Democracy

Killing Joke have never thought twice about tweaking their sound. From the minimal-sounding dance hit "Eighties" to the heavy throb of their last record, Pandemonium, they were always searching for new means of expression. There were certain elements that were constant--including Jaz Coleman' s hoarse, shouted vocals and Geordie's abrasive guitar--but only their first two records are really very similar. Their latest release is, in fact, a step away from the heaviness of Pandemonium and brings to mind some of their more melodic work of the mid-to-late '80s. There is still plenty of venom in this tireless band, though, particularly in tracks like "Savage Freedom," "Democracy," and "Another Bloody Election." --Adem Tepedelen