Killing Joke
KILLING JOKE - (Zuma Recordings, 2003)

Let there be much rejoicing: a new Killing Joke album has surfaced and it's one of their best. Gone are the synths that bubbled under the last two discs - this is the muscular groove-heavy rock that Killing Joke made their reputation on. My friend Eric used to call it "dance music for the apocalypse" and I don't know that there is a better description for this CD.

There's been a lot of excitement about Dave Grohl playing drums on the disc, but its's the presence of Andy Gill (Gang of Four) as producer and co-songwriter that seems to be the secret ingredient. Not to undervalue Grohl's drumming but the band hasn't sounded as focused and sharp for many years and Gill seems to be driving that bus. Musically, there are no surprises here other than the consistancy of the songs and performances. As one would suspect (and hope) it's all bone-crunching riffs and state-of-the-world politics delivered with enough power to kill small pets. They hit all the buttons: the war in Iraq, corporate greed, invasion of privacy, the oil industry. The only moments where they lose momentum are in the vaguely Clash-like " You'll Never Get To Me" and the intro to the terrific "Dark Forces" (oddly sounds like an 80's Foetus riff).

Is there a Killing Joke album that doesn't have a monster closing song?

Thank God for a great Killing Joke disc just when we needed it. And did I mention a new version of "Wardance" retooled for this millinneium?

Posted 3/11/05 (written 11/03)