Customer Reviews

Killing Joke - XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Being a 30s something Brit and having grown up with Killing Joke over the last 25 years, I can appreciate their musical output and ethos on so many levels. Seeing Killing Joke live is not so much a concert as it is an experience. The sheer sonic bombardment of your senses, the intensity of the occasion and the eerie, mesmerising and at times frightening stage presence of Jaz Coleman make for heady stuff indeed. Question is, does this DVD in any way capture that? Amazingly, yes it does! The sound is bone shattering, the visuals add enormously to the effect and message of the songs and the staccato editing give the DVD presentation a real edge. And then we have Jaz. What can you say? The perfect commentator on social decay, environmental collapse, cheque (check) book politics, etc. And all done with his unique excited smirk which says, "This is GREAT! I told you this would happen!".

The interview with Jaz lasts for a good 30+ minutes and is very revealing and interesting. He talks about the early days of KJ, the new drummer, being an ex-pat :-), conspiracy theories. Lots to keep you entertained. The rehersal and soundcheck footage is a hidden extra (go to the interview and hit the next chapter button on your remote) and only lasts for 5 minutes. It's mainly live footage from other shows, some rehersals, some goofing around and a few words of wisdom from Jaz himself. This footage plays to parts of some studio songs, so it's not the actual sound of the footage itself, which is a pity.

If you've never seen KJ play live this DVD will give you a really good idea about what it's like. An excellent music DVD featuring a unique, genre defining band at the top of their game. Highly recommended.

Seeing as this is the 25th year for the band, and this is their only "official" DVD, this is a "must buy" for fans. Killing Joke won't be around forever, and really do make a sonic impact in a live setting that you cannot get from any recorded medium. So, in, say, 10 years time this will have to do as the closest you cancome to a real Killing Joke experience.
As for the song selection: Of course I have some different choices. I'm sure you do, as well. But There's not one song on here that I dislike, and I bet you like most of the songs on here, if you are a fan already. If you know nothing of Killing Joke, I really doubt you are readig this. But, be that as it may, if you're a fan of Heavy rock (be it Metal, Punk, or whatever) you'll find something to like in this collection.
As for the interview:
I usually dismiss about a third of what Jaz says. I don't mean any disrespect to the man, it's just a different opinion from me. What remains is pretty amusing and revealing. I wouldn't buy the DVD for the interview, but it's not a bad thing to have.
What more is needed? How about the rest of the concert, and maybe some more "behind the scenes", or maybe, even a history on the band?
But, even those few things aside, I think this is necessary for Fans of Killing Joke.

The boys are back in motion and tighter than ever, it seems. The anger and frustration with the business of making MUSICK and "Getting it out there" seems to keep one of my favorite bands coming back for more. All hail Killing Joke! Without them modern music would have deep holes...

Since Killing Joke is my favorite band in the entire world, I have seen them live many times (14 at present, and hoping for more). I finally purchased this DVD and was initially skeptical about sitting on my couch and trying to get the same visceral feeling as being in the same room with them. I was impressed with every aspect of this DVD concert.

I started with Jaz's interview (couldn't get the bonus material to work!!) and then watched the show. The interview does a good job of setting the tone and supplying a context for this historical event without becoming self-indulgent (which Coleman usually resorts to in interviews). Jaz's passion for his work and his bandmates really shines through the 25-or so-minute interview. And he makes a good point - name another band that's still together after 25 years and enjoys the cameraderie that these guys do. Most bands have reunited for the money and can't stand each other (Pink Floyd, anyone?).

The concert is shot and recorded very well and I found myself enjoying a few cuts even more with the added visuals than I had on the audio version. In "Asteroid" for example, even though Geordie's incredible guitar blast gets lost in the mix (he has to tune down for that one) the enthusiasm of the crowd makes up for the loss in the video version. Jaz presents his mystic madman posturing amidst the sheer storm of the music - always an added dimension in a live setting. Even in the interview, the ravages on his voice have taken their toll over the years, and on a purely audio recording, Jaz can sound quite abrasive. The visuals add to the impact of his presence.

As far as overall audio quality, the recording is superb, and the bass which is usually buried in the mix on their lp's thumps and growls nicely on here. Geordie is almost inaudible on the opening cut, but it's sorted out soon afterward, and we get to bask in the shards of metallic beauty that make Killing Joke what it is at it's heart. His new Framis amp setup gives the guitar sound an added shimmer, but without as much bite as the Marshalls he's used for the past 10 years or so.

I have to mention 'Benny Boy', KJ's new drummer, who even receives accolades from Jaz in the interview segment. He has the 'busy-ness' of Atkins with the light rolling touch of Ferguson, and really works it hard on here. I can tell why the band is so smitten with this lad.

By the time the concert was reaching an end, I had that heart-pounding revelatory feeling I always get from a live Killing Joke experience, so it really translated well. Recommended for old and new fans alike.

Great set list, great sound, great band. Shot really well. A fav band of mine, and now a fav dvd. If you are in any way a fan and are moderately curious about purchasing this, DO IT. Easily worth twice the price, I can't see how you could be disappointed, Jaz and the guys are as intense as ever. Young drummer Ben does an incredible job as well, I have to say...
"It's a total INVASION!!!!"

Absolutely one of the best performances, both of band and fans I have ever seen (and I've been to some great shows). The DVD includes all the favourites including a lot from the first album, but my favourite and a real rare treat, is to see them play their very first single - ARE YOU RECIEVING which just explodes with this version.
SUPERB camerawork and editing, showing all band members in their glory. Their new drummer Ben, shines as great as original Big Paul which is a treat in itself.

Only thing that is a minus - and this is completely UNFORGIVABLE is the audio mix which reduces the great Geordies guitar to a whisper. If I didnt already know the songs, I would never hear the beauty of his playing as it is lost somewhere in the background of the mix. A new fan might just make out the basics, but the growling is lost and that was frustrating for me. No fault of the band - but whomever did the mix SHAME ON YOU!!!!

This is DJ Mont (from Kitchen Club Miami '80's) recommending this to all KJ lovers everywhere.

War Dance is the highlight. The 5.1 sound will have your room shaking.Saw them in Boston in early 80's While you are not with them live in a club, the DVD is the next best thing.

Have it before, borrow it to a friend, never saw it back. If you are an Industrial Metal fan, you have to have their fathers! Thanks guys, recive it in 3 to 4 days! Really fast! Love how you guys work!

the dvd of Killing Joke "the Gathering" is a great musical experience. maybe not for casual fans but the rest should love it. this dvd makes me glad i've been a fan for 28 yrs. the camers agles are great and so is the sound.. on the downside, not every song I wanted is included.(thats the way it goes) i highly recommend this 1995 live dvd.

I've really liked KJ for years, the LPs, then the CDs, but, this is a live performance (concert)(25th aniversary) Most of the studio releases were 'pristine' (mix, balance, etc.)but this has only a fair approach to the studio stuff....You can recognize all the tunes, but the mix leaves you wanting, but, it has the band (slightly changed personell),they did some great tunes, but left out some others.
Still worth the cost for any Killing Joke fans!!