King’s X's Ogre Tones is nothing less than a grand slam. Loaded with the trio’s trademark vocal harmonies, Doug Pinnick’s patented bass burps, Ty Tabor’s signature guitar stylings and Jerry Gaskill’s unmistakable rhythmic skills behind the drum kit, this 14-song celebration is both accessible and heavy, somber and inspiring. The band has long been compared to The Beatles and herein lies the proof. The Beatles comparisons are more than simply the ethereal vocals. They’re also about Pinnick and Co.’s ability to craft memorable songs, whether the opening stomp "Alone," the rifftastic "Fly," the uplifting rocker "If," or the gorgeous acoustic track "Honesty," which stands as a new career high. Lyrically, the group grapples with issues ranging from death to aging to global unrest with humor and warmth, injecting each song with the perfect balance of levity and curiosity. From beginning to end the Texas-based collective demonstrates its unique ability to bring pop, progressive and heavy rock together into one seamless blend that can only be called King’s X. --Jedd Beaudoin