a defining track for its raw emotion and intricate harmonies.

King’s X began in Springfield, Missouri, in 1979, initially under the name The Edge. As detailed in their Wikipedia bio, Doug Pinnick (vocals/bass) and Jerry Gaskill (drums) met while working on a project with a member of Christian rock band Petra. After that project fizzled, they became touring musicians for guitarist Phil Keaggy, where Gaskill met Ty Tabor (guitar). The trio later reunited in Springfield, forming a cover band called The Edge, which evolved into Sneak Preview before settling on King’s X in 1985. Their unique blend of progressive metal, funk, soul, and gospel-influenced vocals, as described on Invubu, set them apart. Despite an underground reputation, they were pivotal in shaping progressive metal, earning the No. 83 spot on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.

The band’s early years were marked by spiritual themes, rooted in the members’ personal faith rather than an intent to break into the Christian music market. However, Pinnick’s 1998 announcement of his homosexuality led many Christian bookstores to stop carrying their albums, a move the band welcomed to shed the Christian rock label, as noted in their bio. Their authorized biography, King’s X: The Oral History by Greg Prato, released in 2019 via Jawbone Press, includes interviews with rock luminaries like Jeff Ament and Billy Corgan, highlighting their wide influence. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For community vibes, check out the King’s X Fans Facebook group or fan-driven content on Prog Archives.