Killing Joke (also known as Killing Joke 2003) is the eleventh studio album by English rock band Killing Joke, released on 28 July 2003 through Zuma Recordings. It was their first album in seven years, following Democracy in 1996, and their second self-titled album, following their debut in 1980. The album was produced by Andy Gill (Gang of Four) and all drums were performed by guest Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), a long-time Killing Joke fan.
Critical reviews were largely positive, noting the band's move towards a heavier sound, and the album peaked at number 43 in the UK Albums Chart.
Background and recording
Vocalist Jaz Coleman and Dave Grohl originally intended to title the album Axis of Evil, in reference to the political lyrical themes: "It's the beginning of the American Empire. They're taking over the world. That's what's happening, and here we are at the heart of the fucking enemy. I never thought I'd see the day." The Death & Resurrection Show, the title of the opening song on the album, was also a working title.
Bassist Paul Raven had recently met Grohl, who expressed an interest in working with the band. According to Coleman, "The original idea was to have three of our favourite drummers play on the album, Dave [Grohl] being one of them. We also wanted John [Dolmayan] from System of a Down and Danny [Carey] from Tool. But when Dave heard the songs, he said, 'I want the whole thing'". Dolmayan worked with the band during early recording sessions, but the drumming on the final album is entirely by Grohl. Grohl declined to be paid for his work.
The album was produced by Andy Gill of Gang of Four and mostly recorded at his Beauchamp Building studio in London. The drums were recorded at Grand Master Studios in Los Angeles. Grohl's drum parts were adapted from drum machine patterns Gill and the band created. During the recording of the song "Asteroid", Dave Grohl commented on the album:
Most of the bass guitar is played by original member Youth, with contributions by the band's other long-time bassist Paul Raven. Youth said "The reason we brought Raven back in to do one track was because I didn't want to tour it. He was prepared to tour it but wanted to be part of the album if he was gonna tour it". Guitarist Geordie Walker originally claimed to have played "half the bass on the record."
Critical reception
The album received positive reviews from critics. On review aggregator website Metacritic, it holds an average review score of 79/100, based on 15 reviews, indicating "generally favourable reviews". John Robb of Playlouder wrote that the album "may well be the best rock record you'll hear all year".
Track listing
Personnel
;Killing Joke
- Jaz Coleman – vocals, synthesizer
- Kevin "Geordie" Walker – guitar, bass guitar ("Loose Cannon")
- Martin "Youth" Glover – bass guitar
- Paul Raven – bass guitar (one track)
- Dave Grohl – drums
;Additional personnel
- Andy Gill – additional guitar feedback
- Katie Summers – voice (track 2)
;Technical
- Andy Gill – recording engineer, producer
- Jerry Kandiah – recording engineer
- Nick Raskulinecz – recording engineer (L.A. drum sessions)
- Alex Alekel – assistant engineer (L.A. drum sessions)
- Clive Goddard – mixing
- Milk – cover design
Charts
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