Dogman

After taking a harder and more frequently metallic approach on its self-titled fourth album, King's X continued in that vein on its next project, Dogman. Through it all, the Christian headbangers remained very recognizable and continued to make recordings that were impressive, even if they did fall short of the glory of Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (which remained their best album). Showing an awareness of the mid-'90s alternative rock scene, guitarist Ty Tabor had grown increasingly aggressive -- and yet, brute force is hardly the only thing this album has to offer. King's X was still a band that thrived on harmonic nuances and benefited from the influence of the Beatles and progressive rock. And like before, the band addresses spiritual concerns without trying to force its beliefs on anyone. "Complain," "Don't Care," "Black the Sky," and other heavy yet melodic offerings speak of a search for spiritual fulfillment, but never does King's X point the finger at non-Christians. ~ Alex Henderson