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Killing Joke [2003]
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Killing Joke [2003] Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The first album in seven years for the UK punk outfit founded in 1978 features newly reunited members Jaz Coleman, Youth and Paul Raven, with Dave Grohl filling in on drums.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Outburn
    100
    The most vicious album of the year. [#23, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Alternative Press
    100
    Rarely have they sounded more comfortable with themselves. [Oct 2003, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Playlouder
    100
    Fiercely intelligent, heavy as fuck, powerful and utterly concise, it's a perfect reminder of the potency of great guitar music and a kick up the jacksy of rock bands everywhere. Yup, it's that damn good.
  4. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    Killing Joke doesn't supersede the previous self-titled incarnation so much as it refines the band's legacy and sound without sacrificing an ounce of fury. The result is a real keeper.
  5. Billboard
    80
    Grohl's furious playing fits perfectly with the wall of rage erected by Joke vocalist Jaz Coleman and fellow founders Geordie Walker on guitar and Youth on bass.
  6. Uncut
    80
    A triumph indeed. [Sep 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    20
    If you wanna hear some Killing Joke, do yourself a favor and go get a copy of the band's original debut self-titled record or What's THIS For...! (which were complete trend-setters), because this latest release comes off as nothing but a lifeless self-parody of those albums.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. robertl
    Sep 9, 2003
    10
    Is there more absolute BLISS possible than when one of your original favourite bands resurrects itself with the brilliance that Killing Joke Is there more absolute BLISS possible than when one of your original favourite bands resurrects itself with the brilliance that Killing Joke has done with this masterpiece? Cheers to Jaz, Geordie, Youth and Paul (and Dave!)… Expand
  2. Olderthanyou
    Oct 18, 2014
    10
    Eleven years after it's release, this album still holds up big time. Classic Joke. A sonic explosion throughout. They were and still are theEleven years after it's release, this album still holds up big time. Classic Joke. A sonic explosion throughout. They were and still are the most influential band, post punk. Long may they annoy.… Expand
  4. BonnW
    Sep 13, 2003
    10
    Cerebral intelligence, animal thrust, and lyrics that are spot on about how sick and tired any sane and intelligent human being should feel Cerebral intelligence, animal thrust, and lyrics that are spot on about how sick and tired any sane and intelligent human being should feel about the state of human affairs concerning how badly we're doing as a species. Killing Joke true to form.… Expand
  5. mikeRobeorman
    Oct 18, 2003
    10
    Having ALL their records, this one is a definite keeper. For some reason, I have to crank it up after work and just dervish around. Andy Gill Having ALL their records, this one is a definite keeper. For some reason, I have to crank it up after work and just dervish around. Andy Gill is a floggin' genius. A couple tracks are weaker than others, but on the whole a major kick in the ass!… Expand
  6. GeorgPeturS
    Jun 12, 2006
    10
    A brilliant album,like every song on it,if you like this one,check out the new album hosannas from The Basemennts Of Hell,it is even better A brilliant album,like every song on it,if you like this one,check out the new album hosannas from The Basemennts Of Hell,it is even better than this one!… Expand
  7. nosferatu
    Feb 13, 2007
    9
    My favourite band still dominates the alternative scene. This is evidence of true talent, originality and staying power!
  8. Danm95VFF
    Apr 18, 2016
    8
    The aptly self titled 2003 album from Killing Joke showcases some of the band's angriest and heaviest songs to date, which means you're in forThe aptly self titled 2003 album from Killing Joke showcases some of the band's angriest and heaviest songs to date, which means you're in for an absolute treat. Jaz Coleman has this incredibly menacing element to his voice that I haven't heard in any other vocalist. Add Dave Grohl on drums to the mix and the powerful riffs from Geordie Walker and you have an album that easily stacks up against their debut. "The Death and Resurrection Show" and "Asteroid" are strong contenders for the soundtrack to the apocalypse. "Seeing Red" and "You'll Never Get To Me" are a bit more melodic whilst retaining the heaviness of the album as a whole. It's got just enough fury and melody to satisfy fans of any era of the band's storied career.… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2003

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