Killing Joke-Live at Hammersmith Apollo

Four Worlds Media
2011

English post-punk act Killing Joke were formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England. Either that or in early 1979. Different sources suggest different origins. All that really matters though is the fact that in August of 1980 Killing Joke released their self-titled debut album. From that point on a generation of bands have cited Killing Joke as an influence. Bands like Metallica, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Tool, Soundgarden, Ministry, Front Line Assembly, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Melvins, Faith No More, Godflesh, Napalm Death and Primus have all mentioned Killing Joke as an influence and it is no wonder when you consider how their music mixed in elements of punk, heavy metal and industrial rock. After a life-long career and album upon album of stellar post-punk we come to the album of the moment for Killing Joke. Live at Hammersmith Pollo sees founding members Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards) and Kevin Geordie Walker (guitar), alongside Martin Youth Glover (bass) and Paul Ferguson (drums) live in London’s landmark Hammersmith Apollo (obviously with the title!). With the selections spanning the band’s thirty year career you get a little of everything over these two discs but for me the best material here is cuts like "Wardance", "Bloodsport", "Requiem" and "The Wait". It's on these early cuts that you can still sense the razor sharp edge these guys have after thirty plus years. These cuts alone make this package worthwhile not just for Killing Joke fans but those who have a desire to be part of something worthwhile. Killing Joke have always been about the cause and in this live setting they sell it with fire and rage.