Ha!
Killing Joke · 1982
38 min · 9 tracks · new wave
A relentless fusion of industrial rhythms and haunting vocals that captures the chaotic energy of early 80s post-punk.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wardance — The track stands out with its driving beat and aggressive lyrics that critique societal norms, becoming an anthem for rebellion within the post-punk landscape.
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Pssyche Start here — This opener encapsulates the album's sonic experimentation, merging chilling melodies with heavy rhythms that set a haunting tone for the rest of the record.
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Sun Goes Down — With its dual versions on the album, this track illustrates the band's dynamic range and ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that evoke existential themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's fusion of industrial rhythms and haunting vocals creates a distinctive sound that influenced future genres.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving beat and layered synths, establishing a relentless energy that persists through most tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the transition from 'Wardance' to 'Sun Goes Down', which shifts from high energy to a more reflective tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady energy for focused listening
- dark atmosphere for introspective moments
- relentless rhythms for physical movement
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification tracks
- avoid dark, brooding soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a departure from their earlier sound, influencing the industrial rock genre.
- Career context
- Released on November 4, 1982, 'Ha!' is Killing Joke's fourth studio album, coming off their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the successful 'What's THIS For...!' It marked a phase of experimentation for the band, as they increasingly integrated electronic elements into their raw post-punk sound, aiming for a broader appeal while maintaining their dark lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 Pssyche Start here 4:47
- 2 Sun Goes Down 3:53
- 3 The Pandys Are Coming 3:54
- 4 Take Take Take 4:56
- 5 Unspeakable 5:19
- 6 Wardance 3:46
- 7 Sun Goes Down 4:18
- 8 Birds of a Feather 3:45
- 9 Flock the B Side 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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