The Origins of “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2,” a Section of an Emerson, Lake & Palmer Song Suite That Became a… read more.What’s the song about? What inspired the album it came from? How does it connect to the overall song suite? Here’s the story behind one of the longest titles you’ll find on your car radio: “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. From 1970 to 1972, Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer released three albums that solidified their status as pioneers of the emerging progressive rock genre. Emerson, with his innovative blend of classical and rock elements, was the group’s musical mastermind and an early synthesizer expert. Lake (on guitar and bass) and Palmer (on drums) rounded out the rich sound, with Lake also contributing as a songwriter and lyricist.