IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

One of the most fascinating albums I have ever stumbled upon, this was the first album by King Crimson and (rare for any band) their best album. It's a wonderful fusion of Rock, Jazz and Classical themes with dark lyrics about man's downfall. This can be reflected on the album cover with a face of a man who seems to be in immense pain.

First starting with 21st Century Schizoid Man, your ears will pierce in delight from the heavy guitar and saxophone work. The 'Mirrors' section is a powerful instrumental piece and the ending of the song is absolutely chaotic.

It quickly goes from chaotic to peaceful when 'I Talk to the Wind' starts with a gentle flute piece, a lovely song that is peaceful and is a break from the heavy previous song. 'Epitaph' is a haunting song about judgment day and the end of the world.

'Moonchild' is the weakest song of the album, not that its utter crap, the first 2 and a half minutes is wonderful and hypnotic. But the rest of the 10 minutes left is just experimenting in free form. It's great to listen to in the middle of night while in bed and having your eyes closed, but at any other tie it's simply boring.

The title track is a masterpiece with a wonderful use of the mellotron, and Lake's vocals are stunning as well as the drumming. One of my favorite songs ever, everyone in the world should be force to listen to this.

A masterpiece of any genre of music and a must buy for Prog Rock fans.

Share this KING CRIMSON review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to sam81292
• Report this review (#201219)
• Buy KING CRIMSON music online with PA partners
• Show all KING CRIMSON MP3/Stream
• Go to KING CRIMSON page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to In the Court of the Crimson King page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for KING CRIMSON related discussions