Album review: KXM – KXM (featuring George Lynch,Dug Pinnick,Ray Luzier)

KXM

earMUSIC [Release date 02.06.14]

The latest George Lynch project has been germinating for a couple of years. When I interviewed the legendary guitarist in November 2012 he mentioned that it was in the pipeline as he promoted the T & N album featuring one-time Dokken mate Jeff Pilsen.

KXM teams him with Dug Pinnick (King’s X) and Ray Luzier of Korn in what is essentially a power trio. If T & N turned out slightly less than the sum of its parts, retreading Dokken tunes and using guest vocalists, KXM is more cohesive.

Pinnick’s vocals immediately put a King’s X stamp on the proceedings which are lifted by Lynch’s heavy riffage and fluid, if understated, soloing. Highlights include the pounding ‘Rescue Me’, ‘Faith In A Room’, the gut-churning ‘Sleep’, and ‘Do It Now’. The pace rarely slackens and when it does the one ballad is disposable. The album also features those trademark King’s X-patented harmonies which only adds to the overall feeling of quality and perhaps a little deja-vu.

Although having some success in the States – it was originally released on Lynch’s own Rat Pack label before a remix job for the European market – this is one of those “supergroup” albums that could easily rest – unfairly – under the radar. Even the bonus track – the all-too short, slightly Beck-esque instrumental – ‘Tranquilize’, is worth having.

In short, it isn’t earth-shattering but at least Lynch is keeping his hand in and the album will appeal to his fans (and to those of his fellow musicians) and lovers of hard-hitting, relentless, but ultimately tuneful heavy rock. ****

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.