Album Review

Killing Joke – In Excelsis’

• 28th May 2010

Anticipation could well run high for Killing joke this year. After a successful reformation and some live dates played to pleased crowds – they are now releasing this Ep followed by a full album later in the year.
The ‘In Excelsis’ EP, does plenty of justice for hardcore fans, and is perhaps an indication of what is yet to come. The few tracks we are presented with here recall the time in the early 80’s when punk and that darker side of rock was starting to hit its prime. It had really found its feet and yet there was still room for plenty of experimentation.

Killing Joke found their feet along time ago and are sure footed here – but again full of experimentation. A lot of the success is down to their leading man’s style of singing. Age may have made his voice sound all the gruffer, but if anything it fits the music all the better. The track “In Excelsis” shows his willingness to spend an entire song almost roaring down the mic.

“Endgame” is a relentlessly grungier sounding track. Anyone worried that Killing Joke may come back with something altogether softer this late in their career can we reaffirmed that this record is much heavier.

“Kali Yuga” is a return to the punkier edge and gives Coleman a chance to call out his lyrics over the meandering Bass and guitar.

The Ep ends with also reggae beat in “Ghosts of Ladbroke Grove.” It is much more mellow in it’s music- almost soulful – whilst the lyrics are a combination of haunted whispers, and angry rant.

There is also the addition of a Dub version of this song at the end of the EP. All of these songs are taken from the sessions for the forthcoming KJ album ‘XIII: Feast Of Fools’, due on Sept 6th. “In Excelsis” is a welcome return.