King

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "King" by King's X from their debut album Out of the Silent Planet! This track is a standout, showcasing the band's signature blend of heavy riffs, soulful vocals, and intricate harmonies. In a 2018 interview with PiercingMetal.com, guitarist Ty Tabor reflected on the album's creation, saying, "I remember thinking 'Who is this band?' I felt like we were on the outside and this thing just sort of happened." He noted that "King" and other tracks felt unexpectedly fresh, even to the band, as they captured a unique vibe that blended metal, funk, and progressive rock. The song's chugging riff and uplifting lyrics, which some interpret as a nod to spiritual themes, helped it become a fan favorite, often praised for its raw energy and tight performance.

Another tidbit about "King" comes from bassist Doug Pinnick, who shared in a 2023 Michael’s Record Collection interview that the album's recording process was a pivotal moment. He recalled driving around listening to the finished tracks, stunned by the sound they’d created. "King" in particular, with its powerful guitar solo and Pinnick’s soulful delivery, was a track that resonated with fans and critics alike. The British magazine Kerrang! famously put King's X on its cover before the album’s release, hyping "King" and the album as ushering in a "New Wave of Metal." Fans on Reddit still rave about the song’s heavy yet melodic groove, with one user calling it a "classic that slays the competition even today."

King's X began their journey in Springfield, Missouri, in 1980, originally under the name The Edge. The trio—Doug Pinnick (bass/vocals), Ty Tabor (guitar/vocals), and Jerry Gaskill (drums/vocals)—met through a chance connection. Pinnick and Gaskill were initially brought together by Greg Volz of the Christian rock band Petra for a project. Tabor joined after meeting them at a gig, and their chemistry was instant. They later changed their name to Sneak Preview before settling on King's X. By 1985, they relocated to Houston, Texas, after connecting with Star Song Records, though a deal fell through. They honed their sound through relentless touring and caught the attention of Megaforce Records’ John Zazula after a standout performance at New York’s Cat Club in 1987. Their debut, Out of the Silent Planet, released in 1988, marked their arrival, blending progressive metal, funk, and soul in a way that defied categorization.

The band’s early years were marked by their unique approach, drawing from influences like The Beatles, Hendrix, and Sly and the Family Stone, while incorporating spiritual themes without preaching. Despite critical acclaim, commercial success was elusive, with Out of the Silent Planet peaking at No. 144 on the Billboard 200. Still, their influence was profound, with musicians like Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament crediting them as pioneers of grunge. Over the decades, King's X has maintained a loyal cult following, celebrated for their tight musicianship and genre-bending sound, as detailed in Greg Prato’s 2019 authorized biography, King's X: The Oral History.

Stay connected with King's X through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the vibrant community at the King's X Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for tracks like "King" and discuss the band’s legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out ProgArchives, where enthusiasts dive into the band’s discography and impact. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!