A key influence on industrial rock, their early music was described by critics Stephen Thomas Erlewine and John Dougan as well as industrial metal and "quasi-metal, dancing to a tune of doom and gloom," which gradually evolved over the years, incorporating elements of electronic music, synth-pop, gothic rock, and alternative rock, though always emphasizing Coleman's "savagely strident vocals."
Finding modest commercial success, Killing Joke have influenced many later bands, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Napalm Death, Amebix, Big Black, Godflesh, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Blacklist, Shihad and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to Killing Joke.
Pandemonium
Killing Joke Lyrics
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She says "look behind the wave of changes" feel the future taking shape
I can see tomorrow
I can see the world to come
I can see tomorrow
Hear the pandemonium
I ask her of her next of kin and loved ones in her care
She gestures all around her then she whispers "everywhere
"There is no nuclear family required any more
"My parents are the village and the village is the law"
I can see tomorrow
I can see the world to come
I can see tomorrow
Hear the pandemonium
Hear the pandemonium
She said "unlearn you must forget the values that you hold
"Life is not longevity and beauty is the only goal"
I can see tomorrow
I can see the world to come
I can see tomorrow
Hear the pandemonium
Hear the pandemonium
Cymbals that crash and pipes of pan awaken from your trance
There is no retribution here see how the heathen dance
I can see tomorrow
I can see the world to come
I can see tomorrow
Hear the pandemonium
Hear the pandemonium
The prisoner sat motionless, his cell was six by four.
He walked to the horizon without walking through the door.
We found ourselves converging as we walked towards the sun.
Apart from all discussion, we were functioning as one.
I can see tomorrow
I can see the world to come
I can see tomorrow
Hear the pandemonium
The lyrics of Killing Joke's song "Pandemonium" describe a conversation between the singer and a woman who speaks of supernatural aeons and a future taking shape. The singer is able to see a world to come and pandemonium, which seems to suggest both chaos and excitement. When the singer asks about the woman's family, she gestures around herself and says that the village is the law. This suggests a communal aspect to society, where individuals care for each other rather than relying on nuclear families.
Line by Line Meaning
She talks of supernatural aeons that we'll make
She speaks of a time beyond our current reality that we will bring about.
She says "look behind the wave of changes" feel the future taking shape
She advises to look beyond surface-level changes in order to sense the upcoming future.
I can see tomorrow
I have the ability to envision the future.
I can see the world to come
I am able to foresee what awaits us in the future.
Hear the pandemonium
Listen to the chaos and disorder that is emerging.
I ask her of her next of kin and loved ones in her care
I inquire about her immediate family and close friends.
She gestures all around her then she whispers "everywhere
She motions to everything surrounding us and murmurs that our loved ones are all around.
There is no nuclear family required any more
The traditional concept of a nuclear family is no longer necessary.
My parents are the village and the village is the law"
The community acts as parents and creates its own rules.
She said "unlearn you must forget the values that you hold
She declares that old ways of thinking must be let go in order to progress.
Life is not longevity and beauty is the only goal"
Life's objective is about more than just surviving, and prioritizes the experience of beauty.
Cymbals that crash and pipes of pan awaken from your trance
Loud, chaotic sounds have the ability to rouse people from a dazed state.
There is no retribution here see how the heathen dance
In this moment there is no punishment, only an uncivilized yet exuberant dance.
The prisoner sat motionless, his cell was six by four.
The captive stayed still, confined by a small cell.
He walked to the horizon without walking through the door.
He progressed towards a distant point without the use of doors.
We found ourselves converging as we walked towards the sun.
As we approached the sun, we all came together.
Apart from all discussion, we were functioning as one.
Despite having no verbal communication, we were still working together in sync.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, JAMES HARRIS III, JESSE WOODS JOHNSON, TERRY LEWIS, PRINCE NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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