What makes The Killing Jar by Siouxsie and the Banshees notable?

'The Killing Jar' achieved significant attention upon release, particularly for its remix tracks which gained traction in club scenes. The album showcases the band's ability to blend gothic rock with prevalent new wave influences, solidifying their status within alternative music circles during the late 80s. By 1988, Siouxsie and the Banshees had established themselves as influential figures in the post-punk scene, having released their acclaimed album 'Tinderbox' just two years prior. 'The Killing Jar' represents a continuation of their exploration into darker themes and experimental sounds, marking their evolution into more avant-garde territory while still maintaining commercial appeal.

How many songs are on The Killing Jar?

The Killing Jar has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

The Killing Jar

Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1988

19 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Dark and atmospheric textures intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a surreal soundscape that challenges conventional pop structures.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Killing Jar (remix) — This remix encapsulates the album's haunting atmosphere while emphasizing the danceable beats that reflect the era's club culture.
→
Something Wicked (This Way Comes) — The track features a driving rhythm paired with evocative lyrics that explore themes of impending doom, showcasing Siouxsie's lyrical prowess.
→
Are You Still Dying Darling? — This song highlights the band's signature blend of dark romanticism with an infectious melody, illustrating their unique approach to alternative rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The single blends atmospheric remixes with strong rock elements, showcasing distinctiveness in sound and structure.

What we noticed

The first track is a remix that extends the original song's length and introduces additional electronic elements, creating a more dance-oriented feel.
The second track, 'Lepidopteristic mix', further manipulates the source material with heavy reverb and layered textures, emphasizing atmospheric qualities.
The third track shifts to a more traditional rock structure with prominent guitar riffs, while the final track features sparse instrumentation and haunting vocal delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases their sound but isn't a central album in their discography.
Themes: gothic longing· haunted love· dark romanticism
Career context: By 1988, Siouxsie and the Banshees had established themselves as influential figures in the post-punk scene, having released their acclaimed album 'Tinderbox' just two years prior. 'The Killing Jar' represents a continuation of their exploration into darker themes and experimental sounds, marking their evolution into more avant-garde territory while still maintaining commercial appeal.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division