Doug Pinnick - Vocals, Bass
Ty Tabor - Vocals, Guitar
Jerry Gaskill - Vocals, Drums

A guy from Jersey, one from Illinois, and another from Mississippi...what are the odds?
Doug Pinnick came from Joliet, IL and grew up in a "musical" family where everybody sang. Jerry Gaskill hails from Bradenton, New Jersey. Ty Tabor began playing bluegrass with his family at an early age in Mississippi...So, how did they come together?

Doug and Jerry met while both were touring with the Christian rock band Petra. The two attended a gig at Evangel college in Springfield, MO and spotted a blazing guitar player... who happened to be a young Ty Tabor. Doug and Jerry felt charged and went home to look up Ty in the phone book! After some convincing the three formed a band, initially called the Edge in 1980, initially specializing in cover tunes (ranging from Top 40 to Beatles, The Police and U2). The Edge played the Missouri bar scene for a few years gathering a moderate following. Many of these early recordings still exist today in the King's X fan community. The band changed their name to "Sneak Preview" around 1983 and released a self titled LP under the same name with all original material.

The material was pop 80's rock but is still of great interest to King's X fans as the genesis of some later King's X songs come from this album. Notably the track "The Door" which became "Picture" on the band's Ear Candy album released 13 years after the initial track was recorded. At the promise of a record deal the group moved to Houston in 1985. The original deal fell through but the band met up with Z.Z. Top video producer Sam Taylor, who took them under his wing and suggested the name King's X, after a local band he was fond of in high school. After several attempts, King's X finally scored a deal with the independent Megaforce label. The show at Cat Club in New York City (1987?) is slated by the band to be the showcase performance for Jon and Marsha Zazula of Megaforce. Rumor has it Jonny Z signed them right then and there after the stirring performance.

Now, secure with a record deal, they released their debut album, Out of the Silent Planet, in 1988. Critics and musicians took immediate notice of the band's unique blend of Beatle's style vocal harmonies with Black Sabbath power riffs mixed with a non-overbearing positive, spiritual theme. The track "Over My Head," from Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (the second album, released in 1989), received a moderate amount of airplay on radio and MTV, and the band found widespread favor with critics and fellow musicians (many fans and critics consider the second album a landmark and/or classic all time album). The third album, Faith Hope Love by King's X, was the first album to reach the Top 100, due in part to the single "It's Love," (oddly enough Ty handles the lead vocals on this song, where as Doug does on most of the material) and its success led to a major-label deal with Atlantic records.

The band toured extensively (the US and Europe) in support of 'Faith Hope Love' touring with notable acts AC/DC and Living Colour. At this time they also embarked on a mini-tour of all acoustic material showcasing their musicianship to local radio stations in from Texas to Rhode Island. Their debut with Atlantic records, 1992's King's X, did not do as well as the previous album and was marred by the band's "break up" with Sam Taylor (see the Dogman song 'Fool You'). The band, in search of a fresh direction from the reign of Taylor, teamed up with producer Brendan O'Brien (Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam) for 1994's Dogman. The album was considered a break from the norm of King's X, where vocal harmonies and musicianship still were the key, Doug handled the lead vocals for the entire album. Another notable quirk of this recording was Ty's switch to Mesa-Boogie amps and to Zion guitars (custom built Ty Tabor model). The theme of the album was less "spiritual" and more "down to earth" (and considered by some "harsh").

With songs such as "Human Beahvior" and "Fool You". The title track "Dogman" has become a staple in the band's live shows and was the only song to have a video made for it on this album. Atlantic seemed to have better marketing on this one with a line up of sold out shows including an appearance at the Woodstock '94 festival (the live version of 'Over My Head' from this performance was released on the band's Best Of Album in 1997), various TV appearances (MTV "Headbangers Ball" and "Hangin' with MTV", The Jon Stewart Show, The Dennis Miller Show), and a brief tour opening for Pearl Jam. The next release, 1996's Ear Candy, saw the band fallen out of favor with Atlantic records. The band orignally had support at the label from Doug Lienig but now that he was gone the backing disappeared. Atlantic needs to sell millions of records but at this point it didn't seem as though King's X would ever crest that hill of mass acceptance. The band had grown tired of trying for the "hit album" and had released Ear Candy without trying to pressure themselves in that direction. Many rumors of the bands demise were fostered and even printed at this time. Take the first track of Ear Candy, The Train:
"Last time aboard the train that goes around the world". A tour followed Ear Candy and the venues and crowds were noticeably smaller. The band was ready for a change. Atlantic produced a lesser amount of the Ear Candy CDs than previous records and the CD is already out of print.

To part ways with Atlantic the band put out a "Best Of" album which in retrospect should have been called "Best of the first half of our career". The Best of album featured reamastered tracks (done by Ty Tabor), three new songs, and a live track (from Woodstock, mentioned previously). The band did a few gigs during this time playing their "hits". After purveying many offers the band landed on Metal Blade records with whom they have had a working relationship with for some time (and also the label has supported other Houston rock groups notably Galactic Cowboys and Atomic Opera, both of whom share a long history with King's X - they also moved to Houston from Missouri in search of the 'big break').

In 1998 King's X released their debut album with Metal Blade records titled Tapehead. The album was recorded and written in a matter of days and was completely produced (including artwork etc) by the band. An extensive world tour followed, marking the first time the band had toured europe in approximately 8 years. The second Metal Blade release Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous was released on 5.23.2000 and once again the band toured Europe and the United States extensively and as always hang out after the shows being more than gracious in meeting their fans. 2001 marks the first year one of the band's solo projects has actually toured. "Poundhound" (Doug's solo project) launched a US tour on 4.8.2001. King's X has released their third effort on Metal Blade 9.25.2001 entitled "Manic Moonlight". 2002 looks to be a busy year. Extensive touring and Ty has released 3 CDs this year ("The Jelly Jam", "Jughead" and his 3rd solo effort "Safety"). King's X has also embarked on a fall 2002 arena tour opening for Dream Theater/Joe Satriani.

Following the Satch tour King's X is touring with legendary rocker Ronnie James Dio.
Long live the Kings...

And now there is the new album Black Like Sunday.

Fans extremely versed with the band's musical history might recognize some of the tunes from the band's early days when they were known as "The Edge" and later "Sneak Preview". Rather than just release stale versions recorded 20 years ago, the band has re-recorded them using their current gear and technology. This will give these tunes, that laid the foundation of what would become King's X, a more modern sound. The band is excited to release material that at one time probably would never have seen the light of day. Black Like Sunday is coming at you : May 20th.

King’s X – Out of the silent planet (1988)

In The New Age (5:23)
Goldilox (4:41)
Power Of Love (4:57)
Wonder (4:13)
Sometimes (3:40)
King (3:01)
What Is This? (3:48)
Far, Far Away (4:14)
Shot Of Love (3:15)
Visions (5:11)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor and Gaskill Except Far Far Away written by Pinnick, Tabor, Gaskill and Marty Warren
Recorded at Rampart Studios/Houston, TX
Produced by Sam Taylor and King's X
Engineered by Steve Ames
Mastered by Bob Ludwig/Masterdisk - NY
Executive Producers - Marsha Zazula/Jon Zazula
Illustration and Design - James McDermott
A Wilde Silas Musicwork

The song "King" was in the band's pocket for some time. Live versions of this song appear years before it was ever released. The song "Goldilox" originally had Ty singing the lead vocals. It was decided in the studio that Doug's lead vocals would work better for the album version.
The title of the album comes from the title of a book of the same name by C.S. Lewis, an author favored by Ty and Jerry. There were three videos made for this album: "Sometimes", "King", and "Shot of Love". "Sometimes" was never commercially released but was released as a promotional item.

The first album caught the music world by surprise. Power rock with soaring vocal melodies reminiscent of the Beatles with power riffs ala Black Sabbath. Clearly the world was not ready for this Houston trio to set the globe on it's ear. On first listen the song "King" stands out almost immediately and to date is one of the band's signature songs. The subtle, not beat you over the head, spirituality of the record gives the album an overall positive feel - a rarity in hard rock/metal when this album was released. Also, many of Ty's solos are done without rhythm guitar dubbed in - you get live what you hear on the album. The soulfull vocals of Doug Pinnick bring what might be average songs into stardom (see: Far, Far Away). Overall the album maintains it's positive feel throughout even during the very quick number "Visions". An outstanding debut album from an extremely talented trio

Gretchen goes to Nebraska (1989)

Out Of the Silent Planet (5:44)
Over My Head (4:47)
Summerland (3:17)
Everybody Knows A Little Bit Of Something (3:57)
The Difference (In The Garden Of St. Anne's-On-The-Hill) (3:08)
I'll Never Be The Same (4:57)
Mission (5:00)
Fall On Me (4:03)
Pleiades (4:42)
Don't Believe It (It's Easier Said Than Done) (3:06)
Send A Message (4:02)
The Burning Down (5:15)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor, Gaskill Except I'll Never Be The Same written by Pinnick, Tabor, Gaskill and Marty Warren and Pleiades written by Pinnick, Tabor, Gaskill and Dale Richardson
Recorded at Rampart Studios/Houston, TX
Produced by Sam Taylor and King's X
Engineered and Recorded by Steve Ames
Mastered by Tony Dawsey/Masterdisk - NY
Executive Producers - Marsha Zazula/Jon Zazula
Illustration and Design - James McDermott/Houston, TX
Back Cover Photo by George Hixon, Houston, TX
A Wilde Silas Musicwork

Summerland was played live as early as 1987 with Ty on lead vocals.
The band credits the track "Pleiades" as the first song that defined the King's X sound. Ty has commented in interviews that he feels the studio version never quite reached what he achieved on the demo of the song. Included with the album was a story of the same title written by Jerry. This was available for purchase for some time at the old King's X website (compass.net/grump/). The copy of the story came signed by Jerry himself

What can I say? This is my favorite album of all time. Almost every song on this album is a classic. Great lyrics, artwork, and music - the perfect album. By the time you get to "Summerland" you are already hooked. What follows is a musical journey through heavy/soft/moving musical moments. This album features the band's first widely released acoustic song "The Difference". (An acoustic version of "Shot of Love" was released on an obscure vinyl single) The song's vocal harmonies are outstanding. "Over My Head" is a King's X classic and is played at almost every King's X concert to date. The songs are very diverse here. There is the crunch of "Mission" and the subtle explorations of "Pleiades" and "The Burning Down". This is the type of album you don't just listen to, you digest over time. With each listen you gain an appreciation of the work as a whole. There is almost a new favorite every time you listen to this album. Many fans, including myself, believe this album to be the band's best work to date.

King’s X – Faith Hope Love (1990)

We Are Finding Who We Are (4:39)
It's Love (4:34)
I'll Never Get Tired Of You (3:46)
Fine Art Of Friendship (4:21)
Mr. Wilson (3:39)
Moanjam (6:05)
Six Broken Soldiers (3:32)
I Can't Help It (3:530
Talk To You (4:36)
Everywhere I Go (3:53)
We Were Born To Be Loved (4:52)
Faith Hope Love (9:23)Legal Kill (4:42)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor and Gaskill
Recorded at Rampart Studios/Houston, TX
Produced by Sam Taylor and King's X
Engineered and Recorded by Steve Ames
Mastered by Tony Dawsey/Masterdisk - NY
Art Direction: Derika Van Reenan, Katy, TX
Front Cover Illustration: Randy Rogers, Sanson Illustrations - Houston, TX Back Cover Illustration: James McDermott/Houston, TX
Photography: George Craig - Houston, TX
A Wilde Silas Musicwork

This was the band's best selling album to date and the only album to break the Top 50 Billboard charts (it peeked at 31). The solo during "I Can't Help It" originally appeared in the Sneak Preview song "Inside Outside" released on the Sneak Preview self titled LP. Moanjam was being played live as far back as 1988. According to Doug from various interviews, the quote from i Corinthians xii was placed there by Sam Taylor without consulting the band. Already struggling to maintain a secular rock identity this move may have further placed King's X in the "Christian Rock Band" category rather than a Rock band of Christians category that the band stated they were in many interviews during this era. Among the guest musicians on this album are fellow Houston rockers Galactic Cowboys. The song "Six Broken Soldiers" was the first song King's X released featuring Jerry on lead vocals. This song is markedly different from the other album material and clearly shows a heavy Beatles influence. There is also an "extended" version of this song available on the It's Love foreign CD Single and 12" Vinyl which features additional percussion at the end of the song that does not appear on the album release.

It's hard to top what many consider to be a mindblowing album. Following the critical acclaim of Gretchen Goes to Nebraska would not be an easy task for any band - even as talented as King's X. However, the follow up to Gretchen was also a stunner and to date is their best selling album. The track "It's Love" might be the band's most recognized tune as it received regular airplay on MTV and radio. While "It's Love" was very radio friendly there are plenty of tunes for King's X fans to consider. The blazing solo of "Moanjam" is quite memorable and electrifies the crowd at live shows. "Legal Kill" is stunning in it's acoustic beauty and lyrical musings. The album maintains a consistent sound and holds together exceptionally well without being a mimic effort of the band's previous works. The spiritual positivity of the band is further exemplified with this release.

Again the band offers many diverse tracks ranging from hard rock/metal to soft ballads - a little bit of everything. Ty sings a good deal on the album and Jerry gets to sing lead on "Six Broken Soldiers". The only thing keeping this from a "5" is the production. The instrumentation is clear but everything seems sort of in the middle sonically. The bass is great but not low enough, the guitar is rocking but has very little bite. Production aside, this is a wonderfull album.

King’s X – King’s X (1992)

The World Around Me (2:56)
Prisoner (4:14)
The Big Picture (5:03)
Lost In Germany (4:52)
Chariot Song (5:22)
Ooh Song (4:01)
Junior’s going wild (3:08)
Not Just For The Dead (4:47)
What I Know About Love (5:38)
Black Flag (4:01)
Dream In My Life (4:57)
Silent Wind (4:10)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor and Gaskill Except Prisoner written by Pinnick, Tabor, Gaskill, Taylor and Marty Warren
Recorded and mixed at Rampart Studios/Houston, TX between 10/91 and Mid. January '92
Produced by Sam Taylor
Engineered by Steve Ames
Mastered by Tony Dawsey/Masterdisk - NY
Art Direction: Bob Defrin
Illustration and Design: Randy Rogers, Sanson Illustrations - Houston, TX
Photography: Dave Roth
Layout: Lynn Kowalewski
A Wilde Silas Musicwork

This album marked the end of the band's relationship with producer and often referred to "4th member" Sam Taylor. The band cites creative differences for the split. The bonus track "Junior's Gone Wild" appears on some foreign releases of this album and on the soundtrack for the movie "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey". This album was the band's first album to be released exclusively on the Atlantic label. There was a video made for the track "Black Flag" which saw moderate airplay on MTV and even on "Beavis and Butthead". There were actually 2 versions of this video made but only the one was released commercially. The second video featured darker imagery and a different general theme. The released video for Black Flag keeps the band's positive type video image as in the previous releases. The video was filmed on location in Dallas, TX and Fontana, CA.
The original title for the album was "Since Hector Was a Pup".... why? I have no idea.

What happens after a successfull album can haunt or help a band. In this case following the success of Faith, Hope, Love was not as easy as it would seem. The KX4 album did not sell as well as Atlantic might have hoped and it also marked the end of the band's union with long time "4th member" Sam Taylor. The album itself features the trademark sound that has become a King's X staple: soaring vocal harmonies over hard/heavy (semi-progressive) rock. Featured on this album are tracks which have become main stays in their live arsenal. Notably "Lost in Germany" with it's flowing guitar riff and excellent vocal harmonies. Ironically the track "Black Flag" got medium airplay and video play on MTV and may be one of their most recognizable tunes to date besides "It's Love" from the FHL album. Personally I think it might be the "worst" track on this record. This album might not hit you on the first play but try "Ooh Song", "Prisoner", "Silent Wind", and the aforementioned "Lost in Germany". Those songs are gems and of course the sitar-laden ride of "Not Just for the Dead" is also worth many listens. Once again there is a great diversity of material here ranging from the heavy rock side (see: World Around Me) to the ballad side (see: The Big Picture). Overall this is an excellent album that never seems to get the credit it so richly deserves.

King’s X – Dogman (1994)

Dogman (4:01)
Shoes (3:29)
Pretend (4:36)
Flies And Blue Skies (5:00)
Black The Sky (4:32)
Fool You (4:31)
Don't Care (4:39)
Sunshine Rain (4:35)
Complain (3:19)
Human Behavior (4:28)
Cigarettes (5:52)
Go To Hell (:51)
Pillow (4:24)
Manic Depression (4:59)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor and Gaskill Except Manic Depression written by Jimi Hendrix
Recorded at: Southern Tracks/Atlanta, GA between July 18 - September 3, 1993
Produced by Brendan O'Brien
Mixed by Brendan O'Brien except Manic Depression Mixed by Nick Didia
Recorded by Nick Didia
Assistant Engineer: Karl Heilbron
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Studios/Portland, ME
Art Direction: Leon Alvarado
Design: Leon Alvarado, Randy Rogers
Photography: Catherine Wessel

The album was released with 4 different color single dog covers (not the collage as seen above). According to Ty there were equal numbers of each color cover produced - but the world may never know... "Manic Depression" is the first King's X cover tune to show up on an album. The track features crowd noise but is NOT a live recording. The live crowd sounds were added in as a joke.
The producer, Brendan O'Brien, is known for his work with other bands such as Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. One video was released for the album, the title track "Dogman". It saw medium to little airplay on MTV. The band made numerous appearances on TV shows playing a live tune here and there during this era to promote the album including: The John Stewart Show and MTV's Headbanger's Ball Atlantic released the promotional CD "Building Blox" at this time also. "Building Blox" is a "greatest hits" compilation that also included the previously released but rare "Shot of Love (acoustic studio version)".

This CD is rather easy to find as apparently Atlantic made many copies of this promotional disc. King's X played at Woodstock '94 as well during this time. Although they had a Friday (non-televised) slot they brought the house down with smokin' versions of Moanjam, Over My Head, and Manic Depression. The live version of "Over My Head" later appeared on the Best of King's X album. The song "Go to Hell" is a song King's X had in their repertoire dating back to the early 1980's. It was revamped for this album slightly but is close to the original version with added lyrics. The band played this tune extensively on the Tape head tour. Doug purposely muffles some of the lyrics to keep you on your toes. Just ask him what he is singing.

This album marks a strong departure from the previous 4 albums. While not changing directions 100% the band incorporated more of a raw live sound for this album at the behest of well known producer Brendan O'Brien. In interviews Ty relates that during the recording of the album that he didn't go back in and try to fix every single mistake on the album and wind up with an over produced album. Instead we get clean, raw, unadulterated King's X with some of the vocals even being on one take. Many King's X fans consider this the band's best album due to it's harder sound. The title track is a simple sounding tune with some nifty guitar work by Ty but clearly is not the best track offered here although they made a video for "Dogman". "Shoes" is an outstanding track that combines great low end rumbling rock with the trademark King's X vocal harmonies. The tracks "Fool You" and "Pretend" are excellent. They showcase a great blend of the older King's X tendencies mixed in with the raw sound of this album. If you're looking for bottom hitting rock check out the cut "Pillow", you won't be dissapointed. Another notable tune is "Cigarettes" which really shines in a live setting but is worth checking out here as well. The band's cover of "Manic Depression" might even leave Jimi a little bit jealous.

King’s X – Ear Candy (1996)

The Train (3:08)
(Thinking and Wondering) What I'm Gonna Do (3:41)
Sometime (3:47)
A Box (4:39)
Looking For Love (2:58)
Mississippi Moon (3:11)
67 (4:41)
Lies In The Sand (The Ballad Of...) (3:53)
Run (3:27)
Fathers (3:21)
American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto) (2:54)
Picture (5:34)
Life Going By (4:04)

All songs written by Pinnick, Tabor and Gaskill
Recorded at: Milagro Sound Recorders/Glendale, CA
Produced by Arnold Lanni and King's X
Mixed by Arnold Lanni, King's X and Brian Garcia
Engineered by Brian Garcia
2nd Engineer: Tony Flores
Mastered by Tony Dawsey/Masterdisk - NY
Additional mastering and editing by Randy Miller at Houston Sound Studios
Art Direction: Larry Freemantle
Covert Art: Alton Kelley
Additional vocals on A Box by Glen Phillips
Photography: Catherine Wessel
American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto) and Lies In The Sand Produced by Ty Tabor and King's X
American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto) Recorded at Digital Services/Houston, TX
Lies In The Sand recorded at Rivendale Studios/Houston, TX
2nd Engineer on American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto): Andy Miller
Additional recording on (Thinking and Wondering) What I'm Gonna Do recorded at Houston Sound Studios

No videos were ever made for this album.
This would be the last studio album King's X would release with Atlantic records.
Various demos of this album are available in the King's X fan community. Notably the demo version of "A Box" has a different middle section. The band performs this song live in this fashion similar to "Over My Head". One of the harder to find CD singles was released in Germany only for "A Box". The CD single contains the bonus track "Freedom". The song "Picture" is actually a rewrite of an old Sneak Preview song "The Door" with new lyrics. The song "American Cheese" is the second released song that Jerry sings lead vocals. The term "pianto" is a made up word and is meant as a joke.

This album sounds like a band ready to move on from Atlantic. What we get here is a collection of various songs rather than a whole album concept as in all of the band's previous efforts. It almost feels like you can say - that's a Ty song - that's a Jerry song - that's a Doug song - when describing the various shifts on this album. There are some great tunes here though. Ty fans should enjoy "Lies in the Sand" and "Mississippi Moon". "The Train" is a great opener to an album and sort of reminds me of how the band openend the self-titled album with "World Around Me". This album is nowhere near as edgy or heavy as Dogman so some might say they softened up on this one. "Picture" has become a concert favorite as it illustrates Doug's reunion with his parents and having a photograph of that moment.

King’s X- Tape head (1998)

Groove Machine (3:42)
Fade (3:24)
Over And Over (3:23)
Ono (3:55)
Cupid (4:14)
Ocean (3:08)
Little Bit Of Soul (4:13)
Hate You (3:01)
Higher Than God (3:00)
Happy (5:38)
Mr. Evil (3:45)
World (3:36)
Walter Bela Farkas (Live Peace In New York) (2:32)

All songs by King's X
Recorded at Hound Pound and Alien Beans Studios May - July 1998
Mixed and mastered at Alien Beans by Ty Tabor
Photography by Wanda Tabor
Cover by Ty Tabor
Design by Brian J Ames
Additional Musicians: Wally Farkas - Vocals on "Walter Bela Farkas"

This album marked the first album with the band's new record label: Metal Blade.
The live track "Walter Bella Farkas" was recorded at Tramps in New York City where the band performed two nights in a row. It is Wally Farkas of the Galactic Cowboys screaming in the vein of Yoko Ono over a very loose Jazz/Fusion jam by King's X. It was intended entirely as a joke of course! Doug's demo tapes reveal that the songs "Cupid", "Hate You", "Happy", and "Two" were brought into the studio. The band has stated in interviews that this was a collaboration album - just them jamming together in the studio. However at least 5 of the songs were brought into the studio as demos prior to recording. The song "Happy" originally appeared as a demo song "Quality Control" which contains profanity. The profanity is gone and the lyrics have been changed but the music is the same as the most infamous of King's X demo tracks. Much speculation surrounds "Quality Control" but it has been rumored that since the album would get a Parental Advisory sticker King's X decided as a band not to include the song on either Ear Candy or Dogman. The song "World" sounds very close to an old demo track "It's Time" and is exact musically to "Come On Over" which appears on demos prior to the recording of Out of the Silent Planet. The band toured extensively for this album. With their Metal Blade deal they own all the merchandise rights etc. The band also returned to Europe to tour after a long hiatus. Ty Tabor struck a deal with Yamaha guitars and switched from his Zion Signature Models for the album and the tour. Also Ty is becoming obsessed with frogs, they are all over his gear in concert... Why? Nobody who knows the truth is willing to talk to the press for fear of reported "Frog Karma"... The mystery continues....

Metal Blade records is sometimes known as the place where "bands go to die". Hopefully this isn't the case with King's X. This album offers hope that this texas trio is far from done. Definitely not in the same stratosphere as their best work, that said, there are some great songs on this album. However, overall I do not think that most of the songs here will stand the test of time. "Groove Machine" is a great way to start out a simple rock record, it is reminiscent of Doug's Poundhound record in it's low end rumbings and straight forward lyrics. "ONO" is probably the best track next to "Happy" (which is awesome). "ONO" is vintage King's X, rumbling hard rock mixed with great vocal lines. "Happy" is easily the stand out track on the album, it's an instant classic. "Happy" has the King's X trademarks firing on all cylinders and the middle "break down" part is outstanding. "Ocean" is a Ty song ala his solo material (could have very easily fit next to his other Moonflower Lane tunes) so Ty fans should dig it. "Higher Than God" is a bit repetitive again with a simple straight forward riff but the tune has a great solo. On the whole Doug's vocals are nice, low, clean and raw, not much Ty vocals and Ty's strong guitar solos seem few and far between. If you take this album too seriously, you won't like it. It's more about the overall sound here than any one message - just sit back and enjoy the groove.

King’s X – Please come home…Mr. Bulbous (2000)

Fish Bowl Man (4:28)
Julia (3:39)
She's Gone Away (4:37)
Marsh Mellow Field (5:30)
When You're Scared (4:26)
Charlie Sheen (3:51)
Smudge (3:52)
Bitter Sweet (2:13)
Move Me (4:58)
Move Me (part two) (7:20)

A video (for 'Smudge') is known to have been made for this album. Live footage was shot in Houston, TX by multiple cameras in the audience on 9.17.2000 for a possible live video release, no word yet on the project's completion or any future release date. The band's 6.9.2000 show in Denmark was broadcast on P3 Danish Radio, many recordings of this show are available from the trading community (including the complete show). The show on 6.30.2000 (@ the podium in hardenburg, holland) was recorded by 3 cameras and direct from the soundboard on mini disc. No word on what was done with these recordings. The band broadcast 2 internet feeds during the tour. The first was 7.11.2000 from the House of Blues Orlando. The video stream is currently still available at HOB.com. The second broadcast was on 7.22.2000 from Webster Theater in Hartford, CT. Fans reported that this feed was horrendous (massive drop outs, bad sound) even though the band played a very extended set.
Many bumps in the road on the Bulbous Tour in the US. At one point Ty injured his neck and was playing in a chair with a neck brace! At other shows Ty was sick. In Nashville Dave Pate (Ty's tech) and Jerry were jumped by unknown individuals who merely were out having "fun". Karma will get you people... The band also made their first ever appearances in Japan in October of 2000!

Here are the translations to the foreign language toungue twisters between songs on the album:

1. At the end of track 1: Acht-en-Tachtig-Prachtig-Grachten
This is Dutch: 88 (actentachtig) beautiful (prachtige) canals (gratchen)

2. At the end of track 3: Tonarino-Kyaku-Wa-Yoku-Kaki-Kuu-Kyakuda
This is Japanese: the next (tonari) visitor/guest/customer (kyaku) eat (kuu) persimmon (kaki) very much (yoku)

3. At the end of track 4: Zes-en-Zestig-Sinaas-Appel-Schillen
This is Dutch: 66 (zesenzestig) orange (sinaasappel) peels (schillen)

4. At the end fo track 5: Hottentotten-Tenten-Tentoonstellingen
This is Dutch: an exhibition of tents made by the Hottentots (the term "Hottentot" is somewhat offensive. The politically correct term is Nama)

5. At the end of track 6: Chikushou-Nante-Hidee-Sandoicchi-Da
This is Japanese: Damn (chikushou)! how stink (hidee) this sandwich (sandoicchi) is!

WOW! This is the best album since KX4... one word COHESIVE, another word UNIQUE but yet still King's X. Progressive rock fans should applaud the band's return to odd yet catchy musings. Much is offered here on the band's second offering on Metal Blade records. The perfect blend of Metal meets Beatles tone exudes out of this album. Notably the vocals on the track "Julia" (which are bookended by a slamming heavy riff!). This album has some of the band's heaviest riffs but blends in a good dose of psychadelia and song structure experiments. "Fishbowl Man" might be the only track that woud fit right on Tapehead (the band's previous effort) aside from the spoken word poem by Jerry. Then we are transported to the psychedelic, Beatles heavy "Julia" which on first listen was my immediate favorite with vocal work reminiscent of the bands older material. "She's Gone Away" is a straight forward rocker with a gem of a blues-style solo by Ty (who's soloing on this album sounds much improved). "Marshmellow Field" starts in full "Fine Art of Friendship" (a tune from the Faith, Hope, Love album) fashion and has a chorus that echoes of Poundhound. This album is the first in a while (since the KX4 album) that you can't pick apart and say: "that song is 100% Ty, or that one is 100% Doug". A very satisfying listen indeed!

King’s X – Manic Moonlight (2001)

Believe (4:28)
Manic Moonlight (4:32)
Yeah (3:40)
False Alarm (4:36)
Static (4:29)
Skeptical Winds (6:51
The Other Side (4:49)
Vegetable (6:27)
Jenna (5:06)
Water Ceremony (0:18)

Produced and Mixed By: Ty Tabor

Recorded between February and May 2001 @ Alien Beans Studio

A three song sampler of the tunes "Believe", "Vegetable" and "False Alarm" was widely distributed for this album. This album marks the first time King's X has experimented with drum loops/samples. Almost all the tunes have some sort of sample added to them.

Throughout their 16-year existence, King's X have remained an enigma., refusing to have their sound - a combination of eclectic moments lifted from metal, pop and soul - pigeon-holed into any specific genre. So it goes with Manic Moonlight, the Houston trio's ninth studio album. Picking up where they left off on 2000's inexplicably titled Please Come Home...Mr. Bulbous, bassist/singer Doug Pinnick, guitarist/singer Ty Tabor, and drummer/singer Jerry Gaskill unload with smooth Beatles-esque harmonies, distorted raps and dark riffs that continue to demonstrate the band's flair for experimentalism.

While King's X practically created their own genre ( and a cult following) via the catchy and crunchy guitar-driven sound that marked their classis albums such as 1988's debut, Out of the Silent Planet, 1989's Gretchen Goes To Nebraska, and 1990's faith, hope, love by King's X, they seem to have deliberately gone out of their way on the past several records to confuse and distract longtime fans with bizarre songs lacking the band's distinct melodies and biting lyrics.

This time out, though, Tabor (the group's most pop-centric player) seized control of producing and mixing duties from the rest of the band - resulting in the most complete King's X album in years. "Believe" is a vintage King's X feel-good anthem, and "False Alarm" is the closest these guys have come to a melancholy love song in years. Even more experimental tracks such as "Static" and "Skeptical Winds" resound with that old-school King's X vibe that makes Manic Moonlight the band's most essential purchase sine 1996's overlooked Ear Candy. More please

King’s X – Black like sunday (2003)

Black Like Sunday
Rock Pile
Danger Zone
Working Man
Dreams
Finished
Screamer
Bad Luck
Down
Won´t Turn Back
Two
You´re The Only One
Johnny
Save Us

The cover art is an original oil painting by Danny Wilson of Sattelite Studios located in Knoxville, TN. For more info visit his website: www.dannywilson.com