This is how probably The Jimi Hendrix Experience would sound if they would be still around.
I was skeptical about this as I am skeptical about any type of so-called supergroups. And this is definitively a supergroup while we have here three rock icons such as Doug Pinnick of King’s X on vocals and bass; George Lynch of Dokken and Lynch Mob on guitars and Ray Luzier of Korn behind the drum kit. On the other hand I always loved the powerful rock trios such as Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Rush, Motorhead (Ace of Spades era!), Primus, The Police, Nirvana, Muse, etc. And then again, I had my reserves regarding King’s X because their Christian affiliation/association. Don’t get me wrong, don’t care about the faith of anybody, it’s their own PRIVATE matter, but I don’t like to mix music and faith issues and don’t like to be guided, less, listening preaches on guitar riffs. But then Pinnick’s announcement in 1998 of his homosexuality. Another thing I disapprove: your sexual orientation should be another PRIVATE matter, don’t make a thing out it! (“Metal God” Rob Halford of Judas Priest did the same controversy announcement back in 1998…) As a result, the self-proclaimed religion of love (and tolerance) re-trait the support of the band and removed King’s X records from their distribution through Christian book stores. So, Pinnick has since openly discussed his agnosticism and his belief that Jesus Christ was not truly the Son of God, however, band mates Tabor and Gaskill, have a background in Christian rock and self-identify as Christians.
Too many non music related issues cloud the music… This is a quite dis-balanced and twisted world, isn’t it? And sometimes all that non music related buzz cover and kill the music. Fortunately, not this time!
While King’s X was more off then on in the last decade, Doug Pinnick had numerous guest appearances and worked on several side projects lately (as Pinnick Gales Pridgen).
KXM was formed in early 2013 when dUg, George and Ray spoke about trying to jam together. At the time it wasn’t clear what would come from those jams. The only thing that was clear was that these 3 musicians, at the top of their game, wanted to play together. The self-titled debut, KXM, was born from those jam sessions and is now an important piece in each band member’s musical legacy. In a world that constantly searches for new and unique music, KXM find their own way to merge and mix up different sounds, styles and genres and delivered a powerful, fresh, still true blood rock album.
We’ve got 11 strong tracks and a million different sounds, vibes, grooves and feelings merged cohesively into one. This is rock music incorporating all the possible and imaginable sub-genres and turning into something new, fresh and genuine.
The opening “Stars” it’s a powerful mixture of intense metal riffs and alternative rock spirit and vibe. Quite addictive and with a catchy, power-rock, anthematic chorus. “Rescue Me” it’s an American rock hurricane, somewhere right between Van Halen and Helmet – if you can imagine something like that. Absolutely winner! “Gunfight” have a twisted rhythmic build-up, but in essence, it’s another rock anthem with strong guitar riffs and catchy vocals. Still, Ray Luzier is the leader of the pack smashing his drums to little peaces with explosive ferociousness. “Never Stop” merged some country flavors with grunge/indie rock ballad ingredients. Nice and soundy. “Faith Is A Room” bring back the intense guitar riffs and the massive rock sound, it’s a sparkling alternative rock experiment with a bridge and chorus which reminded me of Kiss and Skid Row. “I’ll Be Ok” have again some Van Halen resonances build together with complex and modern rhythmic structures and some tasty and subtle guitar parts delivered by George Lynch. This is how probably The Jimi Hendrix Experience would sound if they would be still around. “Sleep” slows the things down, but it’s still an intense, post-grunge/alternative rock ride with a pretty sticky chorus. Reminded me somehow of The temple Of the Dog. “Love” it’s intense just like the feeling what generated the song, it’s eventually a little bit darker and twisted as some of us are used to, but it’s still beautiful. The spirit of Hendrix it’s there again – in a modern package. “Burn” it’s even further darker and heavier, but irresistible. “Do It Now” calm the things down a little bit, although it’s another intense take with Living Colour type of flavors. Love it! “Human Friction” starts as a ballad, but it’s an intense, heavy trip, a cool mixture of Living Colour and Hendrix flavors with modern, intense sound.
It’s probably one of the best albums of 2014. Extremely inspired, extremely well played and produced. Flawless.
Tracklist:
01. Stars
02. Rescue Me
03. Gunfight
04. Never Stop
05. Faith Is A Room
06. I’ll Be Ok
07. Sleep
08. Love
09. Burn
10. Do It Now
11. Human Friction
Mandatory! Buy it or steal it, you’ll gonna love it!
KXM – Facebook
