With a disturbing and frightening album cover that impressively reflects their understanding of musical dynamics and artistic freedom, the English progressive rock band King Crimson entered the music world stage. Their LP, released by Island Records in late 1969, is arguably one of the most daring debut albums ever recorded and quickly became a symbol of a genre that did not yet exist. Robert Fripp (g), Greg Lake (b, voc), Michael Giles (dr, perc, voc) and Ian McDonald (reeds, fl, sax, ob, kl, vib, keyb, trion, voc) created a spectacular work full of musical complexity, ranging from hard rock attacks and jazz improvisations to classical elements with brass and flute combined with innovative Mellotron, to which lyricist Peter Sinfield wrote menacing and dark lyrics.

This album is regarded by musicians and fans alike as one of the first progressive rock albums in rock history, with one of the most memorable covers of all time (created by Barry Godber, who tragically died shortly afterwards at the age of only 24). Needless to say, the English first pressing is a collector's item sought after worldwide.