Release date: September 27, 2005

Ordinarily, one might think that a band is only attempting to market their latest album when they say it's their best. When new CDs are released, the performers who release them always want to say (or want to convince themselves) that it is. However, after giving Ogre Tones a good listen, I can't help feeling the same way Ty Tabor feels about it. After all, it's their first release utilizing an outside producer in quite a while, giving the band the ability to concentrate just on making a good recording. The producer was Michael Wagener, one of the most prominent producers/engineers in the music business today, especially within the genre of hard rock and heavy metal.

The songs on Ogre Tones are tight, powerful, and electrifying, a formula we've come to expect from King's X. Vocal resilience and harmonic precision is constant as well. Though Doug Pinnick's ability hasn't vanished, his voice sounds deeper than in the past at times. This is no hindrance by any means, as it seems to have furthered his intensity.

The album's opener, 'Alone', is catchy and listener friendly in a pop vibe, though definitely hard rock. The lyrics are about loneliness and rejection, displaying once again that depth isn't only a quality within their progressive melodies, it's in each song's lyrical content as well. As the song advances you might think it possesses a familiarity about it, one reminiscent of a few other modern bands; however, keep in mind that these guys have been around for quite awhile, and their innovative and progressive sound is original.

'Fly' is a perfect example of their accuracy in song melody, blended with dark and brutal force. The Beatlesque harmonies they've been known for are ever present in this one. 'If' maintains this formula, with the addition of a rock ballad attribute. 'Bebop' is alive with loud, opinionated vocals that are lyrically concerned with thoughts of one's freedom being challenged. The offbeat and funky rhythm changes actually toy on the edge of bebop. Curiosity escalates upon hearing the infamous Little Richard 'Tutti Frutty' line, 'a wop bop a lu bop a wop bam boo'.

'Honesty' is a Ty Tabor acoustic ditty, catchy and memorable. You'll easily find yourself singing along with him. Though Ty Tabor's guitar tone is always tasteful, the tone in 'Open My Eyes' is noticeably exceptional. Its crunch is music to the hard rock ears.

'Freedom' once again denotes their serious side. Though King's X lyrics appear to be getting more opinionated and worldly, the religious aspect hasn't disappeared; and although Ty says that they don't delve much in Christianity, fundamental religion is an evident theme. This is apparent in 'Get Away' as well, presented stylishly with stunning harmonies.

Musically, from a King's X fan's point of view, this is Ty, Doug, and Jerry in top form. Doug's bass playing is full and flawless, as is Jerry's vibrant percussive presentation. Ty Tabor never ceases to amaze, as his signature style is intact throughout. He even reaches higher levels. Listen to his extended lead performance in 'Sooner Or Later'; it's truly incredible.

Only time will tell if Ogre Tones can possibly exceed Gretchen Goes To Nebraska or even Faith Hope Love in creativity and praise, but after listening to it a few times I've become attached to it. Though intelligent and progressive, all of the songs embrace their own individuality, separate from each other, which is a trait hard to come by these days. They're memorable and catchy tunes. Ogre Tones is a brilliant album.

Ogre Tones

1) Alone
2) Stay
3) Hurricane
4) Fly
5) If
6) Bebop
7) Honesty
8) Open My Eyes
9) Freedom
10) Get Away
11) Sooner Or Later
12) Mudd
13) Barn

Ty Tabor: guitar and vocals
Doug Pinnick: bass and vocals
Jerry Gaskill: drums and vocals

Produced by Michael Wagener for Double Trouble Productions, Inc.

Links

King's X website
Ogre Tones on Amazon.com