King's X - In The New Age: The Atlantic Recordings 1988-1995 [CD]

Six albums from Missouri trio King's X from their Megaforce and Atlantic Records releases from 1988 onwards. With bonus tracks and individual CD sleeves. For fans of: Rush, Smashing Pumpkins, Dream Theater. Originally forming in the early 1980s as Sneak Preview, Doug Pinnick on bass guitar and vocals, Ty Tabor on guitar and Jerry Gaskill on drums became King's X in 1985, relocating to Texas from their native Missouri. Major tours across their career with the likes of Iron Maiden and AC/DC, plus an appearance at Woodstock 94, would bring their sound to a worldwide stage, influencing important fans such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Pantera. Their CS Lewis-inspired debut 'Out Of The Silent Planet' (CD1) from 1988 introduced a hard rock sound fused with elements of psychedelia, funk, soul and gospel, becoming an important influence on the development of progressive metal, alternative rock and even grunge. Critical acclaim followed; especially in the UK through the support of magazine's such as Kerrang!. Although not strictly speaking a Christian Rock band, their records featured on Billboard's Christian music chart, and their 1989 conceptual second record 'Gretchen Goes To Nebraska' (CD2) features themes of faith and spirituality. The prolific band released their third record in three years with 1990's 'Faith Hope Love' (CD3), their first to break into the all important Billboard Hot 100. Moving from Megaforce to parent label Atlantic in 1992, the self-titled 'King's X' (CD4) sported a darker and more introspective sound than before and was their last to be producer by long time collaborator Sam Taylor. Employing producer Brendan O'Brien (Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam), King's X switched to a heavier sound with 1994's 'Dogman' (CD5). Live versions of "Shoes" and "We Were Born to Be Loved" are included as bonus tracks. Housed in a psychedelic cover design, 1996's 'Ear Candy' (CD6), produced with Arnold Lanni, was King's X's sixth album and final record for Atlantic before switching to Metal Blade records.