DGC, the David Geffen Company label, housed a large family of rock music notables (Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Sloan, The Sundays, etc). King of Kings was not one of them. This self-titled 1991 release certainly caught my attention, however, with its mysterious cover image — particularly striking on the longbox. Yes, in pre-internet 1991, this soon-to-be bargain bin title was lovingly enshrined in cardboard and shrinkwarp, only to be filed away and forgotten in the miscellaneous ‘K’ section of the HEAVY METAL CDs.
Is it metal? Not really, no. Is it heavy? In parts, yeah. Sort of a moody, prog-rock leaning Zep/Doors hybrid with ambitious production from Roy Thomas Baker. What little critical review I’ve seen while googling this disc tends to make mention of the meandering, tuneless vocals…which I think is kinda unfair. Especially since vocalist/bassist/neo-hippie Desmond Horn doesn’t get really tuneless or meandering until album number two.
As a longtime King of Kings fan, I was thrilled to recently discover that the 2nd album even existed (buy it at zatme.com). The only other King of Kings fan I’d ever known (and he heard of them from me) once mentioned a rumored sophomore effort and an even more rumored death-by-overdose of Desmond Horn (thankfully untrue). The not-deceased Mr. Horn is still tuneless and meandering (see his myspace) and will always be a true legend in my rock music fandom. If you dig these highlights, I urge you to buy their self titled disc – it’s easily got for $ .01 from many Amazon Sellers
King of Kings
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{ 6 comments }
WHAT?!?!
King of Kings put out a 2nd album and i only find out about it by casually checking to see who all these people following me on Twitter are?!?!?!?!
I used to have a friend who would not hesitate to share such exciting and life-altering news with me in the most immediate possible means of communication. . .
but he sure was a quirky son of a Diane, and as such was wont to fall off the planet for long stretches.
Apparently he has reappeared on the Inter-net as a social-networking maniac, sharing his thoughts and music loves with the entire world, but only communicating with antiquated friends via the ultramodern weblogging and brief Twitter postings. Ouch.
FURTHERMORE! He has co-opted some bizarre, heretofore unknown picture of Philosophy Professor Daniel J. Magurshak to use as his chosen image (in connection with Truly Heartfelt Productions, i believe).
If Dan ever checked his collegiate email (which i’m certain is the ONLY email account he’s ever had or intends to have), i would let him know about this affront to his personage post haste!
Hmph.
Wow, after all these years, see what a Google search will turn up? I’ve forwarded your link to Desmond, maybe he’ll respond. Thanks for the write-up, I worked with the band and was there for recordings. Would love to hear how/when you came across King of Kings…..Juarre
Hey hey!
Any idea what the name is of the second CD from King of Kings?
Been looking for it everywhere but not finding anything at all. Not a trace.
To me, King of Kings took my music experience to a new level and I still call this CD one of my absolute favorites all time.
So, if there is a second CD (Have mailed Desmond as well and asked, but no response yet) I NEED to get it.
Johnny
Johnny (and all other King Of Kings fans) – I'm seeing now that the http://www.zatme.com site is no longer active (?) – it was a cool LOW pricetag source to download CDs from independent artists…most were $1.00 or so for the entire disc. I will try to get the 2nd King Of Kings posted on Culture Of None very soon – in a manner that still encourages the support & funding of Desmond's talents.
If anyone is interested in the happenings of Desmond, he is currently singing mightily for Reagan Youth.
Hi Mike!
HOW R U?
glad to see your post here..
ever hear the whereabouts of Gus?
last time i heard he’d gone back to Greece?
..hope u + fam r well,
<3 k
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