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

The first official KJ DVD is.........faultless!

S. Francis | Earth | 11/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Necessary

Max | Maryland, USA | 01/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

I've watched this twice...in 24 hours that is

D. Galante | watchcity, Ma | 11/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!!!!""

True to form...

S. B. Salit | San Francisco, CA | 01/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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..."