Epitaph
King Crimson · 1997
234 min · 32 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling collage of progressive rock, blending intricate musicianship with haunting melodies and improvisational explorations.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
21st Century Schizoid Man Start here — This track serves as a defining anthem for the band, showcasing their innovative blend of jazz and rock while delivering socially charged lyrics that resonate with contemporary issues.
-
→
Epitaph — The emotional weight of this song is palpable, featuring stirring lyrics that explore themes of existential despair and the fragility of hope, making it a highlight of the band's catalog.
-
→
In the Court of the Crimson King — As one of their most recognized pieces, it encapsulates the grandeur and theatricality that defines King Crimson's sound, blending elaborate instrumentation with profound lyrical imagery.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of themes
- haunting melodies with complex rhythms
- patient unfolding of ideas
- immersive two-halves listening experience
- wave-like pacing that captivates
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, radio-friendly tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A live compilation showcasing early material, significant but not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- 1960s counterculture· jazz-infused rock· theatrical grandeur
- Career context
- Released in 1997, Epitaph is a live compilation that captures King Crimson's early groundbreaking material from their debut album through the late 1960s. This collection comes during a period of revitalization for the band, following their reformation in the mid-1990s, allowing them to reinterpret their classic tracks with new vigor.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· Genesis· Frank Zappa
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 21st Century Schizoid Man Start here 7:06
- 2 In the Court of the Crimson King 6:27
- 3 Get Thy Bearings 5:59
- 4 Epitaph 7:08
- 5 A Man, a City 11:41
- 6 Epitaph 7:42
- 7 21st Century Schizoid Man Start here 7:16
- 8 Mantra 3:47
- 9 Travel Weary Capricorn 3:15
- 10 Improv – Travel Bleary Capricorn 2:23
- 11 Mars 8:53
Disc 2
- 1 In the Court of the Crimson King 7:13
- 2 Drop In 5:14
- 3 A Man, a City 11:19
- 4 Epitaph 7:31
- 5 21st Century Schizoid Man Start here 7:37
- 6 Mars 9:42
Disc 3
- 1 21st Century Schizoid Man Start here 7:14
- 2 Get Thy Bearings 10:32
- 3 In the Court of the Crimson King 6:43
- 4 Mantra 8:46
- 5 Travel Weary Capricorn 3:57
- 6 Improv (including By the Sleeping Lagoon) 8:54
- 7 Mars 7:23
Disc 4
- 1 21st Century Schizoid Man Start here 7:57
- 2 Drop In 6:20
- 3 Epitaph 7:22
- 4 Get Thy Bearings 18:10
- 5 Mantra 5:29
- 6 Travel Weary Capricorn 4:54
- 7 Improv 4:34
- 8 Mars 5:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Explores improvisational jazz-rock fusion, with a similar sprawling complexity and atmospheric depth.
Close to the Edge
Yes
Shares intricate musicianship and progressive rock structures with a theatrical and grand sonic palette.
De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Combines psychedelic elements and jazz influences, creating a hauntingly immersive auditory experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.