Killing Joke - Hosannas From The Basement Of Hell

Killing Joke's 2003 self titled release was a real slap in the face to every two bit metal band the world over. There were four dudes that had the reunion not happened, time would probably have forgot. Their back catalogue whilst extensive and at times impressive had become worryingly out dated as time had gone on. Then they dropped the bomb and showed everyone why they were such an impressive proposition all those years back and impressed us all with their incredible ability to adapt. It must have royally pissed off everyone in a band with heavy tendencies the world over. Knowing no matter how hard they tried, these forty year old dudes had just completely handed their arses to them.

So now it's time for the follow up, have they managed to better themselves again? Not really. There aren't nearly as many impressive songs present here as their last record. Generally they seem to have abandoned the lack of continuity between songs for a more operatic, all consuming epic feel and thus generally making the whole album seem as one. The guitar is still so amazingly produced that it's the stand out point in nearly every song but due to a more instrumental vibe, old made eyes' vocals which were such a driving force before seem to have taken a backseat. However, better than the last one or not, this is still likely to be the metal record of the year, unless Slayer, Isis or Converge can really pull something special out, Killing Joke have proved that they're basically the best metal band going.

Killing Joke - This Tribal Antidote
Killing Joke - Majestic

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