UMUR
"MMXII" is the 15th full-length studio album by UK alternative/industrial rock/metal act Killing Joke. The album was released through Spinefarm UK/Universal in April 2012. After a longer recording break and the tragic death of bassist Paul Raven in 2007, Killing Joke returned in 2010 in their original lineup with "Absolute Dissent". only two years later they are now ready with the second effort after the reunion of the original lineup.
The music style on "MMXII" is no surprise if you are familiar with "Absolute Dissent", as the new album pretty much follows the same alternative/industrial rock/metal direction as it´s predecessor. It can be hard hitting hardcore punkish, it can be industrial rock metallic and repetitive, it can be more atmospheric and melancholic and it touches pop territory too. Lead vocalist Jaz Coleman delivers his usual clean and raw vocals with great conviction and is backed by a really well playing band. Some of the standout tracks to me are the opening 8:56 minutes long "Pole Shift", which shows an almost progressive side of the band, and the "pop" tinged "In Cythera". Most tracks are of good quality though but there are a couple of tracks that smell slightly like fillers.
...nothing too serious of course and all in all "MMXII" is another strong release by Killing Joke. If I have to mention one issue it would be that the sound production feels a bit "suffocating" and aren´t allowed enough room to breathe. It´s a bit hard to explain but it could have been better that´s for sure. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.