Killing Joke – Night Time

It’s pretty hard to overestimate the importance and influence of Killing Joke when you’re talking about—for lack of a better term—alternative rock.

There is a sweet spot in the history of this music where early angst begins to mature, but doesn’t yet fade. The Replacements nailed that spot. As did Ministry. As did REM. As did Husker Du. And so forth.

Killing Joke nailed it with this album.

If you have any doubt as to just HOW impactful Killing Joke—and this album—are, listen to “Come As You Are” by Nirvana. Nirvana is arguably alternative rock’s greatest triumph. But for all intents and purposes, the music of “Come As You Are” was recorded by Killing Joke six years prior.

There is of course a supplemental conspiracy theory that suggests The Damned beat them all to the punch with their 1982 song “Life Goes On.”

The real point is, Killing Joke was a killer band, and their mix of punk ferocity, dance floor aggression, and socio-political rebellion made for truly necessary music.