by Rob Jones
Killing Joke have had a major effect on many aural genres since their arrival in 1979 and the first time that John Peel aired them was another turning point in the momentum of music. Since then, the band has gone through numerous internal conflicts and lineup changes, the only two constant members being Jaz Coleman (vocals/ keyboards/arrangements) and Geordie Walker (guitar). However, the four founder members are to be reunited for a new album and global tour.

Triple Grammy winner, Jaz Coleman, takes a break from his post as the Prague Symphony Orchestra’s composer in residence. A more fascinatingly diverse musical career cannot be found, oscillating as he has between the white heat of Killing Joke and the world’s greatest symphony orchestras e.g. the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, The Auckland Philharmonic and the New Zealand String Quartet (topping the American crossover charts with three top fives, and two No. 1s, one of which stayed in the top spot for an incredible 103 weeks. In 2001, Coleman was commissioned by the Royal Opera House for his first large scale opera.

Bassist, Martin ‘Youth’ Glover returns and he has not played live with Killing Joke since 1994’s ‘Pandemonium’ tour. Youth is also a major producer with credits such as The Verve’s Brit Award winning ‘Urban Hymns’, and Primal Scream’s ‘Riot City Blues’. He has written and produced for bands including, The Cult, Dido, Missy Higgins, Paul McCartney, Embrace and Tricky as well as working with The Orb. In 1998, Youth won the prestigious, Producer of the Year Award.

Drummer, Paul Ferguson’s comeback sees him takeover from skilled p[layers such as: Onetime Swans and Prong member, Ted Parsons as well as Martin Atkins of Public Image Ltd and later Ministry. Nirvana/Foo Fighters’s Dave Grohl also played on 2003’s eponymous Killing Joke album.

Ferguson described Killing Joke as ‘the sound of the earth vomiting’ conjuring powerful messages with a primitive atmosphere of revolution plus resistance. Killing Joke have incorporated danceable elements with aggressive, grinding guitars and thumping drums that has influenced the likes of: Nirvana, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden and Godflesh.

Covered by Metallica, Foo Fighters and more, Killing Joke’s place in rock history was confirmed in 2005 when they won Kerrang magazine’s prestigious lifetime achievement award. Killing Joke have always been and continue to be more than just a band and the return of the famous four will only lead to more interest in these pioneers.

Killing Joke play @ Cardiff University SU (The Great Hall, Solus, CF10, The Taf, Y Plas), Cardiff on Sunday, October 25 at 7:00pm. For ticket details call 0292 078 1458