Killing Joke – Killing Joke (1980)

May 6, 2021

I’m not a huge fan of the 80s Killing Joke output, with the self-titled and its follow up being an exception. This incendary debut has the sound of a band hitting the ground running, and unlike some of the band’s other 80s outputs, almost feels like it hasn’t aged a day. For its primitive beginnings, Killing Joke sounds as fresh and as interesting as ever.

How striking is that cover image? Apparently it was taken during the Irish troubles, but I’m unsure how true that is. “Requiem”, “War Dance” and “Primitive” are some of my favourite all-time Killing Joke tracks.