Is Revelations a good place to start with Killing Joke?

Yes, Revelations is recommended as a starting point for new Killing Joke listeners. Darkly pulsating rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an atmospheric landscape of industrial and post-punk influences. Released in January 1982, 'Revelations' was Killing Joke's fourth studio album, following their self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed 'What's This For...!' This period marked their transition into a more polished sound while still maintaining the raw energy that defined their earlier work. The band was establishing itself as a significant force in the post-punk and industrial scenes.

Who is Revelations for?

Revelations works well if you're into short, impactful listening sessions, dark, introspective moods and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Revelations?

Revelations has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Revelations

Killing Joke · 1982

37 min · 10 tracks · new wave

Darkly pulsating rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an atmospheric landscape of industrial and post-punk influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Hum Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Empire Song — This track exemplifies Killing Joke's blend of driving rhythm and incisive political commentary, capturing the spirit of disillusionment prevalent in early 80s Britain.
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The Pandys Are Coming — With its relentless beat and menacing lyrics, this song embodies the band's signature sound and thematic focus on societal chaos.
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We Have Joy — In contrast to the darker themes present throughout the album, this track offers a moment of unexpected levity, showcasing the band's range and complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric sound and rhythmic complexity mark it as a significant entry in the new wave genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'The Hum' that sets a dark, pulsating tone, which is maintained through the first half of the tracklist.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and synthesizers creating a dense atmospheric soundscape.
The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, particularly noticeable between 'Have a Nice Day' and 'Land of Milk and Honey', which alters the listening flow.

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: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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

short, impactful listening sessions
dark, introspective moods
dynamic emotional journeys
steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Killing Joke's influence on industrial metal, enhancing their recognition.
Career context: Released in January 1982, 'Revelations' was Killing Joke's fourth studio album, following their self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed 'What's This For...!' This period marked their transition into a more polished sound while still maintaining the raw energy that defined their earlier work. The band was establishing itself as a significant force in the post-punk and industrial scenes.
Stylistic neighbors: Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy