Killing Joke
Killing Joke · 2003
59 min · 11 tracks · new wave
A thunderous blend of industrial metal and post-punk energy, marked by dark lyrical themes and relentless rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Death & Resurrection Show Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of rebirth and societal decay, featuring powerful instrumentation and haunting lyrics that set the tone for what follows.
-
→
Blood on Your Hands — With its driving beat and intense vocal delivery, this track stands out as a critical commentary on violence and guilt, showcasing Killing Joke's trademark fusion of aggression and melody.
-
→
Wardance — As a reimagined classic from their earlier catalog, this version brings a contemporary edge to the band's roots while highlighting their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has a mixed cohesion due to its varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving percussion, establishing a powerful opening.
- The album includes moments of atmospheric interludes, such as 'Implant', which provide brief pauses in intensity before returning to heavier sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- dark themes for introspective moments
- haunting vocals with relentless energy
- immersive experience demands attention
- suitable for late-night reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lighthearted or upbeat sounds
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long gap, resonating with fans and new listeners.
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Killing Joke's self-titled album marked a significant return for the band after their 1994 album, Pandemonium. The group was reuniting after a period of lineup changes and fragmentation, showcasing their enduring influence on the gothic rock and industrial scenes while attempting to connect with a new generation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 The Death & Resurrection Show Start here 6:56
- 2 Total Invasion 5:28
- 3 Asteroid 3:24
- 4 Implant 5:18
- 5 Blood on Your Hands 6:00
- 6 Loose Cannon 4:12
- 7 You'll Never Get to Me 6:19
- 8 Seeing Red 5:27
- 9 Dark Forces 6:26
- 10 The House That Pain Built 6:17
- 11 Wardance 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.