Killing Joke - Classic Or Dud, Search And Destroy

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I want to like Killing Joke - some of the songs I've heard have been fantastic (ie: "Intellect), while others just feel, well, dodgy. Don't get me wrong, I like the ballad stuff, & I dig Jaz Coleman's voice, but when they go full-on, it seems like they only get it right half the time. But then, I haven't heard too much of theirs... So, what's the verdict?

― Inukko, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I don't know that much of them, but I really have soft spot for 'A Love Like Blood', ridiculous voice and all.

― Omar, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Hopeless. Pomp-post-punk at it's most preposterous. Dud.

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Mark Prindle reviews all the Killing Joke albums.

more later.

― DJ Martian, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I don't get Killing Joke. They strike me as being silly but not funny, a deadly combination. And is it just be or are they not anywhere near as heavy-sounding as they're made out to be.

I have a dreadful feeling though that if I was Japanese I'd think the same things about Keiji Haino that I do about Jaz Coleman.

― Tom, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Killing joke have grown over the years.there music always differing.From the violence of wardance to the beauty of a southern sky.They have never been afraid to move and change and dared to be different.From the moment i first heard their music i have never looked back.From tribal drumming to silver harp sounds of guitar and total madness of sythns, this band are total musicians, consumate professionals, along with a way of life all of us should regard and observe.Thank your maker you had the chance to hear them...many have not.

― s0ul, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

You can't WANT to like Killing Joke. You either like them or you don't. Neither can you judge them on only one or two albums. Open yourself up to the power, the emotion, the atmosphere. Turn it up loud. Immerse yourself in it. This is some of the most impassioned and passionate music there is. They mean it MAAAN! The main players LIVE for Killing Joke and they're totally serious about what they do. They will not record again until all members are able to give 100% and it WILL happen. How many bands can say that?

― Jerry, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Led by the mad genius Jaz Coleman, Killing Joke have been, and will continue to be an influence in the music wolrd. They have evolved and changed through the years but have always remained my favorite band. Just like any band they produce the occasional dodgy track (Love Like Blood, Firedances etc) but alongside this they produce brilliant masterpieces (Unspeakable, Psyche etc). Go out and buy everything they have ever produced now! You know it makes sense.

― Mik Raven, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dr. C hasn't a clue as to what he's talking about.

Bought the new Primal Scream album. Everyone raving about it. "Wardance" from the Joke blows that whole damn album away. And as for not being heavy enough; listen to Extremities and Exorcist off of Pandemonium.

Honor, Intensity, Integrity, First Rate Musicianship and having a profound influence on many popular bands: KILLING JOKE!

― Cash Lone, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Come on DJ Martian, admit it. All these people are just you using funny names.

― Tom, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Never take a grown man who calls himself "Jaz" seriously.

Or, for that matter:

Jez

Bez

Baz

Gaz

Jem

Cressa

― Nicole, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Killing Joke have been going a while and like bands with their history they've had dud records... but only a couple. The rest is completely and utterly original. If you only get one album get Laugh?I Nearly Bought One (a complilation). The dedicated tend to favour Fire Dances (raw intense madness), Extremeties (a very heavy return-to-form album after a low patch) and Pandemonium (utterly brilliant). Better still, see the bastards live. You'll shit yourself.

― nicholas fitzpatrick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I went to see them and pissed myself laughing. Does that count?

Sorry, that story isn't true.

― Nick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I doubt it is, cheeky beggar!!!

― nick fitzpatrick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

"Extremeties" "Exorcist" "Wardance" - the song titles say it all. A goth-apocolyptic version of Spinal Tap.

I have seen 'the bastards' live, Nicholas, which was as dispiriting and boring as any gig I've ever been to.

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Tom chirped: "And is it just me or are they not anywhere near as heavy-sounding as they're made out to be." I dare say that without Killing Joke, most of your precious "heavy sounding" bands wouldn't even exist. Killing Joke have indulged in a myriad of different musical styles and sounds well beyond the monochromatic "heavy," yet when they choose to go that route, there is no one mightier. To judge Killing Joke by one or two tracks is an excercise in blind-sighted stupidity. Do your homework before submitting an opinion! Moreover, if you're put off by the conceptual/lyrical content of Killing Joke, why not toddle home and slap on a Pixies or Cheap Trick album and celebrate the meaningless and banal. At least Killing Joke have something to say. You may not like it, agree with it...or even understand it....but at least there something of substance there. Killing Joke credit their audience with higher standards and a modicum of intelligence. Try getting that from Korn.

― alex, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dr C,

You are talking out of your arse.

You've seen them live ? Did you have your eyes closed & your fingers in your ears ?

Honour The Fire.

― Tabazan, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dr C

Sometimes when Killing Joke don't like a crowd they aim to f**k 'em off. They probably didn't like the look of you.

― nicholas fitzpatrick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Fucking Hell, it IS Spinal Tap!!

"HONOUR THE FIRE" !!, ..."THERE IS NO-ONE MIGHTIER"

See what I mean. As I said - Pomp-post-punk at it's most preposterous.

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Tell us then, good Doctor, which band do you personally prescribe?

― alex, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dear god, who in the world are all these new people that have suddenly appeared? I think DJ Martian simply forwarded this to a KJ newsgroup. ;-)

Like so many other things, I first stumbled across them thanks to the 1989 _Trouser Press_ guide, and being a Questing Young College DJ Type, I searched and listened. As that was arguably the era of Wax Trax dominance and I was duly (and pleasantly) scarred for life, early KJ made perfect sense to me as proto-Ministry. If you want proof, dig up "Burning Inside" from _Mind is a Terrible Thing..._, which is a *total* KJ homage. And Chuck Eddy noticed it as well. ;-)

End of the eighties, total muck. Nineties stuff, mixed to indifferent. I think I'm also glad I've never actually seen them live. The first three albums, though -- they still rock. "Requiem," "Wardance," "Follow the Leader," and of course the godlike "The Wait," which not even Metallica could really screw up -- all reasons to say they had a definite something.

― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

What, exactly, are Killing Joke trying to communicate?

As for the Primal Scream album, I didn't like it either. I can quite see why KJ fans would have a problem with a record which kicks off with "Kill All Hippies", mind you.

― Tom, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Cheers for sitting on the fence, Ned.;) This lot are about to unleash the forces of darkness on to me, and I could do with some back-up.

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Answer the question, Dr.C! If Killing Joke is just a load of occult- crazed metal tomfoolery to you, what sort of piffle do you play on your own little Fisher Price "my first" stereo system? Let's see if you can take it as well as dish it out!

― alex, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

"Occult Crazed Metal Tomfoolery" Well I didn't say that Alex, but now you come to mention it....

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Doctor C. listens exclulsively to Simply Red, so should be summarily ignored due to his appalling lack of taste. Killing Joke speaks for itself. If you don't get it, then that's your loss, you sheep!

― Motel Hell, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

"Sheep" seems a bit strong, since it's hardly the regulars here who are parroting slogans like "Honour The Fire" and flocking en masse to defend Jaz (Mag) Coleman and the boys on a no-mark music forum. Take a look at yourselves, you silly people. And - an obvious point perhaps - I don't see many women leaping to defend KJ.

― Tanya, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

That depends on whether you just 'like' your music or whether you 'live and breathe' it. This is no time for level-headedness you silly person.

― Jerry, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

KJ are regarded as the forefathers of industrial music. I know that's subjective, but they are influencial. They're one of these bands that say they don't want to be "pigeon-holed" and in my opinion they're one of the few that can lay claim to that. Somebody asked: What are they trying to communicate? IMO, essentially the hoplessness of all things material. But this is not something to slit wrists over - it's something to celebrate and laugh at. Ultimately, I think, the undercurrent of the KJ feeling is positive and pro-active. It's a bit hard to explain, but it strikes a resonance with some people. It's not post-punk goth indsutrial gloom, even when it sounds like it. That's why it's different.

― nick fitzpatrick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Thankyou Nick for a succinct and intelligent answer. Apologies to KJ fans for my part in frothing this discussion up. I have listened to several of their records but not in depth and I'm not sure I'll ever 'get' them. I will continue to flatter myself by thinking this is down to the music rather than the mind-shattering import of the concepts, mind you.

― Tom, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Tanya I Hate Music" drags herself into the debate on I Love music. We meet again in the virtual world!

What ever next! This thread is already chaotic, complex and intense just like Killing Joke passionate music.

Maybe Killing joke fans can address, Tom's question:

What are Killing Joke communicating? What makes Killing Joke's music different from other artists? What albums would you recommend?

and Tanya there are a few female fans on the KJ mailing list!

Rather than trading personal insults, lets focus on the music, lets keep the debate intelligent.

My full reply on why Killing Joke are one the most important British bands of all time will arrive later.

― DJ Martian, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Welcome to ILM, new friends!

Not for the first time in the last few days, an enthusiast has told us that we can't judge a band on merely one or two albums. I would like to register my strong disagreement with this, and suggest to them that, by their own logic, they are not qualified to talk about music until they have heard EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF MUSIC EVER RECORDED. Then they can come back to me with their valid opinions.

As for KJ, I quite like a couple of things off their first LP because they mostly remind me of being 11 years old. Now I think they're pretty much rubbish but nostalgia leads me back to 'Wardance' Requiem' and 'Psyche' once in a while. Note to regular readers: I'm not proud of this.

As far as being 'the forefathers of industrial music' I'd be much happier looking at Cabaret Voltaire and Throbbing Gristle (whose label gave industrial its name, let's not forget), both of whom were funnier and less obvious than KJ. And frankly better.

― Tim, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I must take issue with tanya for her no females representing killing joke comment.For starters my mrs, is an avid fan like myself and if you were to come and visit the gathering you would find certain females honouring the fire.And i must congratulate my brethren for putting forward so convincing an argument(especially alex and nick) well done all.And dont forget, laugh and the world laughs with you, fart and you stand alone.

― jel, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Classic - aimply so i can point out the Nirvana rip-off thing to my Nirvana loving friends. Actually, i like the whole of Nighttime. Not sure abou tthe other albums though

― Nick Greenfield, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Is this the first time this board gets this kind of fan club invasion ?

Anyway, Tim Hopkins deserves the highest praise for his "every single piece of music ever recorded" comment.

And I quite like Killing Joke's first album, but I'm starting to feel embarrassed about it.

― Patrick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I actually sorta like the whole 'honor the fire' dealy-bop if only because it's a nice reference to Coleman's Zoroastrian religious background. Ties in with my love of history and the past, really, though it's still an active if very small religious community these days.

And I did appreciate Tim's zinger. But my point on the Swans still holds. ;-)

― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Well I come from a Zoroastrian religious background and Killing Joke never did anything for me. Neither did Freddie Mercury, another Parsee. Maybe I'm in denial, or have a prejudice against bands exploring cosmic or mystical themes. And bands calling themselves Killing Joke. I mean, for heaven's sake! Has there ever been a worse name for a band? Sorry, that's another thread.

― Nick, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Have they gone yet?

― Dr. C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I had forgot ol' Fred was a Parsee as well. I admit I wasn't expecting any deep themes from him on the matter, though. ;-)

― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

I've never seen any live band do what KJ does to a crowd. Their albums/CDs etc can only attempt to do the live act justice and it fails in my opinion but nevertheless the music is there on the albums, the totally original sound from just a single guitar (when you'd swear there were several) the sinister undertones of the bass and intensity of the drumming. KJ happened onto the so-called punk scene when everyone else was trying to find someone to copy. KJ are that very rare thing, totally original. Countless bands mention them as a major influence. To slag them off as I'm reading here just seems incredibly arrogant and ignorant. I don't particularly like Maria Callas' voice but I'd never proclaim to everyone that she's crap. Still, at least I now know what the C stand for Doctor :)

― Darrin Addams, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Oh come now, Darrin, you surely can't be saying that Killing Joke have displayed *no* musical influences from anywhere?

― Tim, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Look, I just don't like KJ's music. Their 'concept' seems rather silly too. It's not a big deal. There are lots of other bands I don't like, and many that I do. You can descend to personal abuse if you like, but please note that I haven't made any abusive remarks about any of you. I'm here to talk about music. My comments were made with a sense of humour - maybe I should have made that clearer.

― Dr.C, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dr C. Get fucked for a start. Killing Joke?? Where do you start. If you fail to get off on the tribal rhythms, the pounding bass, THAT guitar and the manic come shamanic Jaz Coleman then you have no blood in your belly. Look at the big picture Wardance, Excorcism, Kings and Queens, the full on to the more laid back. They leave me wanting more each time. Never satisfied. Always searching.

― Rob Moss, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Dr. C - which concept seems silly; Helplessness? Despair? Dignity? Social consciousness? Faith?

As for not liking the music, what specifically? The guitars? The drumming? Dub influence? The melodies? oh wait, the song titles. thats it.

with the joke integrity is never an issue.

― CASH LONE, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Mildly amusing sentiment regarding the end of the world paranoia of Coleman but a band with a fuckin' intense sound... not for the weak- willed - check out Revelations and Extremities albums and play at max volume... this will decide if you can take 'em or you can't...

― Pete, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Someone spoke of what influences KJ showed. Sure, in early tracks you could pick up some PiL & The Stranglers but John Peel found the debut release 3 track 10" Turn To Red so original that he played in full on air as soon as he got it. The first KJ session was the most requested John Peel session ever. In the early 80's the music matched the bleak outlook but was something more interesting than punk, though punks made up the vast majority of the audience in the UK. There's a great Spiral Scratch article on the www.the-last-laugh.com website that superbly documents the first few years of Killing Joke. A few people here could do themselves a favour and give it read as it might give them some clues as to why the band are so highly regarded by some critics (and quite well despised in equal doses by others and the music business in general).

Certainly the likes of Ministry, Nine Inch Nails & other "industrial" heavyweights have profited in Killing Joke's slipstream. Have you heard the first Ministry album "With Sympathy" from 1983 ? Sounds like the f*ck*ng Thompson Twins !

Killing Joke soon developed their own "tribal" style of music which was plagiarized by the lesser likes of Sex Gang Children, Play Dead, 1919, Danse Society & a host of others. Fair enough, I can well appreciate that people do not like their music but to deny their importance in rock's rich history is being sadly ill-informed.

As for Jaz's classical projects, I sense an obvious air of inverted snobbery from the mainstream music press - never seems to get a mention. With the demise of Melody Maker & Sounds, the poor old NME cover laughable pop tripe cos it's desperate for readership.

― The Jester, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Classic or dud? I don't think that musical history will brand Killing Joke either really. They'll never be uttered in the same breath as the Rolling Stones or The Beatles but nor should they be pidgeon-holed with Mel & Kim and Feargal Sharky.

They are acknowledged as being major influences on the likes of Faith No More, Soundgarden, Metallica and Nirvana. Musically, there's nobody quite like the Joke - they've been brave enough in the $$ driven world of commercialism to explore different sounds and rhythms.

Yeah, you either love them or hate them. I'm a Joker. I love the combination of the frenetic drums, driving bass and edgey guitar delivered like nobody else does. I get the adrenalin spike whenever I hear 'Wardance', 'Whiteout' or 'Exorcism'. The lyrics, while I don't always agree with the sentiment, compliment the music perfectly.

Definately paved the way for some classic acts. Definately more classic than dud.

The Joker in me says "if you don't like them, then fuck you". Good thing I have him under control...

-S

― Scott The Joker, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

as a member of the kj mailing list that has invaded this board i think it's interesting to hear people attack the band coz we're all so used to agreeing with each other on how awesome they are etc. and it's good to have to defend them for once. firstly, i'd say kj are an innovative, highly influential band with a varied output, always exploring new musical territories and certainly worth checking out. the music is not to everyone's taste, a bit serious for some people, perhaps. a bit silly for others. that's cool. geordie is one of the most accomplished guitarists on the planet and has a unique style that i personally find very compelling. jaz coleman is a talented loon. i think by and large they appeal to sensitive introspective types more than metal-heads. phrases like 'honour the fire' etc are just a bit of fun not to be taken seriously and there's certainly more to them than your average metal band. at least jaz explores a wide range of ideas and his lyrics can be insightful sometimes but also very cheesy too. anyway, here comes the plug: if you'd like to find out more about killing joke check out my website: "http://www.the-last-laugh.com". there are loads of mp3s and videos and articles so at least you'll be able to make a balanced decision.

― The Last Laugh, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

KILLING JOKE: THE BEGINNING

The first four albums are worth exploring Killing Joke (1980) and What’s this for (1981) Revelations (1982) Fire Dances. (1983)

The first two had a raw intense feeling, that merged punk, and to my ears Black Sabbath and even the stooges and dub influences into a new sonic blueprint. The next built two built and extended Killing Joke reputation as an individualistic band that stood apart from other bands.

The tribal drumming, the pounding rhythms, the use of keyboards, powerful bass guitars, and guitars that shatter with intensity and Jaz's passionate vocal delivery style.

KILLING JOKE: THE MID EIGHTIES

1985 – January saw the release of the Killing Joke most famous song “Love Like Blood” this was my first introduction to Killing Joke as 14 year old going on 15. The immense power and build up in this song, to me is as important as Love will tear us apart. The influence of this song alone inspired Faith No More to create similar intense tracks on their Introduce Yourself album.

Night time is one of my personal favourite album of the 80s, injected melody with power - and one of the classic alternative rock singles of all time - Love Like Blood. Although released in 1985 this still sounds contemporary with a razor sharp production by Chris Kimsey.

Brighter than a thousand Suns - was more melodic, but very atmospheric and arty. Listen closely the tempos were complex. Adorations was a fine single that should have been a hit, but just missed out.

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE OF KILLING JOKE

Back in 1985 ! over 16 years a go! The band music have been with me ever since. There are few British artists that were making music over twenty years that still have integrity, of believing music as an art form Killing Joke are one of them along with Wire, The The – recording music only when the need to make music arises, not as a quick short term career cash in releasing bullshit to appease the NME and Lammo.

WHAT ARE KILLING JOKE COMMUNICATING? WHY ARE KILLING JOKE IMPORTANT?

Killing Joke stand alone as band in their approach to music. They don’t belong to any one genre - Killing Joke stand alone. Killing Joke stand for individuality, integrity, a real escape for the mundane every day life routines.

INFLUENCE OF KILLING JOKE ON MUSIC

Voivod, Tool, Red Harvest, Solefald, Jane’s Addiction, early Faith No More, Modern English, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Rico, Nine Inch Nails, Scorn, Godflesh, The God Machine, Nirvana and many more.

Indeed my favourite album of 2000 Red Harvest – Cold Dark Matter, was influenced by Killing Joke

Red Harvest

A highly recommended for everyone who likes challenging edgy powerful intense music.

Fact Killing Joke are one of the most important British bands in influencing other artists across a wide spectrum of artists. Killing Joke have inspired, I can’t see dull plonkers like Cast, OCS, and Stereophonics ever inspiring anything creative! Can you? No

THE 90S LEGACY: Fact Killing Joke released two of the finest albums by a British band in the 90s, that they have written out of history by the NME/ Enemy and a generation of Britpoppers/ and dad rockers are not even aware of Killing Joke existence is despicable!

Tom stated "And is it just be or are they not anywhere near as heavy-sounding as they're made out to be." Tom, honestly have you heard 1990 Extremities album - one of the most sonically powerful albums by a British group over the past 25 years.

KJ Released two of the finest albums of the 90s: Extremities, Dirt and various Repressed Emotions - that was like Joy Division, Big Black and thrash metal (that they influenced in the first place) combined with the Killing Joke blueprint crushed into a molten breakdown of immense complex sonic power. Not since The Cure unleashed Pornography has psychotic power felt this multi dimensional and visceral extreme. Then in 1994 Pandemonium - Killing Joke injected 3D vibe into their music that transcended their previous peaks the tribal early sound, the supreme melodic power of Night time and the intensity of Extremities..

In 1994 Killing Joke stood alone there was no British band doing what they achieved with this album. This was not only an artistic success for the band, but also there most successful sales wise worldwide. They even achieved a few top 40 hits, all be it minor ones. At the start of the dull brit pop retro trip that we were to suffer throughout the 90s, this Killing joke shined like a beacon in a sea of conformist shit.

In 1994 I rated Bark Psychosis -hex, O rang - herd of instinct and Killing Joke - pandemonium as a reinvention in innovative British guitar music, each adding their own individual axis of invention. If you have never listened to Pandemonium give it a try, this was complex music, that was powerful with an inventive streak running through it, the intersounds of bass guitar, powerful guitar, synth mixed brilliantly by Youth.

No British band matched this album in this style throughout the 90s, and only Earthtone 9 arc’ tan’gent in 2000 attempted to get close with their excellent Killing Joke inspired sounds.

In half a decade of dull retro britpop, Killing Joke injected orginality and intensity, their pandemonium album is sublime.

THE FUTURE: Why we still need Killing Joke in the future more than ever?

Looking at the gormless bands in the NME/on Steve Lammo’s show, I thought that a new millennium we had seen the back of verse-chorus- verse 60s and rehashed influences. Have you seen the cunts flooding back this year Travis, Bluetones, Dodgy, The Divine Comdey, Stereophonics, The Manics, Ash, Gay Dad, Ocean Colour Scene, Cast, Shed Seven, and newer duds such as Clearlake, Lowgold, Coldplay, Terris, Toploader, Starsailor… it is enough to make anyone vomit in this MOR mid paced indie shit, that I know that many regulars of I Love Music detest as much Killing Joke fans!

We need Killing Joke to inject originality, vitality and passion back into rock music.

Singles collection album Autumn 2001.

A new album with Jaz, Raven, Geordie sometime in the future

However Killing Joke will release a new album, that was stated by Jaz Coleman last year will be the most violent opus yet! and Paul Raven has confirmed.. that moves are being made in preparation for the new album, which he has predicted will be a "crushing masterpiece". So the WAIT goes on !!!!

SUMMARY

I am looking forward to a future new Killing Joke, even if this delayed to 2002!. There are a very few bands to match them, although the forthcoming albums by Tool and The Chameleons are two that I am looking forward to in the interim.

Also turn the volume right up and feel the power and intensity of Killing Joke music shudder through you, I recommend the 1992 compilation Laugh I nearly bought one, and 1994 Pandemonium as excellent starting points.

Killing Joke passionate music for passionate people. Tom I hope you don't mind the take over of this thread, Killing Joke are a special band that deserve greater exposure, the likes of NME and Xfm have ignored them - they deserve respect.

By the way I don't think we ever will convert DC ! So leave it that !

For more information I Recommend Killing Joke: The Last Laugh The Last Laugh

DJ Martian DJ Martian

― DJ Martian, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

That we need better, spunkier bands than the Bluetones etc is obvious, whether we need Killing Joke however is another matter.

― DG, Wednesday, 21 March 2001 01:00 (12 years ago) Permalink

Skipping 259 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

this band is shit. Dud

It's YOU who is shit, am0n.

― Alex in NYC, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:12 (5 years ago) Permalink

That was quicker than I thought!

― Ned Raggett, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:13 (5 years ago) Permalink

Why waste time?

― Alex in NYC, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:17 (5 years ago) Permalink

the four-minute man!

― sexyDancer, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:18 (5 years ago) Permalink

this band is shit. Dud

― am0n, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:21 (5 years ago) Permalink

There is the theory of the Moebius.

― Ned Raggett, Monday, 23 July 2007 21:22 (5 years ago) Permalink

am0n is way wrong

― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 00:22 (5 years ago) Permalink

lawal

― am0n, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 00:45 (5 years ago) Permalink

If that first batch of Killing Joke defenders was for real, then jeez!

I've never heard anything by this band, but I once saw a Czech fake documentary where their lead singer appeared as himself, and he was mighty funny. I'm not sure if that was the intention though. A great film, anyway.

― Tuomas, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 20:17 (5 years ago) Permalink

No matter what you think of everything else they've ever done, how someone can hear the first LP and think "dud" is beyond me. WARDANCE PEOPLE FOR FUCK'S SAKE. REQUIEM EVEN.

― Telephone thing, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 20:20 (5 years ago) Permalink

"Follow the Leaders" is some of the most awesome + brutal shit ever. Those DRUMS.

― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 20:21 (5 years ago) Permalink

If that first batch of Killing Joke defenders was for real, then jeez!

We are very much for real, thank you very much.

That would be "Year of the Devil". Patchy in parts, but otherwise quite entertaining.

― Alex in NYC, Tuesday, 24 July 2007 20:46 (5 years ago) Permalink

ts: debut vs. what's THIS for...!

fuck now I can't find my copy of wTf, fuck that

― J0hn D., Tuesday, 24 July 2007 20:55 (5 years ago) Permalink

Played What's THIS For..! in its entirety yesterday, and it is absolutely omnipotent.

― Alex in NYC, Monday, 6 August 2007 16:49 (5 years ago) Permalink

I like the first three albums (in descending order of chronology, probably) and the live Ha! EP quite a bit. And I've pretty much liked them all ever since they came out.

Beyond that, I'm still not convinced.

― xhuxk, Monday, 6 August 2007 17:13 (5 years ago) Permalink

You like three and a half albums by the band and you're not convinced?

― Alex in NYC, Monday, 6 August 2007 18:25 (5 years ago) Permalink

The early singles collected on the _Chaos For Breakfast_ box are astounding. Never heard anything else like them - post-punk reggae initially, then just post-punk POWER. There's a good reason people are ga-ga over Jaz - he's a rare shouter who not only sounds good doing it, he's yelling FOR YOU!

― Mr. Odd, Monday, 6 August 2007 18:55 (5 years ago) Permalink

xp I said unconvinced "beyond that." They really lose a lot for me starting with Fire Dances, and I'm not convinced they ever got it back; sounds like they're just spinning their wheels, doing incrementally less exciting versions on the sound they started out with. I feel like people cut them slack for the mediocre later stuff because the early stuff was so awesome. But apparently people hear something in the post-'82-or-so stuff that I don't.

"Wardance" does blow away everything I've ever heard by Primal Scream, though.

And they did invent a genre, more or less. Without Killing Joke, there's maybe no Big Black, no Rammstein, no Test Dept., no Nine Inch Fucking Nails (okay, that might be a good thing, but I won't hold it against them.) And Ministry might've spent their entire career sounding like twee Anglophile synth-pop wannabees.

(And yeah, Big Black were ripping off Metal Urbain, too. But they ripped off Killing Joke more.)

By the way, Alex, ever hear of these guys? Early '80s band, they sound a lot like Killing Joke. Which probably explains why their EP came out on KJ's Malicious Damage label. CD reissue just out this year, and I like it a lot:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/redbeat

― xhuxk, Monday, 6 August 2007 19:00 (5 years ago) Permalink

(Oops, reissue actually out in 2004, apparently. But I didn't hear it til this year.)

― xhuxk, Monday, 6 August 2007 19:02 (5 years ago) Permalink

Thanks for the tip, I just ordered the Red Beat comp! I heart ILM!

― Mr. Odd, Tuesday, 7 August 2007 00:41 (5 years ago) Permalink

am0n vs. alex in nyc, oh no! mutually assured destruction awaits!!

― Eisbaer, Tuesday, 7 August 2007 01:22 (5 years ago) Permalink

I've only heard about M etal Urbain. Never layed ears on them, though.

― Alex in NYC, Tuesday, 7 August 2007 01:56 (5 years ago) Permalink

no Nine Inch Fucking Nails (okay, that might be a good thing, but I won't hold it against them.) And Ministry might've spent their entire career sounding like twee Anglophile synth-pop wannabees.

Oh my yes. Really, NIN and Ministry made if very hard for me to like this music until recently. For a lot of people, it seems like it was a continuum, but for me it was a cold break to the derivative.

― bendy, Tuesday, 7 August 2007 02:38 (5 years ago) Permalink

2 months pass...

RIP Paul Raven:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=83199

― moley, Sunday, 21 October 2007 10:52 (5 years ago) Permalink

I am beyond stunned. Regardless of his affiliation with any single band, Raven was an exceptionally warm, big-hearted guy. He will be sorely missed.

― Alex in NYC, Sunday, 21 October 2007 11:49 (5 years ago) Permalink

I was just about to start a thread, Alex I think you should be the one to do it.

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 21 October 2007 14:11 (5 years ago) Permalink

WHAT. a heart attack??

― Tracer Hand, Sunday, 21 October 2007 17:13 (5 years ago) Permalink

fuck.....to soon. rip Raven.

― drone/a/sore, Sunday, 21 October 2007 17:18 (5 years ago) Permalink

Wow that really sucks. RIP.

(I wish they would turn off the pop-up ads for a eulogy..ugh)

― rockapads, Sunday, 21 October 2007 17:28 (5 years ago) Permalink

Only in his 40s and a heart attack. :-(

― stevienixed, Monday, 22 October 2007 19:41 (5 years ago) Permalink

I hate this fucking world.

― Alex in NYC, Tuesday, 23 October 2007 13:59 (5 years ago) Permalink

4 months pass...

I hate that it took the death of Paul Raven to bring it about, but.............

..............

...................

― Alex in NYC, Thursday, 28 February 2008 13:56 (5 years ago) Permalink

i'm guessing i need to read your blog alex to plug in the gaps of that statement ?

― mark e, Thursday, 28 February 2008 13:59 (5 years ago) Permalink

Thursday, February 28, 2008

UPDATE FROM JAZ: 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GATHERING

"At last a ray of sunlight to illuminate these dark days. It is indeed my deepest pleasure to announce the dates of the 29th anniversary of the gathering. As usual we are never content sitting on the laurels of past Glories, a new Killing Joke recording is scheduled this summer!. Both Geordie and myself are thrilled as we hope you are with the line up, such anticipation comes as no surprise considering we have not played together since the Brighton Top Rank in 1982. We always knew this day would come after all it was inevitable. We hope all gatherers will join us in warmly welcoming back to active service our brothers Big Paul and Youth. The mysterious chemistry of the original line up is back, let their be gladness in your hearts."

― Alex in NYC, Thursday, 28 February 2008 14:00 (5 years ago) Permalink

ah ha .. sorry.
was a little too quick off the mark there.

― mark e, Thursday, 28 February 2008 14:01 (5 years ago) Permalink

3 weeks pass...

'requiem' is one of my favourite opening tracks ever.

― Charlie Howard, Tuesday, 25 March 2008 08:41 (5 years ago) Permalink

it's pretty awesome

― latebloomer, Tuesday, 25 March 2008 08:56 (5 years ago) Permalink

I like it too.

― Sandy Blair, Tuesday, 25 March 2008 18:37 (5 years ago) Permalink

actually, that entire first record is something quite special. so powereful and enamoured with meaning, yet so digestible

― Charlie Howard, Wednesday, 26 March 2008 04:52 (5 years ago) Permalink

Damn right.

― Alex in NYC, Wednesday, 26 March 2008 11:47 (5 years ago) Permalink

4 years pass...

Erm.

Official Statement
A statement was posted on Facebook, reputedly by our singer, maligning both The Cult and The Mission and pulling us out of the shows.
He is now AWOL and has not contacted any of his band mates.
We are deeply embarrassed by this and offer our sincere apologies to all involved.
We are all concerned about our missing singer's welfare.
Killing Joke made a collective decision to play with The Cult and The Mission in September.
It was agreed by all of the band that we would do these shows. Indeed, we thought that they were something to look forward to, even though they were downsized.
We would still like to honour our commitment to this tour, the other bands, and all the Gatherers and people who have already bought tickets and made travel arrangements.
If this proves not possible, Killing Joke will make alternative arrangements to compensate for the trouble caused.
Meanwhile we are doing everything we can to make this tour happen and locate our missing singer.
KILLING JOKE

― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 31 July 2012 14:37 (9 months ago) Permalink

So I lost track of the story after the original facebook post about leaving the tour. Did it turn out to actually be Jaz who wrote it? I thought he was perhaps above using slang like "They all suck". But now he's hiding out somewhere, so who knows.

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 31 July 2012 14:42 (9 months ago) Permalink

Did they check the bathroom?

― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 31 July 2012 15:05 (9 months ago) Permalink

Dear Gatherers,
It gives me great pleasure to announce the cancellation of the upcoming gigs with The Cult and The Mission.

Frankly, playing at a gig with The Cult never appealed to me in the first place. The only reason we allowed ourselves to be talked into it was to blow both bands off the stage and to steal their respective audiences.

As the concert has been downgraded to a venue that we have recently headlined (and sold out) it doesn't make sense. In addition to this Gatherers would only get to listen to a one hour set.

Then there would be a problem with the dressing room and witnessing The Cult charge the fans $200 per head for a Meet & Greet.

Lastly, all their songs suck! They clearly have no integrity (they refer to their hometown as L.A.)...

On a more positive note KJ will be recording in Argentina just after Christmas and Brixton Academy is booked for Spring.

I do believe the band will play a private gig at Metropolis Studios (London) which is of course open to all Gatherers (you are the first to know!).

I hope you are all as relieved as I am!

Black Jester

PS I don't want your money
PPS Life without KJ is unthinkable!"

― fuck google analytics (am0n), Tuesday, 31 July 2012 16:51 (9 months ago) Permalink

It's YOU who is shit, am0n.

― Alex in NYC, Monday, July 23, 2007 5:12 PM

― fuck google analytics (am0n), Tuesday, 31 July 2012 16:53 (9 months ago) Permalink

4 months pass...

KILLING JOKE To Release The Singles Collection 1979-2012 This Spring Via Spinefarm/Universal

KILLING JOKE will celebrate their 35th anniversary in style next year with the release of The Singles Collection 1979-2012 and a world tour set to commence in Europe this coming March. 2013 will also see the band release a new studio album!

The Singles Collection 1979-2012, set for release via Spinefarm/Universal on April 16, 2013, captures their ever-evolving story with a series of dark, apocalyptic songs that have successfully combined disco, funk and shamanic wisdom with the dark side of the punk fall-out. The Singles Collection 1979-2012 will be released in three formats: as a digital download, a limited edition 3-CD set and a super deluxe edition.

Formats:

3-CD Version includes:
- 33 career-spanning singles over 2 CDs + a third disc of rarities, including previously unreleased studio tracks. This 3-CD version will be limited in number, reverting to 2 CDs containing the singles tracks. To preorder, go HERE.

Super Deluxe Version includes:
- Hand-numbered hinged-lid “cigar box” made from 1500mcn black-lined rigid board finished with matt print retrospective artwork.
- 33 career-spanning CD singles plus selected B-Sides in full-color card wallets featuring original artwork.
- Rarities disc, including previously unreleased studio tracks.
- 32-page perfect-bound book including rare photos, archive notes, band commentary.
- Poster designed and personally signed by long-time KILLING JOKE artist/champion, Mike Coles, printed on 250gsm silk art.
- Aluminum screw-top branded cigar tube containing original wrappers of cigars smoked by Jaz Coleman and Paul Raven during the recording of the Hosannas From The Basements Of Hell album. To preorder this version, go HERE.

KILLING JOKE, with their original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Big Paul continuing to hold firm, have signed a brand new deal with Spinefarm and will soon set about recording a third studio album for the label. The release date of this new studio album is likely to be late 2013.

― Loud guitars shit all over "Bette Davis Eyes" (NYCNative), Monday, 17 December 2012 11:55 (5 months ago) Permalink

Ooh, that looks nice. I finally found a copy of this year's album, I think it's even better than the last one. Shame about that cover art though.

― HAPPY BDAY TOOTS (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 17 December 2012 17:25 (5 months ago) Permalink

They've lacked a good career overview for about 20 years! I'm curious about the unreleased material but I don't have high expectations. And yet, I've pre-ordered it (not the super deluxe, just the 3CD set). Sucker...

― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Monday, 17 December 2012 17:33 (5 months ago) Permalink

Original wrappers of cigars smoked six years ago? What else they hording?

― bendy, Tuesday, 18 December 2012 21:38 (5 months ago) Permalink

You really don't want to know...

― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Wednesday, 19 December 2012 02:34 (5 months ago) Permalink

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