For thirty years Killing Joke has been bringing a unique mixture of English post punk and industrial metal over seas to give the United States a taste of what mother England has to offer. This week they release their 15th album in the states, MMXII. Released in the UK on Spinefarm Records early last April, MMXII quickly took place as 44th in sales on the charts. With great excitement, we openly welcome it to our coast on October 30th.
With a long history of punk themed political preaching, it should come as no surprise that Killing Joke believes that in this time of social and economic turmoil that the only way to get word across is through their music. They do so by breaching many ill fated political controversies in their titles and lyrics. “Fema Camp”, for instance is “based on concentration camps built in the America.” As well as many other tracks dealing with worldly problems that are not accepted or condoned by the masses. Staying true to their punk roots and rocking about politics is admirable, however, what makes this album so special? Simply put, the timing. There is no time in this world that is felt more corrupt that current society. The only way to get the point across is by not so subtly releasing an album completely dedicated to ousting the world for it’s flaws.
In addition to a new sound for a new world, the original members of the band are back together for the first time in ages. With their diversity as musicians each has added elements of electronic, synth pop, goth rock, and industrial flare to every song making it vasty unique to the ears. Singer Jaz Coleman heads the group with symphonic vocals filled with power and meaning. As well as Kevin “Geordie” Walker wailing on his guitar. Compiled with Martin “Youth” Glover on bass and Big Paul Fergeson on drums these boys have influenced some of the greatest album selling and heart holding bands in society today. With names including Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Foo Fighter, and Korn you can only expect greatness from album to album.
The album hits this week. So if you’re sick of reading the news and irritated with the never changing tracks of most of the music hitting the radio, pick up MMXII, you won’t regret it.