The Bat-Light Series #6: Killing Joke

The Bat-Light Series #6: Killing Joke

One of the bands I've been following since a young age, this The Bat-Light Series shines the bat-light on "The atmosphere's strange, out on the town, music for pleasure, it's not music no more. Music to dance to, music to move, this is music to march to — do a war dance." — Killing Joke.

Emerging from Notting Hill, London in 1978, Killing Joke forged a sound that fused post-punk, dub, and industrial elements into something both primal and visionary. Led by the commanding presence of vocalist Jaz Coleman alongside guitarist Geordie Walker, bassist Youth, and drummer Paul Ferguson, the band quickly gained a reputation for their uncompromising intensity. Their early releases channeled the unease of a changing world, with driving rhythms and apocalyptic themes that would go on to influence generations of artists. Acts such as Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and Faith No More have all cited Killing Joke as a key inspiration. Known not only for their thunderous live performances but also for their pioneering studio work, Killing Joke carved a legacy as one of the most innovative and enduring forces in underground music.

Selected track: Wardance — from their 1980 self-titled debut album. One of Killing Joke’s earliest and most iconic singles. This track is often cited as paving the way for industrial and alternative metal.

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