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

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  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 the most influential band, post punk. Long may they annoy.
  2. Sunn0)))
    Sep 26, 2003
    9
    Better than Democracy, nice comeback
  3. TomB
    Sep 30, 2003
    10
    The wake-up record of 2003. Raw, furious, factual. If only journalism had the same courage, they'd actually serve a purpose. Rock and roll should be on its knees in gratitude to Jaz "Loose Cannon" Coleman.
  4. johnnyk
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    I thought the albums after 'Etremities' were crap to be honest. This is a welcome return to form. Is 'Implant' one of the best Joke songs youve ever heard? Undoubtedly!! So relevant today. But basically - just boss tunes & guitars.
  5. marcusp
    Sep 10, 2003
    10
    relentless, brutal, genius, masterful - go buy it now.
  6. RupertA
    Oct 15, 2003
    9
    An awesome blend of tension, anger and ferocity with punchy guitar riffs, fantastic testosterone filled bass and drumming to die for! Bloody brilliant.
  7. lewisg
    Aug 22, 2003
    10
    In the hellish state the world is in at the moment the world needs killing joke.
  8. JAMIEH
    Aug 22, 2003
    9
    BACK TO THEIR HEARTBUSTIN BEST.
  9. FrosticG
    Sep 14, 2003
    10
    What a relief to find some intelligence out there...
  10. FrancisO
    Sep 16, 2003
    10
    Violent, dark and prophetic. It was worth waiting 7 years for such a triumphal return.
  11. 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 has done with this masterpiece? Cheers to Jaz, Geordie, Youth and Paul (and Dave!)
  12. maxc
    Oct 12, 2003
    10
    the fucking best metal cd ever
  13. 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 is a floggin' genius. A couple tracks are weaker than others, but on the whole a major kick in the ass!
  14. 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 about the state of human affairs concerning how badly we're doing as a species. Killing Joke true to form.
  15. Chris
    Jan 16, 2004
    9
    Excellent, and that's exactly why you missed it in your shitty Rolling Stone mag or turd burglaring MTV.If you listen to this,you'll grow balls as big as small dogs.
  16. 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 than this one!
  17. nosferatu
    Feb 13, 2007
    9
    My favourite band still dominates the alternative scene. This is evidence of true talent, originality and staying power!
  18. stevete
    Nov 14, 2003
    9
    Wow. This is good.
  19. ajay
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    absolutely mind blowing , a must for all rock fans
  20. 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 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 upThe 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
  21. Synthfloyd
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    Drums on this album oohhhhhhh **** brutal...I see what you did here dave :)

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Only the somewhat sterile production detracts from a fine reunion. [15 Aug 2003, p.76]
  2. Outburn
    100
    The most vicious album of the year. [#23, p.84]
  3. 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.
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