Bristol O2 Academy, 31st March 2022
Not entirely sure how, but to my shame I’ve managed to get this far without ever experiencing Killing Joke live.
That all changed on Thursday when the iconic band rolled into Bristol on their “Honour the Fire Tour”
To see Jaz, Paul, Geordie & Youth arrive on stage was quite the hair on the back of the neck moment.40 year vets that have paved the way and influenced such bands as Nirvana & Nine Inch Nails amongst many more.
The show starts with the unmistakable savage vocal of Jaz with “Love Like Blood” and we are away. A almost sold out crowd whooping and screaming out the individual band members names as to many in the crowd they feel like extended family. I spoke to many in attendance that had seen the band upwards of 20 times.
Sure they move a little slower, sure the sound wasn’t as gracious as years past, sure it was the most silver haired mosh pit I’ve ever seen, but their was an unmistakable tingle in the air that only comes with bands such as Killing Joke.
That Gothic Rock, Synth Pop, electro punk laced with a heavier undertone that’s because synonymous with the KJ sound over the years was still there.
A band never afraid of an abrasive approach to the social political moments of our time, Jaz interacts with crowd, giving political leaning and clout to the songs he’s about to perform.
The crowd literally baying for more as we are treated to the likes of “Primitive”, new EP title track “Lords of Chaos” and personal favourite “Mathematics of Chaos” amongst a strong 17 song set. With 2 song encore of “Requiem” & “Pandemonium” providing the icing on the cake.
Who knows how much longer we’ll get to see KJ doing their thing, but latest EP and this tour proves the fire is still very much alive in the belly. Personally I wouldn’t bet on them not gracing this same stage in another ten years.
The Bristol Nomad
Daisy Kent – Music Photographer
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