Album: Absolute Dissent
Year: 2010
Genre: Post-Punk / Industrial
Killing Joke is a phenomenon. Formed in 1978, they actively release music
and currently write and perform with the four founding members. 1980 saw the
release of their timeless, groundbreaking, and deeply influential, debut that set
the standard for post-punk. Slowly, the
band’s viciously original sound seeped its way into other genres, influencing
musicians around the globe. Their
writing incorporates the primal beginnings of post-punk, alternative,
industrial, metal and electronic, yet, no matter the musical path they decided
to travel, it always sounds like Killing Joke.
Declaring that they have a unique style is far to simple. Killing Joke has a pulse and mentality which
other musicians desire, yet no one has successfully replicated.
What places the band at the front
of the pack from other triple decade survivors is that, and I truly believe
this, they released their best album in their 30th year of existence; a fact
that shows true artistry and dedication.
Although a substandard Killing Joke record doesn’t exist, their releases
could easily be ranked from best to worst to where the disparity of quality
between the top and bottom is evident. It’s
would be silly to say a band with a 30 year career “hit their stride” on their
13th full length release, but Absolute Dissent is a culmination of
every strong trait the band has displayed on previous releases and accentuates
those traits to a maximum potential. Killing
Joke push and pull the listener through unconventional, noise-laden post-punk
rantings, swelling metallic dirges, electro / new wave passages, and straight
on alternative rock anthems; all with a larger than life presence that demands
attention. Jaz Coleman's vocalizations are
more calculated than ever, highlighting the instrumentation by employing a wide
and varied array of styles. Although
some complaints concerning the production have been documented, the whole
record feels like a raw, live show that is tearing its way through the
speakers. Whereas a more polished and
refined production would make the unbridled quality of the songs
nonexistent. As if releasing an album
this strong wasn't enough, the 2012 follow up, MMXII, isn't far
behind on the trail that Absolute Dissent forged. Killing Joke is a one of a kind musical
experience and couldn't be recommended any higher.
Listen to "The Great Cull" here.
Listen to "The Great Cull" here.
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