King Crimson: Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Trey Gunn (guitar); Tony Levin (electric bass); Bill Bruford (acoustic & electronic percussion, marimba); Pat Mostelotto (acoustic & electronic percussion).

Robert Fripp's schizophrenic creation King Crimson has stood the test of time since its inception in the early '70s. The group's envelope-pushing dogma has resulted in THRAKATTAK, a collection of live instrumental works and group improvisations from the 1995 world tour. This would be an intriguing concept if it were any other band. With Crimson's current lineup featuring a "double trio"--Fripp/Andrian Belew (guitar), Bill Bruford/Pat Mastelotto (drums), Tony Levin (bass) and Trey Gunn (Warr guitar)--this set is nothing short of mind blowing.

"Thrak" (from 1995's THRAK) starts off on a jarring note but only hints at what lies ahead. The unearthly "Fearless And Highly Thrakked" begins with dissonant piano/synth samples and percussion rattlings in a raging torrent before succumbing to a collage of futuristic sound effects. Next, if you think the title "Mother Hold The Candle Steady While I Shave The Chicken's Lip" is a little weird, the sounds it produces will leave you a little disturbed. Later, the epic "This Night Wounds Time" is a startlingly programmatic piece that exercises all facets of the group's talent. A reprise of "Thrak" ends the program but not before Crimson has expanded the possibilities of sound and technology.

Rolling Stone (12/26/96, p.198) - "...an hour of stage tapes from late '95 with founding guitarist Robert Fripp and the rest of the band in flat-out, free-improvisation mode...a visceral treat, a document of amazing technical might and telepathic precision....In a word, brilliant..."

Q (8/96, p.121) - 3 Stars - Good - "Destined to rank alongside even the most uncompromising of Crimson releases....This is ambient music for giants. Some passages are barely audible, others threaten to separate heads from shoulders..."