"Red" is the seventh studio album by the progressive rock band King Crimson, released in 1974. Here are some interesting facts about the album:
Lineup Changes: "Red" featured a lineup change for King Crimson, with only Robert Fripp (guitar) remaining from the previous album. The new lineup included John Wetton (bass, vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), and David Cross (violin, mellotron).
Final Studio Album of the 1970s: "Red" marked the end of King Crimson's first phase, as the band went on hiatus after its release. King Crimson would reform with different lineups in the 1980s and beyond.
Title Track: The album's title track, "Red," is an instrumental piece and is notable for its heavy and intense guitar work by Robert Fripp. It's often regarded as one of the band's signature compositions.
Influence on Progressive Metal: The heavy and complex sound of "Red" has had a significant influence on the progressive metal genre. Many later progressive metal bands have cited King Crimson, and particularly the "Red" album, as an inspiration.
Instrumental Prowess: The album showcases the instrumental prowess of the band members, with complex time signatures, intricate arrangements, and improvisational elements. It's considered one of the more experimental and avant-garde albums in King Crimson's discography.
Critical Acclaim: While "Red" didn't achieve commercial success upon its initial release, it has since gained critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of King Crimson's masterpieces. It's appreciated for its innovative approach to progressive rock and its impact on the genre.
Album Cover: The album cover features a distinctive, abstract painting by the artist Tom Phillips. The cover art is often associated with the intense and avant-garde nature of the music within the album.
"Red" is a pivotal album in King Crimson's discography, showcasing the band's evolution towards a heavier and more experimental sound, and it remains influential in the progressive rock and metal genres.