Pleiades

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Pleiades" by King's X from their seminal album Gretchen Goes to Nebraska, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this track's rich history. According to a post on One Week // One Band, "Pleiades" is notable for its use of drop-D tuning, which guitarist Ty Tabor attributed to his bluegrass influences, despite the song's heavy, progressive metal sound. Tabor shared that he stumbled upon the song's riffs while jamming in 1986, initially hesitant to present it to his bandmates, but it became a defining moment for the King's X sound, as noted in the same post. The lyrics, referencing the burning of Giordano Bruno for his cosmological views, evoke a mystical narrative about a pre-scientific tribe grappling with consciousness, adding a layer of intellectual depth that resonates with the band's thoughtful approach.

Another piece of trivia comes from Metal Blade Records, which credits "Pleiades" as the genesis of King's X's signature style, with Tabor's demo being a pivotal moment when the band recognized their unique sound. The song's intricate guitar work, described as having a "not-quite-modal sweet spot" akin to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," creates a mysterious atmosphere, as highlighted in the One Week // One Band post. Fans on King's X Online, a dedicated Facebook group, often cite "Pleiades" as a standout for its blend of psychedelic and progressive elements, with some noting its influence on later grunge bands like Alice in Chains, as mentioned in a Discogs review.

King's X began their journey in Springfield, Missouri, in 1979, initially as a quartet called The Edge, playing classic rock covers in the local bar scene, as detailed in their bio on Amazon. The trio of Doug Pinnick (vocals/bass), Ty Tabor (guitar/vocals), and Jerry Gaskill (drums/vocals) solidified after rhythm guitarist Dan McCollam left, and they briefly operated as Sneak Preview, releasing a self-funded album in 1983. Pinnick and Gaskill met while touring with the Christian rock band Petra, and Tabor joined soon after, forming a musical bond rooted in their diverse influences, from gospel and funk to progressive rock and metal. By the late 1980s, they adopted the name King's X and released their debut album, Out of the Silent Planet, in 1988, which laid the groundwork for their breakthrough with Gretchen Goes to Nebraska in 1989.

The band's innovative sound, blending Beatles-esque harmonies with heavy riffs, earned them praise from peers like Anthrax and Living Colour, as noted in their Amazon bio. Despite never achieving mainstream stardom, King's X influenced a wide range of artists, including Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, with Jeff Ament calling them the "inventors of Grunge" in a Discogs review. Their commitment to thought-provoking lyrics and genre-defying music has cultivated a loyal fanbase, evident in communities like King's X Online and posts on X, where fans share vinyl spins and concert memories. You can connect with King's X on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, or join discussions on fan-driven platforms like ProgArchives.