Killing Joke [2003]
by Killing Joke
  • Record Label: Red Ink
  • Release Date: Aug 5, 2003
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic 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]
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  2. 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.
  3. Alternative Press
    100
    Rarely have they sounded more comfortable with themselves. [Oct 2003, p.116]
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  5. Splendid
    90
    Killing Joke feels as fresh and exciting as 1981's album of the same name.
  6. Mojo
    90
    Grohl's pounding presence throughout lifts Killing Joke right back to the savage intensity of their early records.... The best punk album in years. [Aug 2003, p.106]
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  7. Stylus Magazine
    88
    It’s not the most subtle or nuanced album, you can’t really dance to it, and it’s not particular clever. What it is: brutal, full of hooks, rock solid and fucking loud.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Only the somewhat sterile production detracts from a fine reunion. [15 Aug 2003, p.76]
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  9. 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.
  10. Uncut
    80
    A triumph indeed. [Sep 2003, p.102]
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  11. 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.
  12. AllMusic
    80
    While Killing Joke's discography has more than its fair share of awkward and overly ambitious albums, they've once again returned to the fury and focus of their classics.
  13. Blender
    70
    This is a credible update on the classic Killing Joke sound. [Oct 2003, p.118]
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  14. Q Magazine
    40
    For all its feverish bluster, this... is patchy at best. [Sep 2003, p.102]
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  15. Rolling Stone
    40
    All the humorless gloom and doom feels oppressive after a while. [18 Sep 2003, p.74]
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  16. 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.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 3 out of 36
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. Synthfloyd
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    Drums on this album oohhhhhhh **** brutal...I see what you did here dave :)
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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