Audio CD review:
Killing Joke - Revelations

Killing Joke - Revelations

Band: Killing Joke Title: Revelations Rating: Release Date: 26 July, 2005 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: The Hum 2: Empire Song 3: We Have Joy 4: Chop-Chop 5: The Pandys Are Coming 6: Chapter III 7: Have A Nice Day 8: Land Of Milk And Honey 9: Good Samaritan 10: Dregs 11: We Have Joy (Alternate Mix)

Customer Reviews Brilliant guitar sound "The Hum": what can I say? The dark and grinding guitar sound is fantastic, and with "Empire Song" and "We Have Joy" following. Having a younger sister that worked for Tower records at the time, I was already familiar with KG when this one was released. . . they covered the price of admission right there. I'm not too keen on "The Pandies Are Coming", but this album could create hours of discussion on guitar tones alone. As luck would have it, I caught the tour for this album. . . and rarely has any band been so mesmerizing in a live setting. I can recall Geordie never looking down at his guitar, and telling a bloke that wanted to "slam dance" with me "Sorry, I don't want to miss any of what this guitar playing is doing". I just ordered the DVD. . . I'm hopeful, even without "The Hum" included. Weakest of the early-Joke era... This is the least essential of the early Killing Joke albums. A decent album, but uninspired compared to the earlier albums and less consistent than the following release (Fire Dances). Although any fan will find something to like here, there's also a lot of ho-hum songwriting that I end up skipping over when I do drag this one out. Their Most Interesting, Exotic Record. For Adults. Embroidered name on a rich blue satin field. The sleeve art says it all. KJ at this point knew they acheived a new level of 'art. ' I bought this record in 1984 and have listened to it ever since. It is a staple so to speak. KJ's 3rd record is brilliant; a more dark, tribal, and sophisticated release than the previous 2 records (which I love as well). I understand why people can't get into this one as this takes time and patience to sink in. . . . Most people want instant musical gratification so if you are THAT person skip Revelations. W/ that said the material on Revelations is heavy, angry, medieval, and describes an insane (cold war) world on the verge of apocalypse. The Hum's droning phased/reverb riff sets the mood of the record. Empire Song drives the record and band into new heights. Conrad Plank's production is perfect for KJ. He brought out what would become a trademark sound for many records to come. We Have Joy is a manic potshot at the West. . . . Chop Chop, one of the singles released from Revelations is strangely catchy. . . The Pandys are Coming is a brilliant but creepy and unsettling song. I picture this song as their 'trumpets' of impending doom, the armies of evil are coming and cannot be stopped. Great imagery. . . heavy stuff. Have a Nice Day is another driving song w/ Paul's groovy tribal drums. . . . . Too bad Sun Goes Down, Brilliant and Birds of a Feather weren't added. . . . I played those singles to death growing up. . . . . . The record ends the Dregs, intense, urgent music over which Jaz intentionally rants, raves, coughs, and stumbles through meaningless lyrics. . . . lost on many listeners. . . . . Dregs closes the record as an unhappy ending to a movie. . . . Leaving the listener stunned. . . absolutley effective. . . . not a bluff. . . . Overall this record/remaster is a gem, some slow moments but by the time they arrive one is so taken by the lyrics/content/message that it all fits. . . The remastered sound is amazing. As a hardcore fan for 21 years this is one of my faves by KJ. Definitely a record explore w/ headphones, the lyric book and a glass of wine. . . . . essential. . You can see a complete list of all Killing Joke discography, or go back to the Killing Joke tabs