Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979. Founding members Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members.
A key influence on industrial rock, their early music was described by critics Stephen Thomas Erlewine and John Dougan as "quasi-metal ... dancing to a tune of doom and gloom", which gradually evolved over the years, incorporating elements of electronic music, synthpop, gothic rock, and alternative rock, though always emphasising Coleman's "savagely strident vocals".
Finding modest commercial success, Killing Joke have influenced many later bands and artists, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Porcupine Tree, Napalm Death, Behemoth, Amebix, Big Black, Slipknot, Opeth, Murderdolls, Godflesh, Scorn, Hole/Courtney Love, Dead by April, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Nick Harper, Blacklist, Shihad, Pitchshifter, Das Oath, Rammstein, and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to Killing Joke.
Read more about Killing Joke: Discography, Films, Side Projects, Influence
Famous quotes containing the words killing and/or joke:
“Every great love brings with it the cruel idea of killing the object of its love so that it may be removed once and for all from the wicked game of change: for love dreads change even more than annihilation.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“It is a medium of entertainment which permits millions of people to listen to the same joke at the same time, and yet remain lonesome.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)