XV

SPV/InsideOut

Legendary Texas rock trio King’s X are set to release their 15^th studio release on May 20^th 2008 through InsideOut Music. Simply titled, XV this next chapter in the bands legacy shows the guys performing at the top of their abilities as always and proves once again that King’s X still have what it takes to deliver a cut above the rest rock mastery. Known to be one of the few artists in existence whose fan base is mostly comprised of other musicians, King’s X are truly one of the most under appreciated bands on the market today.

Beginning with the opening track “Pray” the trademark elements that make up a King’s X album are evident from the get go. A heavy groove oriented gospel sort of a tune “Pray” sends the message loud and clear, if you believe in any sort of spirituality and feel that it works for you “then don’t forget to pray for me”. Doug Pinnick’s incredible vocal talents stay mostly in the lower ranges this time around sans for the last song on the CD “Go Tell Somebody” where we get that ever recognizable high shriek. While this is definitely not the heaviest album that the band have put forth it is a solid effort from start to finish boasting some great mid tempo gems. Guitarist/vocalist Ty Tabor is at his Beatlesque best on songs such as “Repeating Myself” which actually has a great repeating vocal effect and “Julie” which comes very close to sounding like a cross between George Harrison and Tom Petty. Also intact here are the bands magnificent three part harmonies as is evidenced in cuts like “I Just Want To Live” and “I Don’t Know. Other worthy mentions include the first single “Alright” and the dirty bluesy “No Lie”.

I’m sure that there are those who may feel that XV may not contain all the hookiness of some of the bands earlier works but there is no disputing that this is still extremely high quality song writing and the originality of King’s X is in full force with this album. As with the bands previous release Ogre Tones in 2005, XV was produced once again by renowned producer Michael Wagener and holds within its fourteen tracks some seriously honest and thought provoking compositions as well as some unparalleled musical resourcefulness. Highly recommended to all!

-Priest