Back in stock: Progressive Rock

Review: Originally released in 1994, the fifth full-length from progressive metal-tinged Christian hard rockers King's X is often considered to be their definitive work. Following the breakout success of its Atlantic Records distributed 1992 self-titled predecessor, which already marked a notable heavier turn, this new direction would be fully embraced with the help of producer Brendan O'Brien (having been impressed by his recent work with the likes of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and The Black Crowes). Dogman ultimately ended their, at the time, exclusive recording collaboration with rock production veteran Sam Taylor, who had overseen every prior album to date, allowing for a new lease of sonic life, whilst the most profound and resonant aspect of the material came from vocalist/bassist/primary songwriter Doug Pinnick's crisis of faith. Pondering his uncertainty with religious beliefs he had held dear his entire life, this newfound vulnerability and admittance of spiritual void hit home with not only their devout (no pun intended) fanbase but with unfamiliar newcomers lured in by the frenetic heaviness before relating to the potential agnostic viewpoints within.