Killing Joke returns

From the opening riffs of "The Death & Resurrection Show," it's clear Killing Joke has something to say with the second self-titled release 22 years after they blasted onto the scene. The name on the spine says it all: "Killing Joke." And that's a real period following the name - not just the end of my senctence. More than anything, this 2003 release makes it known that this is "Killing Joke - period."

After two lackluster studio releases in the form of 1994's industrial-inspired Pandemonium (ironic, since the band practically invented the style of music that eventually got mislabeled "industrial") and 1996's oddly acoustic Democracy, it was clear Killing Joke had just plain run out of things to say. The fire and the anger that fueled singer/lyricist Jaz Coleman withered after 1990's fan favorite and generally odd Extremities, Dirt & Various Repressed Emotions. It should come as no surprise, however, that Jaz has found plenty to be angry about today - Killing Joke is raging against various targets, but the overall theme is that of an anti-religious crusade of sorts he sees the Bush administration taking on with their actions in the middle east. "Total Invasion" makes his point clear:

Oil barons running the government
So I'll start a war

All votes invalid
use any old lie
Going to carve up your wealth
like pumpkin pie

It's a global abrasion
Conflagration
United Nations
It's a total invasion

Opening track "The Death & Resurrection Show" is as laid-back as the album is going to get. The first half of the album is a raging stampede from the get go, slowing down only slightly upon reaching track 6, first single "Loose Cannon." Geordie's razor-sharp guitar is firmly in control as Jaz puts all of his vocal tricks to the test. His voice may sound smooth in some of the songs, but the demeanor and attitude he infuses as he barks out his lyrics make certain that underneath he's growling with anger. Jaz unleashes that trademark howl when he needs to make a point - that gritty, gutteral howl he's known for contains a frightening amount of emotion in a genre not known for much in the way of genuine feeling. Jaz is pissed.

Article Author: Tom Johnson

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