With a manifesto to "define the exquisite beauty of the atomic in terms of style, sound and form" the mighty Killing Joke have been pumping out decent hard-edged tunes for over 30 years. This is by no means 'dad rock', the Joke stand as firm as ever, with their social/political views, razor sharp guitar, and thumping tribal drums and bass that can still make the blood rush, the gut vibrate, and the heart pound.

Formed in October 1978, despite a few line-up changes, Killing Joke have released 14 official albums only disrupted by a downtime that lasted for most of the 1990's, where the members worked on several side projects. From their debut album right up to 2010's "Absolute Dissent" offering, the main constant has been Jaz Coleman's chanting vocals and Geordie Walker's dischordant but beautiful guitar. Giving influence to many a household name, from Nirvana to Nine Inch Nails to Faith No More to Rammstein, the sheer power of the Joke is undeniable.

On All Fools Day 2011, Killing Joke walked on to the unlikely stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and let lose 90 minutes of sheer adrenaline. Absent from the set was Jaz's usual social waxings, with the minor exception of "Prince Andrew meeting with Gaddafi, what's that all about??" but the essence of the mighty Joke was still alive and kicking and not just a ghost from Ladbroke Grove. Since the sad loss of Paul Raven in 2007, the band have remained with their original line up of Jaz, Geordie, bassist Youth, Big Paul on drums, and Reza (moonlighting from Inertia) on keys. The sound was immense! And I hope that it was officially recorded for the masses to enjoy again at their leisure.

As for the set list, well it covered the years with pride: Unspeakable, Love Like Blood, Change, Wardance, Communion, Bloodsport, European Super State, This World Hell, Fall of Because, Ghost of Ladbroke Grove, Madness, Requiem, Primitive, The Great Cull, Asteroid, Depth Charge, The Wait, Psyche, Eighties, and Pandemonium. Jaz seemed especially pleased to be at the grand venue, stating that he had first been there as a five year old, and marched around the stage in camo-gear with his trademark black warpaint strawn on his face.

Hopefully, I'm not educating you about a band that you've never heard of, because if you have missed what this band is capable of then I must bow my head with shame for you. Their inspiration is everywhere! As I've said, there's only one way to describe Killing Joke..... the mighty Killing Joke.

Let's all go.... www.killingjoke.com