Killing Joke (2006) (Album Review)

Killing Joke – Hosannas from the Basements of Hell (Deluxe)

Killing Joke’s twelfth studio album, Hosannas from the Basements of Hell was released in 2006, three years after their previous opus, in the city of Prague, which is so dear to their hearts.

There’s something about this band that always makes me happy when they make a new album. This time, however, I can tell they’re going a bit in circles.
For the biggest fans, it will be a delight. For the rest of us, it’s just a rehash of the same old, same old, with no originality whatsoever.

This music is ultra tiring. When you’re in a good mood and want to surround yourself with good vibes, Killing Joke is not the ideal band. In fact, they’re one of the bands you should avoid.
On the other hand, if you’ve got anger you haven’t been able to get rid of for years (which seems to be the case with the singer!), it’s still good therapy.

Someone once asked Jaz Coleman how he managed to continue to have such a powerful rage, despite all his years. In fact, a lot of angry bands calm down after a few years. Especially when they become famous and manage to sort out their own financial problems. Not everyone is as environmentally, humanely or politically committed. Jaz had given plenty of answers, including the fact that so many fish are dying because of pollution.

As a reminder, Killing Joke had kept the flame of Punk burning while the movement was dying. I’m really talking about the time.I’m not talking about the resurrection of punk and the fact that it’s still very much alive today.

After that, the band moved with the times, just like the Damned and Siouxsie & the Banshees. They went from punk to new wave.But Killing Joke, who inspired so many metalheads, ended up being part of the latter movement. And it’s stayed there ever since, even if it brings back little touches of that era here and there.

This album can seem interminable if you don’t like it.There are some very long songs. These 12 tracks, which last a total of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 37 seconds, will seem excruciating and will make those who can’t stand rock music sick.

All in all, it’s still a good album.If it’s the only album you’ve got of the band, that’s fine.But, even if they still manage to come up with some very interesting and haunting riffs, good rhythms and solid bass, I feel like I’ve heard it all before.And the singer doesn’t vary much here.He sings mostly with his angry voice, while his soft voice is always a perfect complement that also gives balance.

Now… You be the judge!
Or not…