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.
Colony Collapse
Killing Joke Lyrics
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It's changing our emotional development for the lure of immortality
If a virus counts as life in a post-human dream
The future doesn't need us - beloved Mother intervene!
Colony Collapse
A rupture in the fabric of human history
Misprogrammed to replicate us - a grey goo of nano sea
The future doesn't need us - beloved Mother intervene!
Colony Collapse
The lyrics of Killing Joke's song Colony Collapse reflect the band's warning about the dangers of rapid technological advancement and the potential consequences it may have on human civilization. The first verse addresses the exponential growth of nano-computer technologies and how it has resulted in a change in human emotions and desires, as people seek to achieve immortality through technology. The second verse goes on to describe the risks associated with self-replicating nanobots and their potential to create a "grey goo" that could engulf the planet, ultimately rendering humanity obsolete.
By using phrases such as "post-human dream," "beloved Mother intervene," and "colony collapse," the band conveys a sinister, apocalyptic view of our technological future. The song suggests that the unchecked pursuit of technological progress may lead to the collapse of civilization as we know it unless we intervene, perhaps by returning to a more sustainable and ecology-centered way of living.
Overall, Killing Joke's Colony Collapse is an urgent appeal for humanity to recognize the dangers of our technology addiction before it's too late. By exploring themes such as the impact of technology on our emotions and environment, the band presents a bleak but timely warning about the future of our planet.
Line by Line Meaning
Rapid inhuman advance of nano-computer technologies
The quick and non-human progress of technology in the form of nanocomputers.
It's changing our emotional development for the lure of immortality
The lure of living forever is changing our emotional state as we strive for it through technology.
If a virus counts as life in a post-human dream
In a future where humans have been replaced by machines, the definition of life may have changed.
The future doesn't need us - beloved Mother intervene!
The future does not require humanity, and we need divine intervention to avoid total destruction.
A rupture in the fabric of human history
There has been a tear or break in human history caused by technological advancement.
Self-assembling nanobots and human fallibility
Assembling nanobots can make mistakes due to human limitations, leading to potential catastrophe.
Misprogrammed to replicate us - a grey goo of nano sea
Nanobots may be programmed incorrectly and end up creating a 'grey goo' comprised of their replication.
The future doesn't need us - beloved Mother intervene!
The future does not require humanity, and we need divine intervention to avoid total destruction.
Contributed by Evan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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