King Crimson's eleventh studio album, THRAK, is a monumental release that showcases the band's unique sound and versatility. Released on 3 April 1995 through Discipline Global Mobile, this album marks a significant milestone in the band's discography, following an eleven-year hiatus since their previous full-length studio album, Three of a Perfect Pair.
THRAK features a distinctive "double trio" setting, with Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and additional musicians, creating a rich and complex sound that is characteristic of King Crimson's eclectic style. The album's tracklist is a masterful blend of progressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock, and psychedelic rock, with standout tracks like "VROOOM", "Dinosaur", and "Walking On Air".
With a duration of one hour, THRAK is a sonic journey that takes the listener through a range of emotions and textures, from the intense and hard-hitting to the soft and melancholic. The album's sound is a testament to the band's innovative approach to music, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock and exploring new possibilities.
As a seminal work in King Crimson's oeuvre, THRAK has been widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike, and its influence can still be felt today. The album's release was preceded by the mini-album Vrooom in 1994, which featured early versions of some of the same material, and it has since been re-released in various formats, including a limited edition gold disc and a comprehensive box set featuring live recordings and alternate takes. THRAK is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and a testament to King Crimson's enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre.