King’s X | History of the Band

Unsung Pioneers of 90s Rock - From Grunge Inspiration to Genre-Defying Legends

Formation and Early Years

King's X, a band renowned for its unique blend of hard rock, funk, soul, gospel, and progressive rock, solidified its lineup in the mid-1980s with Doug Pinnick (bass and lead vocals), Ty Tabor (guitar and vocals), and Jerry Gaskill (drums and vocals). The band's formation marked the beginning of a journey that would see them become one of the most respected yet underappreciated groups in rock music.

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Musical Style and Evolution

The band's debut album, "Out of the Silent Planet" (1988), showcased their expansive sound, although it did not achieve significant commercial success. Their follow-up, "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska" (1989), continued in a similar vein, refining their sound and production values, while exploring spiritual themes. The album included memorable tracks like "Over My Head," which received moderate airplay on MTV and radio. The band's third album, "Faith Hope Love" (1990), marked their first entry into the U.S. Top 100, thanks to the successful single "It's Love". This period was characterized by a blend of simple melodies and dark riffing, highlighting the band's vocal talents.

The emergence of grunge in the early 90s influenced the band's sound, leading to a darker, more down-tuned approach. The album "Ear Candy," released later in the decade, marked a return closer to their original sound.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

• "Faith Hope Love" (1990): Gained mainstream attention with hits like "It's Love".

• "King's X" (1992): Showcased a shift towards a darker, more down-tuned sound.

• "Dogman" (1994): Featured a further departure from their original sound, with a more mainstream rock influence under producer Brendan O’Brien.

• "Ear Candy" (1996): Returned to the raw elements of their earlier work, blending their classic sound with new influences.

Influence and Legacy

King's X has been a significant influence in the rock and metal scene, inspiring a range of artists with their unique blend of hard rock, funk, and soul. Notably, they've been recognized for their impact on the grunge movement, with several prominent musicians acknowledging their influence. Pearl Jam's bassist, Jeff Ament, once declared that "King's X invented grunge," a remarkable statement considering the band's distinct sound compared to the commercially successful grunge acts of the time. This influence is further supported by Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, who cited King's X as a huge influence on his music, admiring their unique sound and their willingness to take risks.

Other notable artists who have expressed admiration for King's X include Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, who praised the band as overlooked and underrated, and U2's Bono, who expressed his admiration for the band. Rush's Geddy Lee has also cited King's X as an influence on his bass playing. Even Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi acknowledged King's X as one of the most underrated bands of all time.

This widespread recognition and influence demonstrate King's X's unique position in the music world. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, their impact on other musicians and their contribution to the evolution of rock and metal genres are undeniable. The band's ability to inspire such a diverse range of musicians speaks to the breadth and depth of their musical talent and the lasting impression they've made on the music industry

Conclusion

King's X's journey through the 1990s exemplifies a band committed to musical innovation and integrity. Their discography from this era reflects a band unafraid to evolve and experiment, leaving a lasting impact on the rock genre. Their story is a key piece in the larger narrative of 1990s music, representing the era's diversity and complexity.

Sources:

• Wikipedia

• All About The Rock

• Classic Rock History

• Encyclopedia.com

• Astral Noize

• Ultimate Guitar

• The Witness