While some bands take their commercial approach to extremes, to the point of having five-year plans and detailed marketing strategies, King’s X always chose to follow their intuition. Originally from Springfield, Missouri, they gained popularity in the alt-rock circuit in the mid-90’s, and pleased metal-heads, funk, prog and grunge fans in equal measures. Bassist dUg Pinnick, drummer Jerry Gaskill and guitarist Ty Tabor stayed together for almost four decades, and never compromised their integrity for commercial success.
King’s X broke into the mainstream with their first six albums, including classics such as “Gretchen Goes to Nebraska” (1989) and “Dogman” (1994). No stranger to side projects, each band member has recorded several solo albums and have made countless partnerships with other acts. Throughout their career the band secured opening slots on arena tours, including opening for bands like Cheap Trick, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Scorpions, Pearl Jam and Mötley Crüe as well as the Woodstock ’94 festival. While some regard them as prog metal pioneers, King’s X have also been cited as an influence or inspiration to acts as diverse as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend and more.
“Three Sides Of One” Album Artwork
2022 brings a new release from the power trio, the aptly titled “Three Sides of One”, their first studio album in fifteen years (Check out our review HERE). The simple fact that the band put out an album would be cause for celebration, but the fans will be pleased to know that the songs on this release are reminiscent of their best work. Themes like “Let It Rain”, “Give It Up” and “All God’s Children” prove they still have something to say, despite the wear and tear of such a lengthy musical career. The singles in this release have already made their way onto the band’s set-lists, and quickly became fan favorites.
Collaborator Rodrigo Altaf caught up with dUg Pinnick, and they discussed the genesis of “Three Sides of One”, his other projects KXM and Grinder Blues, playing with Dream Theater and much more. Watch or listen to their chat in the links below and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new content we publish on a daily basis.
