The Power to Believe

'The Power to Believe' (2003) represented the recorded culmination of the various ideas, approaches and styles employed by the Crimson turn of the century double duo line-up.

Introduced and punctuated by a series of a cappella treated vocal pieces that highlighted the instrumental and song-writing skills of the surrounding material, the band was rarely so well served in the studio.

Three years on from their last full studio album, King Crimson proved as vital a force in the studio as they had at any point in their career. The album was hailed as an instant classic by fans, with new fans being drawn to the band for the first time as a result of a series of concerts with Tool - a band that openly acknowledges the influence of Crimson.

Rolling Stone's David Fricke called it "…the sound of apocalypse now..", noting that Crimson had anticipated the "heavy terror of contemporary metal.." as long ago as 1969 on their classic 'In the Court of the Crimson King'.

"In the face of war, King Crimson make hopeful thunder." (4 stars).
- Rolling Stone

"It's challenging, interesting and sometimes downright ugly, and it shows that Fripp hasn't mellowed with age".
- Record Collector

"When it comes to survival, King Crimson have proved a lot fitter than most".
- The Times

"...a revelation for a few young metal heads".
- Mojo

"...a delicate balance of intricacy and brutality".
- Sunday Times

"...a savagely ecstatic mixture of whiplash time changes and blistering improvisation ... leaves you breathless".
- Billboard

"It's mayhem with both balls and brains... fiercely invigorating and seems potent with some form of musical Viagra".
- BBC Online

"Crimson retains the power to disturb and challenge like few other working bands".
- Chicago Tribune

"The brutalist side of King Crimson's music, like the metric modulations and open spiralling harmonies, is just another means for telling you that the pleasure of the journey is the journeying".
- Toronto Globe and Mail

Adrian Belew - guitar & vocals
Robert Fripp - guitar
Trey Gunn - Warr guitar, rubber bass, fretless Warr guitar
Pat Mastelotto - drumming