Killing Joke - XXV Gathering - The Band That Preys Together Stays Together (DVD)

The fact that Killing Joke have reached the ripe olde age of 25 is nothing other than bloody miraculous. Internal band fighting, insanity and the comprising of fairly volatile characters has meant that in 25 years they have probably seem more and done more than most bands have done in a lifetime. On top of all this there is the music they play which varies from brutal political and social content, downright belligerence to deeply spiritual songs, ...
...today should also not be underestimated with Ministry, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and countless crappy new metal bands all owing them a debt of gratitude.

This DVD was recorded during their 25th anniversary gathering at the Shepard's Bush Empire, London February 2005. The opening number "Communion" is a statement of intent with massively impressive drumming from new boy Ben Calvert, Geordies throwing out riffs that sound like ... more

The fact that Killing Joke have reached the ripe olde age of 25 is nothing other than bloody miraculous. Internal band fighting, insanity and the comprising of fairly volatile characters has meant that in 25 years they have probably seem more and done more than most bands have done in a lifetime. On top of all this there is the music they play which varies from brutal political and social content, downright belligerence to deeply spiritual songs, but always relentless and uncompromising.

There influence today should also not be underestimated with Ministry, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and countless crappy new metal bands all owing them a debt of gratitude.

This DVD was recorded during their 25th anniversary gathering at the Shepard's Bush Empire, London February 2005. The opening number "Communion" is a statement of intent with massively impressive drumming from new boy Ben Calvert, Geordies throwing out riffs that sound like shrapnel, bass player Rave prowls the stage with a ferocious low end bass sound. That topped off with intricate eastern influence keyboard work and Jaz Coleman's manic staring eyes, this is what their fans have been after since the invention of video.

As the main show progresses we are treated to a pretty good selection of the body of work from the last 25 years. "Wardance" is ferocious and manic as still as fresh today as it was way back in the day. Geordies guitar work on "Song and Dance" is fantastic and send chills down your spine. Newer material like "Total Invasion" and "Asteroid" fit in well old material, and there are a few treats like "The Pandys Are Coming" and "Sun Goes Down". "Blood Sport" with its repetitive synth line shows the influence that they have had on dance music.

The selection of camera angles during each number is superb capturing the band at their best. Jaz Coleman's manic spasms and stare, Ravens lurking and prowling round the stage, and Geordies effortless not breaking into a sweat even though it is roasting are all captured here, so what more could a fan want?

A 35 minute interview with Jaz Coleman where he discusses the history of the band and the current state of the world from his perspective is an added treat. I don't agree with him on everything but his ideas are expressed eloquently and intelligently giving food for thought. As well as that there is also if you can find it by hunting through the menus footage from rehearsals which is a nice treat but nowt to write home about.

This DVD is an essential item for fans; after all it is us for whom this is intended. Folk with a passing interested would be advised checking out the compilation lp "Laugh I Nearly Bought one" first. It would have been nice to have seen original drummer Big Paul Ferguson and bassist Youth there but either one appearing was highly unlikely, it is a fantastic package though and truly captures the atmosphere of the event.
 

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