Reviews (page 3 of 7)
I like the basslines in the songs. They seem creative and fun, yet it keeps the rhythm perfectly. Its English post punk. Im not the biggest fan of punk rock but I like the instrumentals in this album. Also I think Im hearing bass harmonics which immediately wins me over. Kinda has some goth aspects which I really like.
Interesting listen. Post-punk mixed with some 70's hard rock and metal mixed with some disco influence. Weird in a good way.
I remember this album from high school. I'd swap records with a few friends of mine and later swap back. This was one I didn't own but kept for a while and liked. It's a really interesting proto punk sort of feel but leavened by the beginning of new wave. I think that is also shows distinct early industrial stylings. Industrial would really come into its own several years later, but bands like Killing Joke and Joy Division set the early tone.
I definitely did enjoy this album. A lot. A great cross between doom metal and punk. I found myself listening to it all night. Would definitely add to my regular rotation.
I can not be unbiased here. I love the post-punk genre and Killing Joke, while this being not my favorite album, is in the canon of that genre. In general they have always been a "good" band to me. Here I would love to split my vote to give other of their albums more leeway and say this is a three and a half, but I also want to give this band some extra credit as for my affiliation with this style of music and TBH they do really well within it. They are not my absolute go to within post-punk, but they are brushing up with the head table to be sure.
Hard and punchy. At times even a little bit funky. It was fun to listen to. Feels timeless.
First play through this didnt really catch my attention. I ended up listening to it multiple times trying to figure this one out and in the end I really liked it. Kind of an LCD Soundsystem meets Devo and Helmet.
First time ever listening to this. Unique band, early industrial? Heavy but dancey
Favourite tracks: primitive; the wait; requiem; s.o.36
surprisingly enjoyable!
liked songs: Requiem, The Wait, Complications, Primitive This isn't my favorite Killing Joke album, but it's such an impressive debut. The sound that they put together here has been hugely influential on a ton of other acts (the one I hear most is Nine Inch Nails). 3.75
I wasn't too happy when I accidentally ventured deep into the bonus tracks, but the album proper I enjoyed quite a lot.
Thoughts before listening: Industrial metal I believe. I know that Killing Joke was often cited as an influence by many of the bands I liked in the 90s, but I don't think I've heard them. Review: I'm enjoying this more than I expected to. There are some cool riffs on here, and i like their not quite metal, not quite punk sound. This is definitely a unique sound for 1980 and I can hear their influence in 100s of bands that came later. This is a little funkier and has a lot more personality than many of those bands. 4-stars
4 maybe 5
It's cool. A little samey as the album goes on, but the big bass sound with the drone of the guitars works well.
ill admit; im not the biggest fan of punk, but this was quite good. i liked some of the effects on here.
3.5/5
Listened to this in the wild recently. Excellent track for a rainy roadtrip. I thought this sounded great and I'm not sure why it had not been on my radar before.
I thought maybe we had a Killing Joke album previously but it's apparently just that I personally have listened to Killing Joke historically, since I didn't find a past record from them in the project.
Just when I'm starting to get frustrated with this list, an album like Killing Joke comes up. This is definitely an album I need to hear. I have no idea how it didn't enter my orbit before now.
This was a surprise. Thought I was getting some black sludge metal music with this but presently surprised to be exactly what I'm into. This album is like a stop gap between punk and new wave. It's sick. Couple of nice little savey saves and an album that will stick in rotation for a good while here. I like
I was introduced to this band some time back while giving shit to my son about Nirvana stealing their music. Turns out they have some pretty good stuff. I've rocked out this album, at the gym last few nights and have to say I should have paid closer attention back when I was giving Luke shit. Absolutely love the song Requiem and downloaded awhile back. Turns out I downloaded Wardance and Complication too. Well now you can add Primitive and Change as well. Think I'll take a deeper dive into these guys as i really enjoyed this album. There were a couple tunes in the middle that were more like punk/electronica dance stuff, Tomorrows World and Bloodsport, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Funny how life comes full circle as Dave Grohl played drums for a Killing Joke album and released a version of Requiem himself. Not quite as good as Killing Joke, but close enough. I love that guy. Very good album, fun listens and a few more songs added to my library. 4
4/5
I didn't really know what to expect. I'd heard of Killing Joke, but other than not really liking their name I knew nothing. I really enjoyed it. Musicallyit great, driving, grimy ... dancey. It's got a stripped back, bass driven, ESG energy. I'm not always a fan of the main vocal, and the 80s-ness sometimes is a bit too prominent. But overall it was really nice find.
4.0
Some cracking post punk from a band that genuinely deserved more success. I mean, seriously, people think U2 are better than these guys…?
I had a very different expectation of this record, and it blew me away!
Liked it.
The edgy make-up wearing british boy band isn't usually my thing, but this album is kinda hard and sounds a lot more modern than plenty of 80s industrial rock. 4/5
Enjoyed this one.
Kedvenc/Favourite: Bloodsport Érdekes hangzása volt, nekem tetszett ahogy vegyítette a nyers hangzást és szöveget a mesterséges gépiességgel. Meglepett, hogy mennyire elkapott ez a poszt-apokaliptikus hangulata. It had an interesting soundscape, I liked the way it mixed the raw sound and lyrics with the artificial mechanicalness. I was surprised at how much I was drawn into this post-apocalyptic vibe.
Fair
Things I love about this album: 1 - Another "Where have you been all my life" listens. 2 - Sounds like a cross between PIL and Gang of Four. 3 - Metal. 4 - Unlike GoF, here we have a Goth underlayer of synth without losing the funk. Krautrock with more calories. 5 - Requiem is a straight banger - never used that term before and it's unlikely I ever will again. But it is. 6 - Riffs! 7 - The only thing I've heard that comes anywhere close to that uniquely disjointed funk that GoF made famous. Really great post-punk, lots of variety, a bit scary and angry. Was familiar with "Eighties," one of my favorite songs, but never got that far into their catalog. Really glad to get this one.
Pretty good!
Liked it. Standout songs: Requiem The Wait Primitive
This was super dark, super vibey, kind of like a scary version of the cure. Regardless, I loved this, some songs were a bit too spacey/annoyingly repetitive for me but some good, industrial stuff. Fav Songs: Requiem, Primitive
I’ve grown to like this sort of punk/post-punk darkness and heaviness over the course of this challenge. But there are definitely better albums of the genre. 3.5
I really enjoyed it. It felt like they might have been an influence on Nirvana. I felt that Nirvana feel to them. Didn't love it but will definitely come back and listen to it again.
Never heard of these guys before. Thought it was a good album and could hear how they influenced some others. Overall, it did not sound like an album that was 40+ years old
Hadn't heard this before, but I enjoyed it - similar to Gang of Four/Joy Division/The Cure. A good mix
This album has the general vibe of my favorite dive bar and I'm totally here for it.
I’ve always known of Killing Joke and its importance but haven’t spent time exploring their collection. I think I need to go and devote some time to them now.
I liked the music very much but not the vocalist so much
Pretty good, kinda reminds me of The Cure especially in the singing style in the song "Complication"
Killing Joke sports an impressive multi-decade discography that sees them play around with post-punk, gothic rock, and eventually industrial metal, all with great success. Their self-titled debut is precise, effective, and too goddamn good. Leading with drums and bass first, Killing Joke found themselves among post-punk contemporaries such as Joy Division, The Fall, and Bauhaus, though the end result for Killing Joke was a lot closer to straightforward punk rock. On top of all this, the debut is self-produced, lending itself to a much more raw quality. Great post-punk, Killing Joke landed it on the first try.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Seems ahead of its time for 1980. Some of it gets repetitive at times, but I never wanted to skip a track. It had me engaged the whole way.
pretty heavy album for 1980. you can hear the influence that this band had on bands such as ministry, nine inch nails, and rammstein. hell, even legendary metal titans metallica covered “the wait” on their early covers album garage days re-revisited. overall, a pretty solid album of proto-industrial metal. seriously though, don’t miss out on “the wait”. it’s got a pretty intense groove to it. highlights: “requiem” “the wait” “complications”
I got this the day after Remain in Light by Talking Heads and I was surprised how much common DNA there is to these two records. Enjoyed it way more than I expected and want to listen to it again.
4+/5
Gotta respect your elders. Really enjoyed getting into this and other stuff from them.
Non avevo voglia di risentirlo ma in passato era un 4
ik kende enkel een paar softere nummers... dit was echt zeer goed... industrial avant la lettre (4.5 sterren)
Sembra molto più recente di quanto sia in realtà, mi piace!
At first I thought I didn’t like it because a) I like interesting words and b) I’m not into heavy or aggressive music, but it never bothered me and upon second listen I realized I liked it. I like post-punk, I like repetition, they remind me at times of throbbing gristle, on one song of Nirvana, of No Wave in one spot, and I found them easy to listen to and sort of comforting, though maybe not interesting per se.
A post-rock classic out of nowhere. This has become a holy grail vinyl for me after this listen. How is this so good?
Hrátt og geggjað post punk. Þokan í Reykjavík alveg setur þetta á næsta level.
Mjög góð plata. Frábær hljómsveit með skemmtilega Íslandstengingu. Þétt og gott Postpunk/Goth.Væntanlega haft mikil áhrif á Cure eða öfugt. Báðar hljómsveitir alla vega með léttklikkaða frontmenn, þó Jaz hafi líklega vinninginn.
Fun fact, this band has two self-titled albums, so it is important to actually read the full page before tracking down the album of the day. I enjoyed both. Specifically talking about the correct album, I like that they play with a ton of effects on both vocals and instruments, it really shows how they go from the first album to the kind of sounds I heard from their other album decades later. It was kind of nice to see the evolution.
I have heard of Killing Joke but never really got into them. People of a certain age will remember Columbia House, where you could get CDs mailed to you for a penny. I remember ordering a Killing Joke album and it just didn't really grab me at the time. Firing up today, I was very dismayed to see that this album was released in 1980 - I thought they were a 90s band. In short, this album is pretty awesome. It has shades of punk rock, in terms of the singers affectations, but musically it is much richer and more diverse. It doesn't sound like the 80s at all, or the 70s - it is something pretty damned unique. 4 stars.
I may be hearing this favourably because the last few days have been a forever-feeling cycle of boomer rock and English club music from the 90s. It benefits from not being Robert Plant, or Freddie Mercury, or some molly’d up DJ from Pordenshire-on-Frent who took a gap year trip to Ibiza and then Changed The World. One way or another, this one was cool as hell
The first song reminded me of early Clash. The next reminded me of PIL. Just hints of commonality that I enjoyed. I was expecting much more punk rock and this was solidly post-punk mixed with that early 80's sound. Bloodsport reminded me of Roxy Music. Ever song seemed to bring back memories of something from that era. Not sure who was influencing who in the musical timeline.
Hey, at least it's better than Metal Box. Other than that obvious claim, these are still some kickass tunes, regardless. I can definitely hear how it influenced a lot of artists that became huge. Solid 4 for me.
I’m right at a 4, but it’s a very highly recommended 4. I got really lost in the instrumentation of this one – for 1980, this is such a unique blend of electronica, industrial, and some of the standards of 70s rock. It comes together to make a sort of prototypical sound that 90s grunge bands would really utilize and make their own, but this is one hell of a prototype. There’s some remarkably cool production decisions that underline this album, but it never feels like it’s overdoing anything. A lot of these tracks are still grounded in the basic principles of rock music, and it keeps the album from ever feeling too ambitious – it never once feels like it might collapse under its own weight. There is a sort of story throughout the tracks of anarchy and a revolution being suppressed into oblivion, but it’s never really explicit in its lyrics – it’s more of a thematic thing. It’s hard to describe what makes this album click so well for me – sometimes, when you’re listening, you just know. I knew this was good throughout; the reason I’m at a 4 is because it does sort of stall out on a few longer tracks, sometimes the lyrics are a bit unclear, and it doesn’t quite stick the landing at the end. Those first 5 tracks are awesome, but the last 3 don’t hit quite as much. Regardless, what’s here is really, really good. It might go up to a 5 if I’m feeling it more another day, but for now, it’s a highly recommended 4.
A rough garage feel A guitar dripping with style An epic approach
Aw yeah, gym music for sure
Day256 - not as hardcore as i was expecting and i can definitely hear the influence they had on nine inch nails. this was a nice surprise album
I had never heard of this band or album, but liked it immediately. It sounds way more recent than 1980 and has a great range of styles.
Album itself is OK but it's an excellent starting point for spotify to suggest you great things in this genre
Who knew that in 1980, Public Image Ltd and U2 had a child and named it Klling Joke? As a result, I love the music. I appreciate the political and philosophical overtones. But, the vocal presentation has too much of something or too little of something...can't quite tell. In any case, this is a worthy addition to anyone's collection of early post-punk.
Kind of liked this one. Had a very strong sound and a sense of identity and you can see why they inspired so many big bands today
UK industrial post-punk for the millionth time.
There's so much British post-punk present on this list, it's fair to call it a pandemic. Luckily some of it is still as exciting as Killing Joke - even though you probably know the formula by heart at this point.
Razorlike tension. And a sound like that in 1980???!!!! Wow
They are killing it, not a joke
Solid.
Menacing guitars and cold synths. Second half is killer and so is the opener. There is some repetitive filler in the gaps throughout but regardless, overall pretty solid Post-Punk.
I really enjoyed this. Couple of filler songs but the first tune piqued my interest from the off. I will need to check more of these 7.5/10
There’s probably some profound and deep meaning to these songs but lowkey. Guitar go brrrrr. Seriously some of the coolest shit on guitar. Overall pretty solid
Proto industrial with some sick riffs
Oh yeah! Post punk gritty record - engaging through and through - the guitars and drums grind through machine-like while it maintains enough variety to be well paced and interesting - lovely discovery for me.
cool dark post punk. right up my alley. unfortunately nothing is as amazing as requiem on here but its still really solid. 8/10
This is a dark one. Surprisingly good! Very moody and atmospheric. Cool! :)
Given that I'm far from a specialist, this should be the essence of post-punk. It contains all the energy and riot-vibes that I expect from punk with all the strangeness that I expect from anything released after 1980.
Killing Joke’s self-titled debut is a jagged, aggressive blast of post-punk menace that helped lay the groundwork for industrial, metal, and countless bands that followed. It’s raw, dark, and brimming with urgency — a perfect mix of punk fury and mechanical precision. Tracks like “The Wait” and “SO36” hit hard with relentless rhythm and snarling vocals, while “Bloodsport” and “Primitive” showcase the band’s knack for combining chaos with groove. There’s a primal energy here that still feels fresh, and the fact that Metallica covered “The Wait” nearly two decades later? That’s not just a nod — it’s a badge of honor. It’s not the most polished album, but that’s part of the charm. It’s gritty, relentless, and fearless — a powerful debut that deserves its place in the post-punk hall of fame.
I used to be a big fan of Killing Joke along with the Dead Kennedys and Alien Sex Fiend. They all seemed to have that raw, angry energy I had as a youth. I was in the mosh roaring with everyone at the gigs. I still love the songs and the apocalyptic vibe but now with a wistful apathy.
First time hearing this and I dug it. Easy to see how this influenced a dozen other bands on this list, but most especially Big Black, who I had always thought came from nowhere. This is a solid 4.
Strong, pessimistic music. Not usually a mood I want to be in but the album achieves this well and I think they get their message across loud and clear. Pretty good overall, I like mixing synthesizers into the tracks and the solid beats for me to bop along with.
Didn't think I'd like it. I was wrong.
This one was pretty good. Nice mix of genres.
I don't think it is there best, but still an awesome sound
Sounds ahead of its time, good tunes. And Dave Grohl played with them!
Killing Joke is no joke! I wasn't familiar before but I'm listening to this a few times; it earns a solid rating.
Grimy. But not too grimy.
Out of the chute, my knee-jerk reaction was that these guys must have been paving the road to 90s alt rock that I’m not really interested in treading, but I warmed up to it and some of this really rips! Even if they did cut the path that Gen X stomped down, I can still appreciate the vistas they uncovered here.
I really need to stop judging a band by their name/cover art because I loved this. Never heard of them before and was pleasantly surprised.
Not even my favorite of Killing Joke's self-titled albums, but still great in all its moody glory.
Really enjoyed this mix of post punk and industrial music, feels like this was pushing boundries at its time.
I enjoyed this one, quite entrancing I found it to be.
Hadn't listened to this before, but really enjoyed it. Seems to have laid the groundwork for a lot of hard rock, industrial, and metal that came after it.
kiehtivat meoldiat.m tössä vitsinö punktyylisuus..
Very interesting mixture of punk and industrial, I dig it! 3.8
I really enjoyed this one a lot!
The band is very British sounding, a little reminiscent of The Clash, but their own sound. Opening track The Requiem wasn’t bad, a good start. I did not enjoy the next track Wardance and skipped halfway through. Then came Tomorrow’s World, which has a great beat and overall sound. Bloodsport is instrumental and is a definite headbanger. SO 36 is another mostly instrumental track that has a great sound and beat. Very heavy on the drums. This was mother of my favorites from the album. The rest of the tracks were good but didn’t stand out to me either way. Overall, I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. 4
Kinda cool, they went in on what they do.
Great sound
Hugely influential. Can hear Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and Faith No More amongst others on this album. Primitive is a flat out banger. Solid listen. Good addition to the book.
The album as a whole didn't blow me away, but there were some bangers mixed in there. Glad I heard it before death, at least.
Some of the post-punk movement really bores me, even when I understand that it forms an important path from rock and punk to the indie and garage music I liked around the late 90s-early 00s. But something about this album really appealed. The rhythm section really gets into some grooves and I can also see the path to the likes of The Prodigy and Primal Scream through this. I can definitely see myself listening to this again. It is a chaotic, noisy mess at times but there's something strangely brilliant about it.
Actually giving four stars to a post punk album. Was an interesting mix of genres, enjoyed the heavier parts to the album.
One of the first industrial rock records apparently - but what you hear is a harder version of Tubeway Army I find. Still, that isn't so bad. It takes a bit to get used to the style but it clicks and is certainly a unique listening experience. Singer and his synthesizer give it the certain spicy style.
Listened Before? N I've read these guys' name on a ton of T-shirts and punk rock battle jackets over the years but never listened to them. I've heard Metallica's cover of "The Wait", but that's about it. They're an interesting enigma. We have all this wild imagery and the violent name.... and the music is pretty tame by today's standards. Anyway, I really love the post-punk sound and I'm glad to learn about this one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: The Wait
Solid 4! I'll take a number of other post-punk albums over this one, still very enjoyable though. Would've probably preferred Night Time for their slot, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.
Took me forever to actually get to it but I enjoyed this
Great album! reminds me of 2004-2005 living in cincinnati going to xavier and hanging with my girlfriend and one of my best friends driving around clifton and northside!
I loved being introduced to this. This is an ur-text for much of my favorite music, especially the industrial stuff I love. A mixture of metal, dub, krautrock and post-punk, the claustrophobic, apocalyptic sound is muscular and driving. It is a really heavy rhythm section that can still groove, and the whole band knows how to lock it into the pocket and ride it out. Jaz Coleman is a compelling and charismatic singer, even if the songs are pretty dark. I own a bunch of records a lot like this (including some other Killing Joke albums, and some Killing Joke side projects, such as Murder Inc, an album I played obsessively when it came out in the early 90s). But this is as good or better than the rest of them. Where has this been all my life? I enjoyed this so much, and it goes onto my must-get list.
I'm a sucker for rhythmic metal, what can I say? This immediately sucked me in with the chugga chugga distorted guitar, bass, drum combo. The singing is definitely a specific style, I'm not as much into that but it was fitting. I was struck by how many of the songs I was familiar with, without at all being able to name this band or album.
I really liked this. Not sure how I would describe it, but it somehow felt heavier than it really was. Despite knowing basically nothing about this band, I have a sneaking suspicion that this would be your favorite bands favorite band - except if your favorite bands favorite band was Butthole Surfers who seems to overlap in both sound and timeframe. The bonus tracks felt like a bit much.
Intense and very satisfying punk-rock album.
Four stars for Requiem alone. Great opener.
Listened twice + more songs from other albums. Enjoyed! 4⭐️
This is another perfect example of value in this exercise. Incredible album from 1980 with total teeth and lovely edge. Just all around avant punk with a touch of electro.
Liked, but didn't love this - had some interesting songs, will give another listen as would like to see what a second listen brings
Catchy and raw, but ultimately not incredibly remarkable industrial/punk music. I can absolutely see how this was groundbreaking for 1980, though. 3.5 leaning 4.
Excellent punk album
Post-punk, industrial rock. Así, oscuro. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
When I saw this was British rock I sighed because I haven’t been vibing with the last few albums suggested of that genre, but I loved this one. Definitely going to check out more of their material. The industrial elements are evident, which makes this so much more than a British punk album.
fantastic stuff
Clearly influential to bands that came after. Excellent musicianship, classic band.
The best albums I’ve heard so far in this project have been from artists I’ve never heard of before. I’d never heard of Killing Joke before but I sure have now. I don’t know exactly what the post-punk movement was in response to (other than, well, punk), but I can tell that it drove this band to a very specific sound. It’s dire. It feels industrial in places. Its stakes are high. It’s enthralling to listen to. As with many of the albums so far, I will need to check them out further. Standout tracks: Requiem, Bloodsport, The Wait, Primitive
Guter Hardrock mit Punk Ausflügen. Wenig Gesang, deshalb mal was anderes.
Rough around the edges, but a wildly inventive album for the time. New Wave was a fairly recent thing at the time, and Industrial music was far from developing into a genre, yet here Killing Joke took these ideas and mixed them with Punk and Metal to make a truly unique record. I’ve always liked this band and they were an early intro into quite a few of the genres being mashed together here for me. This would likely be a 5 if the album cuts were more fully realized and if the production was better suited for the inventive arrangements being presented. Top tracks: Wardance, Bloodsport, The Wait, Change
It’s really cool, but really sloppy at points. It’s so close to being great, but it just needs to be tightened up a little bit
Neat album, with a lot of elements I enjoy. The early industrial sound combined with the sometimes krautrock-like repetition made this quite enjoyable.
Does it make me a caricature that I loved this
Unexpectedly good
This is excellent. Way ahead of its time. I think it puts them up with the earliest indie: cure, joy division etc,
Good post-punk and cold wave punk music.
I really like what they're doing here. It's not annoying to me like a lot of other post punk, it feels like they're actually trying. Favorites were Primitive and Wardance
La definició de 'so corrossiu' la trobem en l'estrena discogràfica de Killing Joke. És incómode, difícil, complicat d'agradar.... però té alguna cosa que el fa especial. Segurament és el talent indiscutible de gent com Jaz, Youth o Geordie, que sublimen plegats una mena de post punk antecessor del rock industrial, però amb un so molt propi i ple de qualitat
Why do my reviews keep getting fucked up?
One I owned long time ago and it still sends shivers down my spine. Unpleasant at times. Brutal anti-rock that feels edgy. Big fan. Also....just a thought....is there a bit of late King Crimson in there. No? OK. As you were......4.5 Brutal and fucking ace.
Good mix of new wave, darker gothic style stuff, and metal. Really fun listen
This album was pretty interesting. I think I’d heard one of the songs before.
Very much the kind of thing I was listening to in the late 80s -- but from several years earlier. I don't know why Killing Joke wasn't on my radar, I would have loved them back in the day. Not so much my vibe anymore, having mellowed a bit in the ensuing 40 years, but good enough to still find me appreciating and enjoying it, if a bit nostalgically. Good one, generator, thank you.
It’s industrial, metallic, driving, spacey. This is really good.
Good stuff
Killing Joke's self-titled debut album is a post-punk masterpiece that seamlessly blends tribal funk-rock and grinding heavy metal, featuring doom-mongering lyrics and splenetic vocals [1]. Released in 1980, the album remains a seminal work in the post-punk genre, showcasing the band's unique sound and enduring influence. 1. Lyrics The lyrics of "Killing Joke" delve into doom-laden themes, reflecting a sense of apocalyptic foreboding. Jaz Coleman's distinctive vocals deliver lyrics that explore societal decay and existential angst, creating a dark and immersive atmosphere. The lyrical content, often cryptic and foreboding, adds depth to the album's overall impact. 2. Music The musical composition of the album is a tour de force, characterized by a fusion of tribal rhythms, punk energy, and heavy metal intensity. Tracks like "Wardance" and "Requiem" exemplify the band's ability to create a sonic landscape that is both aggressive and danceable. The use of unconventional instrumentation, including tribal percussion, contributes to the album's distinctive sound. 3. Production The production of "Killing Joke" is raw and unpolished, capturing the raw energy of the band's live performances. This intentional grittiness enhances the album's authenticity, allowing the listener to experience the visceral power of Killing Joke's sound. While some may find the production unconventional, it aligns with the band's rebellious ethos. 4. Themes The thematic core of the album revolves around societal disintegration and a looming sense of doom. The lyrics and music work in tandem to create a dystopian soundscape, reflecting the anxieties of the late 20th century. The thematic coherence adds to the album's impact, making it a thought-provoking journey through the darker aspects of the human experience. 5. Influence "Killing Joke" has had a profound impact on the post-punk and alternative music scenes. Its fusion of genres and uncompromising approach paved the way for bands that would later explore the intersections of punk, metal, and electronic music. The album's influence is evident in the work of artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails to industrial rock bands, attesting to its enduring significance [2] [4]. Pros and Cons Pros: Innovative Sound: The album's unique blend of genres sets it apart as a pioneering work in post-punk. Powerful Lyrics: Jaz Coleman's lyrical prowess adds depth and intellectual engagement. Enduring Influence: The album's influence on subsequent generations of musicians cements its legacy. Cons: Unconventional Production: The raw production may be off-putting to those accustomed to more polished soundscapes. Cryptic Lyrics: Some may find the cryptic nature of the lyrics challenging to decipher. In conclusion, "Killing Joke" stands as a post-punk classic that continues to captivate listeners with its distinctive sound, thought-provoking lyrics, and enduring influence on the music landscape.
Really well produced and musically cool. Vocals a bit low in the mix and generally weak.
Good record, can definitely hear the beginnings of industrial metal
I’m a sucker for post punk. This one was a tiny bit repetitive but not enough to kill the enjoyment. Fun time.
Un espectacular LP de rock alternativo que mezcla de forma innovadora sonidos electrónicos en secuencias repetitivas con riffs de guitarras pesados y voces sumamente alteradas, para crear un paraíso distópico que evoca el movimiento punk que le precederá e incluso, adelantándose una década con algunos tintes de grunge. Sumamente influyente y sorprendente, considerando que fue el debut de la banda.
I am a post-punk fan so this is right up my alley, an enjoyable listen!
Now we're back in my element, prime gritty post-punk. Had heard the album before a couple times, and The Wait especially a bunch more. Requiem with that repeating synth is a great opener, Bloodsport is a funky instrumental that feels a bit Talking Heads-esque, and the already mentioned The Wait has a riff that hits like a sledgehammer. 8 songs and a little over 30 minutes, they really just threw a bunch of bangers together and called it a day.
This album somehow manages to balance being heavy and refined at the same time. It is labeled as industrial rock, but still has this cleaner post-punk 80's sound. It is so hypnotically intense, but not abrasive or super distorted and blown out. There are definitely some heavier songs, like The Wait, which was even covered by Metallica. But the performances here are just so tight and in tune with each other, and sometimes they honestly groove really hard. The songs are structured in a way where the instrumentals get more dense as time goes on. Like the song $.O.3.6., which starts out very sparse and slowly builds and builds until everything comes together. There is just something that is very likable about this album, and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. Rating: 7/10
Stellar album that feels cuttingly raw yet refined, with an exceptional amount of composure and poise for a debut. Also gets points for sounding quite experimental by 80s standards and blurring genre lines to create an almost quasi-metal sound that still lands firmly in post-punk range by ear. I don’t know what was in the water circa the late 70s, but between this band, Joy Division, and several other post-punk pioneers this era produced some outstandingly dark music, shame the whole decade after went mostly to bright, glamorous shit.
That was really aggressive and gritty. It does have an industrial feel to it. This isn’t a sound I’ve really heard much of and it’s kind of satisfying to listen to. The lyrics are kind of bare bones but they fit the music pretty well. I might listen to some more Killing Joke songs. I liked it more than I expected to.
Why did I like this so much? I honestly don't know. Pretty cool experience even if I doubt I would seek it out after this.
I only first heard Killing Joke a couple of years back - 'The Death & Resurrection Show' on 2017's record 2003 (confusing). That song features Dave Grohl on drums, and is a stone-cold banger. It was cool going right back to the start with this record. Such a cool new wave vibe combined with harder rock leanings. I feel like The Prodigy might have been inspired by some of this stuff for their 1997 record The Phat of the Land. The production is great. Favourite tracks: Requiem, Tomorrow's World, Complications, S.O.36.
Great!
Actually liked this a lot. Kind of punk music you can dance to 4
I wasn't expecting much from this album as it didn't sound like it would be up my alley. During my first listen last night, I was pleasantly surprised and thought it may even be so likable to hit the 5-mark. When I followed up with a second listen today, it did not sit nearly as well and was hovering around the 3-mark. I have decided to land my rating in the middle of those two impressions.
I know a couple of Killing Joke songs but I don't know that I've ever listened to an entire album. I liked it! Seems hard to categorize --- seems pretty grungy for a record from 1980.
- Never listened to Killing Joke before - Impressed, enjoyed it - Yet to have had a post punk album on this that I haven't liked - Very good opener - Fav songs: Requiem, Complications, Wardance
Rad
Saw these live fairly recently, a late replacement for Television supporting Billy Idol's arena tour for which a friend gave me a ticket to come along with him. Was initially sad to miss TV especially given Tom Verlaine's sad passing the following year. Comforted myself that I had at least seen them perform Marquee Moon in entirety a few years and settled in to watch Killing Joke with medium expectations. They blew my socks off. Was also hilarious watching the baffled reactions of those around me to this band, slotted between Toyah and Billy Idol's pop, as they delivered an astonishingly heavy and dark set, with absolutely no fucks given for those just waiting for Mony Mony and White Wedding. Disappointed to learn he's gone nuts (or apparently always has been) on conspiracy bullshit. But this is a great album. The Wait is cracking.
4.0 - With a single staccato synth note pulsing like a heartbeat over a brutal soundscape of warped guitars and militaristic drums, Jaz Coleman opens the first and most striking track "Requiem", yelling that "he's just a cattle for slaughter." It's a moment in rock music that strikes like a fist, a crying protest to anyone who will listen, a middle finger to those who won't.
Fuck yeah. This album is rad. Such a fat sounding recording too.
Love the dark atmosphere on this album Love how chaotic the instrumentation is too Favourite tracks: Requiem, Wardance, The Wait, Complications
Very very good, especially after a couple of listens. Influenced loads of great bands, but just falls short of a five star record for me.
I really didn't expect to like this at all, really enjoyed it however.
Cross punk with industrial and this is what you get. You can definitely see the roots of acts like Nine Inch Nails and other acts here. Listening to it a second time was helpful, because the first time I didn't quite "get" the sound they were going for. I knew the one hit "Eighties," and that was definitely different from where this album was coming. Still, I liked it and am interested in hearing more.
I really enjoyed this. I'm not sure I knew of this band before but I can hear how much they are a go between of 70's punk and lots of stuff after - 80's post-punk and goth rock (the Cure, the Smiths, even REM), hard rock (Metallica), industrial (some of the more mainstream Nine inch Nails), noise rock (Sonic Youth) and even grunge (maybe the grittier side, like L7). The first three songs did it for me. Requiem just comes pulsing in with the synth (a great undertone for the whole song) and then the drums and bass and guitar nail it. They don't always do much on lyrics (maybe just a few words repeated) but this one had more lyrical depth. Wardance is a bit much with the modulated vocals during the lyrics but the chorus is solid and the sound is great. Tomorrow's World felt a bit familiar given the first two songs but still different - not the same synth (more high pitched bell) and awesome scratchy/distorted guitar (e.g., that grunge effect). Not that it ended there. Bloodsport (track 4) reminded me of Elastica - maybe another band inspired by these guys? Again, it's just a simple beat for each instrument but they pound it in the right melody. The Wait (track 5) was almost as good as Requiem - and actually something to say with the lyrics. Complications (track 6) felt like Metallica meets the Cure - the opening has a harder rock sound but it gives way to some almost synth-pop/rock sound in the chorus. Primitive (track 8) had some killer basslines - not quite Primus material (or The Fall's Blindness) but a cross of that and Sonic Youth. I don't know if I quite count Change (track 9) because it was only on the US version, but it is damn good. Great tempo despite minimal lyrics (and I love when they turn up the tempo about a minute in). I've been listening to these guys all week (this album and more). That's a sign of a good album. I love these kind of surprises.
Heard of them, but never heard before. I really like their sound. Perfect balance of industrial, hard rock, post-punk, you name it. Apparently they are pioneers in the industrial sound. Whatever they are, they have a great sound and I'd definitely like to check out more. All the tracks are very cool (although Wardance is a little out there), but my favorite tracks were Requiem, Tomorrow's World, Bloodsport, and Primitive.
My overall impression: this album sounds great for its age. For one, the production quality is fantastic -- clean with good layering. For another, the compositions are such that they have done well against the test of time. You could have told me this came out a year or two ago and I would believe you. Really enjoy the electro-trudge of Requiem. Plus I am a sucker for emphasis on bass, so this is immediately a comfortable ride. Wardance is a jam. Love the harmonics bleeding through in the melody. Bloodsport is a cool instrumental jam. Doesn't really make a point to be showy or anything -- just solid stomping progression. Ah I've heard The Wait before -- Metallica covered it on their Garage Inc cash grab. Always enjoyed their cover. The original is equally great if a lot more post-pop in styling. S.O.36 taps into a more doom metal style adjacent to some early Sabbath. Its one of my favorites here so far. Well that was awesome and unexpected. So glad to have tapped into this one today. This is a high 4 for me.
Great distorted soundscape, got a little samey and boring in the middle
The death and resurrection show: kinda heavy metal, wish the bass riff alternated more, Total invasion: beginning comes in strong, I like. Also into the whisper screaming. The vocals in this song are pretty impressive Asteroid: this is getting better. Best intro so far. Asteroooooiiiiiid, this would be a great to chant and headband. Id mosh to this🤟. Implant: tripping drums, sounds like 6/8 time, stressing 1-2.5-4-5. Fun mind tricks, echoed vocals are a great touch. Blood on your hands: im into the driving bass and drums Loose cannon: really like the scratchies in the backround. This is a good one. Love the soft guitar spot, great contrast, really makes a metal song for me You'll never get to me: feels like a "come back from hard times" song, gives a bit more depth to this album, not just heavy guitars and screaming. Sprinkle a little bit of passion. Seeing red: Dark forces: The house that pain built: I like this kind of music. 4 stars. Its not fantastic amazing, but its good, doesn't need a time or place for listening to, its just always good. And it would be great live, id go to this concert if the tickets weren't too expensive.
Killing Joke rules - saw them open for Tool. Badass
Decent but somewhat forgettable
This is really good, favorite song has to be Requiem. This album is just amazing, idk what else to say
I've had this band on my radar forever. I'm glad this project finally forced my hand into listening to them. Rather enjoyed it but did feel a little fatigued by the end, but it might've been from listening to a lot ofnother music beforehand. Will certainly revisit.
I remembered buying this in 1980, but listening today, I would have placed the date in the 90s. This could mark the point where post-punk began to straddle industrial. That alone could justify inclusion on this list. But the songs are uniformly very good and Jaz Coleman is a force of nature. Some production is dated, but that does little to lessen the overall impact.
Listening to this, I would not have predicted that it was made in 1980. It feels like it was made a few years after that, and the sound of this album was clearly influential in a lot of bands from the 80s and 90s. It's really cool that it was essentially recorded live with no overdubbing, and it's even cooler that it came out sounding good. Plenty of other punk bands have tried that approach and produced albums that would be classics if they didn't sound like complete garbage 4/5
It's hard to believe that this is now more than 40 years old, so I guess that's why it doesn't sound as fresh and exciting as it did back then. Abit dated, but still good.
Post-punk, industrial rock. Así, oscuro. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Hadn’t heard of this band before but really liked their music. I wonder what became of them…
I've never listened to killing joke before, but I HAVE heard the Metallica cover of the song "The Wait". The song itself is pretty meh, but Metallica did an awesome cover of it on their "garage days" double album of covers, which I highly recommend. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/killing-joke-weird-wild-story-revered-cult-industrial-pioneers There's some great songs on here: primitive, complications, and the opener are fantastic
It kept getting better (very rare for an album to do!)
J'aime le rock, je me sentais à la maison. Je peux tout à fait voir comment ce groupe a influencé Nine Inch Nails
Pretty sick. Is it Punk maybe? Industrial sound and slightly groovy Fave track - Change
Still as impressive as when I first heard it over 30 years ago, and not just for the happy nostalgia it evokes - a great album.
This was a cool blend of Industrial and 80’s sounds. Bloodsport was a cool instrumental tune, that oddly sounded like a gritty rendition of the Ferris Bueller, Oh Yeah song. I can definitely hear the influence Killing a joke would have had in NIN, Nirvana and others. First time listening to one of these albums during a workout and it was absolutely a great workout album, I’d return to it for sure. 4 stars!
I enjoyed this. Thought it was melodic at times and hard at times. You could tell they influenced many prog rock bands. Favorite Track: Tomorrow's world
Better than I expected. Will listen to again.
I'm picky with post punk but this falls on the side of not boring so awesome yay. Wasn't expecting the synths but they are very welcome.
Great. Nin influence
With this apocalyptic album, Killing Joke become anything but as they, with an industrial post-punk sendup, provide the blueprint for what would become a defining sound for various inspired bands of the late 80s and early 90s. Favorites: Requiem, Wardance, Bloodsport, Complications, S.O.36, Change.
Really liked this album.
What a sick joke!
Thought I would hate this, but ended up enjoying it. Oddly, sounded a bit like Gang of Four in spots.
I was quick to dismiss this album as "just another punk, or post-punk british band", which is true, but up to a point. Killing Joke is in my opinion much more climatic and more music-orientated than their contemporaries from the time. A lot of the album is instrumental and those parts are definitely the best assets, showing real talent from the musicians, but also creating a great atmosphere on the album. Perhaps what actually attracted me to this record is the slightly heavier approach to the genre and bleaker sound, which somehow still feels fresh today. So far I gave it only a quick glance, but for sure I am saving this album for future reference and to come back and listen to it without rush.
Very good
Interesting
What's not to like about dystopian art punk funk rock?? Sounds like a soup made from The Cure and Joy Division, that's been mixed in a Pet Shop Boys synth blender.
Really enjoyed the driving rhythms throughout
Very good and can definitely hear the influences they had on future artists in many of the songs. Way ahead of their time.
Wow, really liked this one. I would have loved to listen to the original, as opposed to the remaster, as the band produced it themselves and I can only imagine that the intent of that was heavily muted on a 2005 digital remaster
Very cool album
Totally missed this band down the decades. Reminds me (a little bit) of Gang of Four who I love. Vrey giid indeed.
amazing
This is right up my alley, never heard of Killing Joke and for a second I accidentally started listening to the 2003 album that has the same name before realizing my mistake. Based on the name and the album I'm expecting some Punk. Instead, this is some straightforward solid Rock. It's parts Industrial, Metal, Grunge, Goth, but where it falls in between all of those you get some solid rock music that sounds way ahead of its time. Definitely dig this, would listen again and I'm interested to explore more of this band. Really well done, the instrumentals really stand out here.
I have no idea why I never listened to much Killing Joke before. Caught my attention with the very first track and didn't let go until the album was done. I'm definitely remedy the fact that I've paid so little attention to Killing Joke up until now.
As much a post-punk band as a proto-industrial one, Killing Joke have a somewhat important place in the history of those two genres, even though what they accomplished during the eighties was later refined by very different bands going from Big Black to Nine Inch Nails, bringing more interesting rhythms and sounds to the barebones formula displayed by the band's first LP. With this mind, it's still nice to hear that highlights "Requiem", "Wardance" and "The Wait" still set a pretty high bar from the get-go, in spite of the early years in which they were recorded. And apart from the extremely clunky white-funk instrumental (?) "Bloodsports"--clearly out of place here--everything else on this record is more than decent, if not absolutely mindblowing. Check out the later album *Night Time*, too, if you're intrested in the band. Not for "Love Like Blood", a poppier experiment that hit the charts and yet didn't age that well, but at least for two other tracks: mesmerizing "Darkness Before Dawn" and catchy "Eighties". The latter is famous because Kurt Cobain probably nicked its intro for the one on "Come As You Are", but it's not the only reason the song should be listened to given its prophetic lyrics about how said competition-driven "eighties" would be perceived in later decades. Because, hey, Killing Joke could get pretty topical too, even if it was in a goofy, somewhat low brow way. And this topicality is *also* an asset of their first record for those who are into that sort of thing, by the way... I need to know if I have enough room on my list to include this one, to be honest. But I *do* wish I have room for it, even though I'm not a *huge* fan of the industrial genre. Time will tell. Hope "the wait" doesn't seem too long for me, at least... Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 838 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 89 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 40 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important: 34 (including this one)
I loved being introduced to this. This is an ur-text for much of my favorite music, esoterically the industrial stuff I love. A mixture of metal, dub, krautrock and post-punk, the claustrophobic, apocalyptic sound is muscular and riving. I enjoyed this so much, and it goes onto my must-get list.
Better than expected, although similar to other albums still enjoyable
Brutal filled with grunge punk and many other fast paced genres. Vicious almost
Vraiment bon, en avance sur son temps, définitivement à réécouter.
took me a couple of listens but i think i like this one. War dance is a lot of fun
This is one heavy album. And the opener Requiem is the albums heaviest song. The album is carried by the greatness of Requiem. Requiem is the perfect distillation of classic Black Sabbath through the filter of 1980s Punk/post punk in GB. Both reminiscent of the past as well as predicting the Goth and Industrial styles to come. There are other good songs on Killing Joke, But its Requiem that makes this album a 4.5
Somewhere in the space between Joy Division, Sonic Youth, and proto-Nine Inch Nails. Really cool, and excellently executed vision.
Really firm and raw. Got a little bland a few songs in, but I really desired a live show after this.
enjoyed this a lot more than i expected. for some reason i always had them down as being a pop punk band who sing about willys and being immature.
A bit of an ordeal
Is it goth? Is it post-punk? Is it industrial? All I know for sure is that Jaz Coleman looks disappointingly normal while doing his weekly shop.
J'ai découvert Killing Joke en 2003 avec l'autre album Killing Joke sorti à cette époque lorsque j'étais disquaire. Cet album de 2003 a été enregistré avec Dave Grohl au drum. Ça fait un moment que je l'ai écouté, mais j'avais bien aimé. Ici on est donc où tout a commencé. J'ai découvert à l'écoute de cet album que la chanson The Wait que j'avais découverte sur l'album The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited de Metallica est de ce groupe. Je savais que l'album de Metallica était des reprises, mais je n'avais pas cherché à découvrir les pièces originales. Bref, j'adore cette chanson. Sinon pour le reste, j'aime vraiment plein de choses sur cet album. On est dans du post-punk, du rock, des racines d'industriel (voir une bonne influence pour Nine Inch Nails). On a mix de la voix et une façon de chanter qui fait penser par moment aux premiers album de The Cure. On a une guitare incisive qui se démarque de ce qu'on entend habituellement, tout comme les synthétiseurs qui sont plus agressifs. La basse très en avant qui a souvent sa propre ligne me plait beaucoup. Je trouve que tous les musiciens se complètent bien. Mon point un peu négatif serait que ça devient un peu répétitif par moment, surtout après The Wait. Je vais assurément revenir à cet album et sûrement l'ajouter éventuellement à ma collection. Pièce préférée: The Wait
Album won me over in the end. Great listen.
Great for a mood, or a soundtrack to throwing a molotov.
I know nothing about Killing Joke, the album or the band. There is an early punk feel to this album. Some of the music felt like it was an attempt by the Clash to play music by Echo and the Bunnymen or perhaps music from the earliest version of the Cure, all with a set of amplifiers trying to open a door for Rage Against the Machine. I enjoyed the album enough to listen to the additional tracks from the re-release. "Requiem" was easily my favorite track from the album. I'd come back to this album for a second listen.
Feels very dated to me. I like other Killing Joke albums more, but still a pretty impressive debut
3.5-4 but cool innovative album.
Thought this was great, Talking Heads vibes.
My main reaction to this is that I find it astounding that it came out in 1980! It sounds remarkably fresh and vital after all these years. Very ahead of its time and certainly holds up well. Love their heavy sound, especially when they incorporate the electronic elements. Love the atmosphere. Only thing I didn't care for were the modulated vocals on "Wardance."
I like a bunch of these, especially Requiem, that simple pulsating synth is a lot of fun. There are a few songss here and there that are just "ok" for me, but overall a cool post-punk album for sure.
1980 - Post-punk; industrial rock; gothic rock; new wave; synth-pop; industrial metal
This feels like an awesome amalgamation of 70s Punk and 80s Goth and New Wave with a bit of Motorhead sprinkled over the top. Overall result is something that must have sounded like nothing else in 1980s and still sounds fresh today. You can hear the influence in contemporary industrial metal bands like Rammstein for sure
A heavy throbbing slab of post punk with elements of metal. The opening track, Requiem, is the stand-out. 3.5/5
Like this album very much.Older now but would def be rocking this back in my party days.wish I had known
You can't go wrong with post-punk. Instant like. I love the mix of synths with rhythmic drumming and riffs that give off a very gothic appeal. Not to mention that badass album cover. Reminds me of the Wire's Chairs Missing. Some tracks remind me of other post-punk / New Wave songs I know, but I can't put my fingers on it. "Bloodsport" kinda sounds like something from the A-side of Bowie's Low. Only issue I have is that some tracks are too long, which means that repetition tires me by the time a track's only halfway, but it's still pretty cool. The pop-like tracks "Requiem," "The Wait," and "Complications" give me plenty of options to convince other people to get into postpunk. Enjoyed all the tracks, I'll seek out their other work!
Wow. I already knew this record, along with the super catchy '80s'. This time listening again I could really appreciate the vocals. I have never heard such grandiose aesthetic rock histrionics before, opening sonic dimensions. Oh yeah, and the guitar and rhythms are kick ass, as well. Nevermind chicken little panic about asteroids, but Dave Grohl was on drums, so come as you are.
Pretty rad
7/10. Enjoyable enough considering the length.
Nice post-punk album. Been wanting to listen to this band for awhile
The sound coming out of this album is before its time. I really liked this album more than I thought I would. Instead of being some relic of the late London punk scene, Killing Joke provided some good sounds to last and inspire the next generation of musicians. Of the bands that have cited them as profound influences, Metallica and Soundgarden are not my favorite, thought I did find it interesting to know both LCD Soundsystem and Jane's Addition cited them as inspiration. Never listened to them before, but will definitely listen to them in the future.
Hi: Complication, Change Lo: Tomorrow's World A little bit Jane's Addiction and Fugazi, a little bit Pop Will Eat Itself and Pigface. KJ features driving machinelike rhythms and crunchy guitars, and just enough synth to set it even farther apart. This album may sound a little dated by today's standards, but it still has good bones, and we wouldn't have much of an industrial scene in the 90's if it weren't for Killing Joke.
Pretty cool noise and way ahead of its time.
never really listened to them before but absolutely loved the dark inventiveness of this album, some great sounds enjoyed it very much
I had never heard of these guys, but I was glad to have listened to this. A very pleasant surprise
Pretty good album. Some really catchy songs and very ahead of its time.
It sounds really like a contemporary album.
A decade ahead of it's time
I really liked this one. It’s a solid post punk/proto-industrial album that utilizes funk, electronic musical elements and noise to interesting effect. What they’re doing is foundational to what industrial artists will be doing 8-10 years down the line, but it’s also fairly accessible for the casual listener. The arrangements are simple and surprisingly melodic on occasion. Jaz Coleman’s vocals are strong, and the lyrics are spare, visceral and effective. The band has great chemistry and takes a less is more approach overall, with bass and drums taking a prominent place in their sound. Paul Ferguson’s hard driving but simple drums show a necessary restraint many drummers don't have. Youth’s bass guitar work is killer. This is all augmented by Geordie Walker’s fierce, grinding guitars and an economic use of synthesizers. Fave Songs: The Wait, Bloodsport, Complications, Requiem
Had always just filed these guys under "punk" without really giving them a 2nd thought (despite loving the clear Gothic tendancies of Love Like Blood). But so much more than that right? None of the 3 chord bish bash bosh here. That industrial vibe is GRIT.TY.
Interesting. Enjoyed this. Sits well alongside Gang of Four's 'Entertainment'.
I have heard of this band but never heard anything from this band, what a great surprise. Sounds ahead of its time
Better than I expected. Big driving bass and drums, heavy riffs, some pommy bastard over the top. The Wait was a good song. Heavy, energetic, competent and keeps it up for the whole listen.
Ooooooo I like the intro for the first song. Second song has some alien vocals lol. Ya know what, it's a good beat though. This album kinda sounds like the first or second one after a garage band period. In this case, it's a good thing. I'm digging it. Yeah, I liked this a lot. I'm gonna give it a 4 only because I think it could've been mixed just a little bit better.
Lotta cool things happening here. I can hear their influence in a lot of places.
Right mood at the right time. The album hits pretty hard to listen to at work, but it happened to work for me on this day. This album is fantastic. Music is so much about current mood. DIG IT!
Killing Joke в порядке, мне нравятся как минимум хитовые темы (особенно знаменитый кавер на Нирвану, балдеж же) По альбому — немного смешанные чувства. Вообще ну, я его понял. И для себя в целом сделал вывод, что нет смысла гнать на затянутость композиций, ибо сделаны они таковыми намерено. Ну и свой поинт в этом есть, особенно если учитывать, что в жанрах указан индастриал — примерно так там всё и происходит. Долгие зацикленные куски. Здесь ещё и время от времени годным вокалом разбавлены. Также в голову пришло сравнение с Телевижн опять же, но быстрее поспешил отбросить, ибо по сравнению с Марки Муном этот альбом просто плотнейше сосёт. Но и цель другая была, вероятно. В целом и общем мне понравилось, например, более, чем Джой Дивижн. Несмотря на тэг «пост-панк» в этом музле нет вот того раздражающего примитива и пересахаренности самых видных представителей жанра. Да и в целом под этот тэг попадали самые разные группы, в том числе Мелвинс, Дево, Депеш Мод, Б-52, Хускер Ду и прочие, имеющие мизерное влияние на декаданс нынешней пост-панк сцены. Посему огульно клеймить не стоит. Но всё же неприятие немного э. Вторая песня своим отпроцешенным вокалом раздражает. Bloodsport всё-таки слишком скучная для инструментала. И вообще всё немного однообразное. Но под настроение, думаю, можно врубить и почиллить (ага да). Ну 7/10 всё же есть, наверное, особенно там за риффаки в The Wait и Complications, за припев S.O.36. Довольно годное музло по итогу.
3 и 7 тречки вообще хорошие, эх вот бы их семплами кендрику!
Kende niet veel van Killing Joke eigenlijk, heel tof!
kind of weird but not in a bad way, interesting sounds
Killing Joke’s _Killing Joke_ killed it! I only know of their music from a little later in their career, specifically the song _Eighties_. I quite enjoyed this album, it had some fun experimenting going on.
This was ok, in the right mood I could really like it. In the wrong mood it sounds very sixth form. Will give it 4 but it should be 3.5
Postpunk, pre-goth?, marihuano, depre y casi pesado en partes iguales. Varias canciones interesantes con percusiones energéticas que contrastan con las cuerdas mansas, repetitivas y medio hipnóticas. Supongo que el mood vampírico habría sido satisfactorio para los aires góticos de los ochenta como Sisters of Mercy, no lo sé. Tomorrow's World le gustó a mi darketo retro interno y aprueba porque me recordó a Theatre des Vampires. The Wait está movidona para bailar un headbanging ligero dando saltitos, vestido de negro, en un bar lleno de gente que dice que se quiere morir. S.O.3.6 = Atisbos de depressive doom metal??? calif: 4 por algunas cancionsillas que están medio flojas, pero en general muy satisfecho.
Good hard rock. More interesting than I expected.
This whips ass.
8/10 disfrute mucho el disco
Muy buena energía, rock darks, grandes riffs y una batería siempre presente. Disfruté mucho de inicio a fin. Le doy 9/10.
Well that was suprising. I enjoyed that album alot. I winced when I saw 1980, never have been a huge fan. I think it helped I had heard covers of these songs previous maybe. Top 3 The Wait, Requiem, Change 4 of 5
I’m way behind on my appreciation of this band, but I’ve always liked their name and wanted to do a deep dive. Maybe this is the push I need. Really liked it, especially the voice. Can clearly hear the influence on a ton of other bands I’ve listened to over the years. Good stuff.
Listened to it twice and never understood a single word (to be fair, some of it was in German). Some really sick grooves, though. Best track: S.O.36
Really glad I had the chance to hear this! 3.5 and growing in my estimation!
Kind of repetitive. Album never really grabs your attention. Overall, it's okay. 2.5/5 Probably won't listen again
Surprisingly enjoyable!
3.1/5
on dirait un peu the clash mais en plus goth super pochette
Decent punk album. Reminds me of The Clash a bit.
A 1980 rock album that sounds decently of its time, fitting in with the upbeat fun grooves of all the punk/post-punk/new wave albums that happened right around here, just throwing a little more edge and some electronic flair. Decent
I knew a little of this band before and ended up enjoying this album a lot.
Like a bit of post punk but will say the album felt quite repetitive so would not listen again in full. Some decent tunes on there
Very obviously influenced by Joy Division
The great thing about this list is that it recommended some albums to me that I probably would never have listened to in my entire life if they hadn’t been recommended. Thoughts: sounds like someone is sneakily farting.
Ok - didn’t really grab me too much - a bit samey I felt
I enjoyed the comic more. Get it?? Like Batman. Alright, whatever. This was a pretty weird album. I understand the low rating, but I kind of thought it was weird in a refreshing way. The almost grungy, metallic guitar playing was very interesting. Every song feels very unpolished, gritty, and real. The singer on the other hand, eh, the singer kinda sucks. I’m not gonna lie to you. This is one of those albums I enjoyed the most when he wasn’t singing. For that reason, “Bloodsport” was, and I mean by far was, my favorite song on the album. Seriously though, it’s really cool how different these songs sound for being called Rock songs. They’re pretty unique in that regard. Futuristic almost. Song to song, the sound is pretty different from the last, but the songs themselves drag on a little too long, and are fairly one-note and not tremendously engaging. They’re fine, certainly, but nothing you’d think is amazing or necessarily in need of a listen. It’s not an amazing album, but for what it is I enjoyed it enough to say that I might return to it if I’m bored. It’s a mid to high 3.7 for me. Some funky, raw guitar playing throughout the album that I can’t really compare to anything else, but the singing just isn’t for me, and holds the album back heavily, unfortunately. Still though, I had fun with this one at least. Being unique is an accomplishment in and of itself. It’s another accomplishment to be unique and sound as interesting as this does, and not get a 1 or a 2. Unique in a cool, refreshing way. Cool little album. I liked it. I could see myself digging into this band who I’ve never heard of before until today’s discography and checking out their other stuff. The lead singer looks to me, in visual appearance only (I wish in vocal quality, but alas) like an exact replica of Ozzy, which doesn’t contribute a single thing to the album, I just think it’s really funny and I wanted to share that. But yeah, with a voice like that it’s no wonder this album is rated as low as it is. If the guitar playing wasn’t so god damn interesting, this would be an easy 2 from me. But I can mostly tune Temu Ozzy out and enjoy this album for what it is. So, despite all odds, it’s still a high 3 for me.
While this was probably groundbreaking on release, this one just felt ok to me. Highlights-Tomorrow's World, Bloodsport, and Primitive.
This had some really easy to latch onto instrumental work. This was constantly riding the line where I was enjoying it and was surprised that I was. Good one to have on the list. I could see myself listening to this again.
Cool album art. That opening had some cool instrumentals going for it. 2nd Track keeps it up. The trend continues to the end. The album surprised me. Every track is sonically interesting enough. The album doesn't stick around longer than it should.
Decent album
3/5
This is a great album probably 7/10
For once, a British post-punk album that isn't hard to listen to! I even enjoyed some of it! I do still stand by the fact that when you listen to one post-punk song/album, you've heard them all. This was no different. I'm just so happy I didn't hate every second of it. For that alone, it gets a firm three. Congratulations, Killing Joke!
A pretty good album, I liked S.O.36 and Change the most.
kind of industrial punk and metal. Cool sound but didn't really stick with me
Heavy but not leaden. Has some solid atmosphere while still being sprightly. Sometimes too repetitive for its own good. I’m always a little concerned before I start a post-punk album because 1) it’s not a very descriptive genre term, that shit could mean almost anything and 2) I often don’t really like it. I liked this fine, though. It helps that it’s not an hour long. “Requiem” is a solid opener and I really enjoyed the insistent chug and ornamental guitar on “Tomorrow’s World”. Also dug the synth and bass work on “Bloodsport”. Thoughtful arrangements that ride the line between being overproduced and too spare. Not sure if or when I’ll revisit this one, but I liked it enough to recommend it to anyone who enjoys this kind of music.
Decent. Could be a 4.
Decent
This was somewhat interesting in a sonic sense, just simply based on how the group mixed punk with funk, metal, and industrial-like music. Some of the tracks just felt a tad too repetitive to me, however.
A solid post-punk record, but also an example of finishing returns. The first few tracks led me to believe I had a potential 4 star album on my hands, but as the album wore on, I grew less and less interested. I listened a second time and had the same reaction. “Requiem” is a killer track though!
Better than Coldplay
Never heard of this band from England. They had a nice mix of sound genres some catchy others rock n rollin a bit with some Electronica mixed in.