What's THIS For...!
Killing Joke · 1981
41 min · 8 tracks · new wave
A cacophony of industrial rhythms and dark, brooding vocals creating an unsettling yet hypnotic sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Fall of Because Start here — Opening with an intense groove, this track embodies the band's blend of post-punk energy and industrial noise, setting the tone for the album's darker themes.
-
→
Tension — The relentless beat and haunting lyrics reflect societal unease, making it a standout representation of the era's anxieties while showcasing Killing Joke's signature sound.
-
→
Follow the Leaders — This track combines catchy hooks with biting social commentary, illustrating the band's ability to merge accessibility with deeper messages about conformity and control.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's industrial sound and dynamic shifts create a unique listening experience that rewards exploration.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, driving bass line that sets a dark tone, while the vocals are delivered in a haunting, almost spoken manner.
- Tracks often feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, with sudden drops to quiet sections followed by explosive crescendos.
- Several songs incorporate repetitive, industrial-style rhythms that create a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into a trance-like state.
- 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
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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 progression with resolution
- dark atmospheric immersion
- haunting vocals for introspection
- gritty soundscapes for focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a deliberate shift towards a heavier, industrial sound.
- Career context
- What's THIS For...? is Killing Joke's third studio album, released in 1981 during a period of artistic exploration following their self-titled debut and the critical success of their sophomore effort, Revelations. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity within the post-punk scene while beginning to incorporate more industrial and new wave elements into their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 The Fall of Because Start here 5:12
- 2 Tension 4:33
- 3 Unspeakable 5:20
- 4 Butcher 6:11
- 5 Follow the Leaders 5:37
- 6 Madness 7:44
- 7 Who Told You How? 3:37
- 8 Exit 3:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Land of Rape and Honey
Ministry
Shares a similar industrial intensity and dark thematic exploration of societal chaos.
Floodland
The Sisters of Mercy
Both harness gothic rock elements with brooding atmospheres and hypnotic rhythms.
Pretty Hate Machine
Nine Inch Nails
Combines industrial sounds with deep emotional themes, echoing the unsettling sonic landscape.
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.