Released 20 years ago
Hosannas from the Basements of Hell
Killing Joke · 2006
62 min · 9 tracks · new wave
A dark fusion of industrial metal and post-punk energy, layered with haunting vocals and provocative themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Tribal Antidote Start here — The opener sets the tone with its aggressive instrumentation and urgent vocals, encapsulating the album's themes of conflict and survival.
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Hosannas From the Basements of Hell — The title track combines relentless rhythms with evocative lyrics that critique modernity, making it a poignant centerpiece of the album.
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Walking With Gods — This track showcases an expansive soundscape that blends melodic elements with industrial textures, highlighting Killing Joke's musical evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines industrial metal and post-punk elements with strong thematic depth and varied vocal styles.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm and layered guitar textures, establishing a dark atmosphere that persists throughout.
- Vocals often alternate between melodic lines and aggressive shouts, creating a dynamic tension in the delivery.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Implosion,' which shifts from a slow build to an intense climax.
- The final track, 'Gratitude,' concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
- 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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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued vitality in their sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2006, 'Hosannas from the Basements of Hell' is Killing Joke's ninth studio album and marks a return to form after a brief hiatus. This album came five years after their previous release, 'Killers,' and showcases the band's enduring relevance in the post-punk and industrial scenes. The lineup remained consistent, featuring original members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker, emphasizing their commitment to their roots while exploring new sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 This Tribal Antidote Start here 4:14
- 2 Hosannas From the Basements of Hell 5:52
- 3 Invocation 7:54
- 4 Implosion 6:41
- 5 Majestic 5:40
- 6 Walking With Gods 8:36
- 7 The Lightbringer 9:38
- 8 Judas Goat 6:21
- 9 Gratitude 7:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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