Complete List Of Killing Joke Studio Albums And Songs

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This Complete List Of Killing Joke Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Killing Joke studio albums. The band Killing Joke was first formed in 1978. Killing Joke hails from the area of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. All these iconic Killing Joke albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each album as well as all original album covers. Every Killing Joke album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

KILLING JOKE STUDIO ALBUMS

Killing Joke

Released August 5, 1980

Killing Joke, released in 1980, marked the debut of the English post-punk band, Killing Joke. This album established the band’s fierce, primal sound blending punk, metal, and electronic influences. The record is noted for its aggressive, haunting soundscapes and lyrical themes encompassing the socio-political unrest of the era. The band consisted of Jaz Coleman on lead vocals and keyboards, Kevin “Geordie” Walker on guitar, Martin “Youth” Glover on bass, and Paul Ferguson on drums. The album was produced by Killing Joke and engineered by Nick Launay. Killing Joke was recorded at Marquee Studios in London from August to September 1979.

CD Track Listings:

“Requiem” – 3:45
“Wardance” – 3:49
“Tomorrow’s World” – 5:31
“Bloodsport” – 4:46
“The Wait” – 3:44
“Complications” – 3:07
“S.O.36” – 6:51
“Primitive” – 3:35

What’s THIS For…!

Released June 12, 1981

The band’s second studio album, What’s THIS For…!, released in 1981, saw Killing Joke expanding their sonic palette while retaining their trademark intensity. The album’s sound is a fusion of post-punk and new wave, featuring a more experimental approach than their debut. The lineup remained the same with Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Youth, and Paul Ferguson, showcasing their evolving musicianship. The album was produced by Killing Joke and Nick Launay and was recorded at Townhouse Studios in London from January to February 1981.

CD Track Listings:

“The Fall of Because” – 5:12
“Tension” – 4:33
“Unspeakable” – 4:56
“Butcher” – 6:12
“Follow the Leaders” – 5:37
“Madness” – 7:43
“Who Told You How?” – 3:36
“Exit” – 2:54

Revelations

Released July 23, 1982

Revelations, Killing Joke’s third album, released in 1982, continued their exploration into darker, more atmospheric territories. The album showcases a more synthesizer-heavy sound, reflecting a sense of apocalyptic dread and societal decay. Jaz Coleman’s intense vocal delivery, combined with the band’s rhythmic and sonic experimentation, made this album a landmark in the post-punk genre. The album, produced by Conny Plank, featured the standard lineup and was recorded at Conny’s Studio in Cologne, Germany, in early 1982.

CD Track Listings:

“The Hum” – 4:58
“Empire Song” – 3:20
“We Have Joy” – 3:18
“Chop-Chop” – 4:19
“The Pandys Are Coming” – 4:29
“Chapter III” – 3:12
“Have a Nice Day” – 3:14
“Land of Milk and Honey” – 2:35
“Good Samaritan” – 3:30
“Dregs” – 4:50

Fire Dances

Released July 6, 1983

In their fourth studio album, Fire Dances, released in 1983, Killing Joke moved towards a more anthemic, tribal sound. The album exhibits a certain optimism not seen in their previous work, with a focus on rhythm and melody. The band’s lineup for this album included Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, and Paul Ferguson, with the addition of Paul Raven on bass, replacing Youth. Produced by John Porter, Fire Dances was recorded at Basing Street Studios in London during April and May of 1983.

CD Track Listings:

“The Gathering” – 3:12
“Fun and Games” – 4:06
“Rejuvenation” – 4:01
“Frenzy” – 5:50
“Harlequin” – 3:44
“Feast of Blaze” – 3:36
“Song and Dance” – 5:41
“Dominator” – 4:28
“Let’s All Go (to the Fire Dances)” – 3:20
“Lust Almighty” – 3:51

Night Time

Released February 28, 1985

Night Time, released in 1985, marked a significant shift in Killing Joke’s sound, introducing a more accessible, gothic rock influence. This album, known for its brooding atmosphere and synth-heavy tracks, yielded some of the band’s most iconic songs. The lineup featured Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Paul Raven on bass, and Paul Ferguson. Produced by Chris Kimsey, Night Time was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin and Workhouse Studios in London in 1984. The album achieved commercial success, charting in several countries and solidifying the band’s influence in the post-punk and gothic rock scenes.

CD Track Listings:

“Night Time” – 4:56
“Darkness Before Dawn” – 5:20
“Love Like Blood” – 6:49
“Kings and Queens” – 4:41
“Tabazan” – 4:37
“Multitudes” – 4:57
“Europe” – 4:37
“Eighties” – 3:51

Brighter Than a Thousand Suns

Released November 10, 1986

With Brighter Than a Thousand Suns, released in 1986, Killing Joke embraced a more polished, new wave sound. The album, characterized by its synth-laden melodies and less aggressive tone, showcased the band’s versatility. The lineup remained unchanged from Night Time, and the album was produced by Chris Kimsey, with additional production by Stewart Levine. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin and was well-received, further expanding Killing Joke’s audience and musical landscape.

CD Track Listings:

“Adorations” – 4:40
“Sanity” – 4:44
“Chessboards” – 5:50
“Twilight of the Mortal” – 4:12
“Love of the Masses” – 4:41
“A Southern Sky” – 4:40
“Wintergardens” – 5:00
“Rubicon” – 6:06

Outside the Gate

Released June 27, 1988

Outside the Gate, Killing Joke’s seventh studio album released in 1988, is often regarded as a departure from their established sound. This album leaned heavily into electronic and pop influences, featuring extensive use of synthesizers and programming. Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker primarily drove this experimental project, with Paul Raven contributing to some tracks. Produced by Coleman and Walker, Outside the Gate was recorded at Olympic Studios in London. Despite mixed reviews, the album demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

CD Track Listings:

“America” – 3:47
“My Love of This Land” – 4:14
“Stay One Jump Ahead” – 3:09
“Unto the Ends of the Earth” – 6:06
“The Calling” – 4:57
“Obsession” – 3:33
“Tiahuanaco” – 3:24
“Outside the Gate” – 8:39

Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions

Released November 20, 1990

Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions, released in 1990, saw Killing Joke return to a more aggressive, heavier sound. This album, rich in industrial and metal influences, is characterized by its intense energy and confrontational lyrics. The band, consisting of Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Paul Raven, and new drummer Martin Atkins, produced a raw and powerful sound. The album was produced by Killing Joke and Martin Rex and was recorded at Townhouse Three in London. It received critical acclaim for its ferocity and is considered a highlight in the band’s discography.

CD Track Listings:

“Money Is Not Our God” – 5:13
“Age of Greed” – 7:15
“The Beautiful Dead” – 4:37
“Extremities” – 5:04
“Intravenous” – 6:28
“Inside the Termite Mound” – 10:16
“Solitude” – 7:49
“North of the Border” – 5:58
“Slipstream” – 4:57
“Kaliyuga” – 1:05
“Struggle” – 6:06

Pandemonium

Released July 4, 1994

1994’s Pandemonium, marked a significant revival and reinvention for Killing Joke. This album infused elements of electronic and industrial music with their established post-punk sound. Notable for its atmospheric and ethereal qualities, Pandemonium was recorded in the ancient city of Cairo and in New Zealand, adding a unique cultural and spiritual dimension to the music. The album featured Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, and Youth, who returned on bass, with Geoff Dugmore on drums. Produced by Youth, the album’s exotic recording locations and innovative production techniques resulted in a critically acclaimed work, highlighting the band’s enduring creativity and influence.

CD Track Listings:

“Pandemonium” – 6:42
“Exorcism” – 7:27
“Millennium” – 6:18
“Communion” – 7:38
“Black Moon” – 5:19
“Labyrinth” – 5:56
“Jana” – 4:06
“Whiteout” – 3:27
“Pleasures of the Flesh” – 5:42
“Mathematics of Chaos” – 6:45

Democracy

Released April 1, 1996

Democracy, released in 1996, represented Killing Joke’s exploration into more experimental and electronic sounds, integrating elements of dance and ambient music. This album reflected a more introspective and philosophical approach, delving into themes of politics and society. The lineup for Democracy featured Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, and Martin Glover (Youth), with session drummer Geoff Dugmore. Produced by Killing Joke and Youth, the album was recorded at various studios, including Metropolis Studios in London. Democracy showcased the band’s versatility and ability to adapt to the evolving music scene of the 1990s.

CD Track Listings:

“Savage Freedom” – 4:52
“Democracy” – 3:41
“Prozac People” – 6:53
“Lanterns” – 4:54
“Aeon” – 8:01
“Pilgrimage” – 6:31
“Intellect” – 7:17
“Medicine Wheel” – 5:16
“Absent Friends” – 5:41
“Another Bloody Election” – 4:26

Killing Joke

Released July 28, 2003

Killing Joke’s self-titled album from 2003, often referred to as Killing Joke (2003) to differentiate it from their debut, marked a return to a heavier, more aggressive sound. This album featured the original lineup – Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Youth, and Paul Ferguson – reunited for the first time in several years. The record is known for its raw energy, intense guitar work, and brooding atmospherics. Produced by Andy Gill and Killing Joke, the album was recorded at various locations, including the Beauchamp Building in London. Killing Joke (2003) was well-received, regarded as a powerful comeback and a return to the band’s roots.

CD Track Listings:

“The Death & Resurrection Show” – 6:55
“Total Invasion” – 5:28
“Asteroid” – 3:24
“Implant” – 5:19
“Blood On Your Hands” – 6:00
“Loose Cannon” – 4:12
“You’ll Never Get To Me” – 6:18
“Seeing Red” – 5:27
“Dark Forces” – 6:25
“The House That Pain Built” – 6:14

Hosannas from the Basements of Hell

Released April 3, 2006

Hosannas from the Basements of Hell, released in 2006, continued Killing Joke’s legacy of producing dense, heavy music. The album is known for its deep, sludgy guitar tones and Jaz Coleman’s apocalyptic lyrical themes. The lineup for this album included the original members, with an intense focus on creating a dark and immersive listening experience. Produced by Youth and Clive Goddard, Hosannas from the Basements of Hell was recorded at various locations, including Britannia Row Studios in London. The album’s raw sound and passionate performances were praised, highlighting the band’s enduring ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity.

CD Track Listings:

“This Tribal Antidote” – 5:15
“Hosannas from the Basements of Hell” – 5:53
“Invocation” – 7:55
“Implosion” – 5:18
“Majestic” – 5:46
“Walking with Gods” – 8:40
“The Lightbringer” – 9:31
“Judas Goat” – 6:22
“Gratitude” – 7:04

Absolute Dissent

Released September 27, 2010

Absolute Dissent, released in 2010, was a significant album for Killing Joke as it marked the 30th anniversary of the band and the first time the original lineup had recorded together since 1982. The album blended elements of their early post-punk sound with modern influences, resulting in a record that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. Produced by the band and Clive Goddard, Absolute Dissent was recorded at various studios, including Townhouse Studios in London. The album was celebrated for its energy, innovation, and the seamless chemistry of the original lineup.

CD Track Listings:

“Absolute Dissent” – 6:16
“The Great Cull” – 5:57
“Fresh Fever from the Skies” – 3:23
“In Excelsis” – 4:03
“European Super State” – 4:42
“This World Hell” – 5:27
“Endgame” – 4:40
“The Raven King” – 6:33
“Honour the Fire” – 5:51
“Depthcharge” – 4:16
“Here Comes the Singularity” – 5:04
“Ghosts of Ladbroke Grove” – 6:30

MMXII

Released April 2, 2012

MMXII, released in 2012, is a dystopian and prophetic album that reflects on global crises and societal issues. This album blends the band’s characteristic post-punk sound with electronic and industrial elements, creating a powerful and thought-provoking listening experience. The lineup for this album remained the same as on Absolute Dissent. Produced by Killing Joke, MMXII was recorded at various locations, including Britannia Row Studios in London. The album’s themes of apocalypse and renewal resonated with fans and critics alike, emphasizing the band’s continued relevance and creativity in the new millennium.

CD Track Listings:

“Pole Shift” – 8:58
“Fema Camp” – 5:02
“Rapture” – 4:58
“Colony Collapse” – 5:41
“Corporate Elect” – 4:54
“In Cythera” – 4:26
“Primobile” – 4:51
“Glitch” – 4:46
“Trance” – 6:05
“On All Hallow’s Eve” – 5:25

Pylon

Released October 23, 2015

Released in 2015, Pylon is the most recent studio album from Killing Joke. The album combines their characteristic heavy, post-punk sound with industrial and electronic elements, creating a dense, layered sonic landscape. The album’s themes revolve around contemporary societal and political issues, maintaining the band’s tradition of addressing topical concerns. The lineup for Pylon included Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Youth, and Big Paul Ferguson. Produced by Killing Joke and Tom Dalgety, the album was recorded at various studios, including Assault & Battery Studios in London. Pylon was critically acclaimed, praised for its intensity, relevance, and the band’s unwavering commitment to their artistic vision.

CD Track Listings:

“Autonomous Zone” – 5:45
“Dawn of the Hive” – 6:29
“New Cold War” – 6:50
“Euphoria” – 4:16
“New Jerusalem” – 6:10
“War on Freedom” – 4:41
“Big Buzz” – 5:31
“Delete” – 4:50
“I Am the Virus” – 5:39
“Into the Unknown” – 6:15

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