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.
Rubicon
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Realms of fantastic have been forged by folly speed and steel
Out of the cones stream forth, creation is not yet complete
New species come, old species fall to nature once again.
Now that I've found god on every side - and in every legion
Revolution
Evolution
We cross the rubicon
The shipyards blaze, vibrant arsenals wait their turn
Idols of rational worlds to worship power, to worship strength
Great crowds excited by riot, pleasure, work
Insane crusades, destructive gesture of the freedom bringers
And all the bells shall toll, as holy banners fly
And all with talk of freedom
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the rubicon
Let rage and hate of races run from Adam down
The magic of our science shines brighter than a thousand suns
Liberty in new dimensions ruthless and spectacular
Obliteration shall be poetry of 'Golden Dwans'
And as the people thrill, I stand and comprehend upon the threshold.
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the rubicon
The lyrics of Rubicon by Killing Joke deal with the theme of human progress and its consequences. The song begins by acknowledging the remarkable achievements of humankind, which have led to the creation of fantastic realms and new species. However, the song also emphasizes that these creations are incomplete and constantly evolving. The line "New species come, old species fall to nature once again" highlights this idea of ongoing change and evolution.
The song then takes a turn towards discussing what seems to be a revolutionary movement. The line "Now that I've found god on every side - and in every legion" suggests that the singer has found inspiration and purpose in this movement. The song goes on to describe the chaos and destruction that often accompanies such movements, with "shipyards blaze" and "insane crusades." However, the song also portrays the excitement and hope that such movements can inspire. The line "And all the bells shall toll, as holy banners fly/And all with talk of freedom" captures the sense of collective purpose and action that characterizes a revolution.
The final verse of the song is perhaps the most enigmatic. The lines "Let rage and hate of races run from Adam down/The magic of our science shines brighter than a thousand suns/Liberty in new dimensions ruthless and spectacular/Obliteration shall be poetry of 'Golden Dwans'" suggest that humanity's scientific and technological advancements will lead to a new era of freedom, even if this comes at a great cost. The final line, "And as the people thrill, I stand and comprehend upon the threshold," captures the sense of wonder and awe that the singer feels as they contemplate the possibilities of human progress.
Line by Line Meaning
The age of miracles, assent of man in strident tones
Man has achieved remarkable feats and has become louder and more forceful over time.
Realms of fantastic have been forged by folly speed and steel
The fantastic worlds we've created were built recklessly and hastily, with little thought for the consequences.
Out of the cones stream forth, creation is not yet complete
New life is still emerging, and the world has not yet reached its final form.
New species come, old species fall to nature once again.
As new life emerges, old life dies out in the natural cycle of things.
Now that I've found god on every side - and in every legion
The artist has discovered spirituality in many different places and facets of life.
The shipyards blaze, vibrant arsenals wait their turn
War and destruction are imminent as weapons are manufactured and prepared for use.
Idols of rational worlds to worship power, to worship strength
People highly value strength and power in the modern, logical society we have built.
Great crowds excited by riot, pleasure, work
People are exhilarated by chaotic events, entertainment, and labor.
Insane crusades, destructive gesture of the freedom bringers
Rebellious groups seek freedom through violent and rash means.
And all the bells shall toll, as holy banners fly
Religious symbolism and ceremony will be a part of the violence and conflict to come.
And all with talk of freedom
Despite violent actions, people believe these rebellious movements are fighting for freedom.
Let rage and hate of races run from Adam down
Racism and hatred have plagued humanity from the beginning of time.
The magic of our science shines brighter than a thousand suns
The awe-inspiring accomplishments of science surpass even the grandeur of the sun.
Liberty in new dimensions ruthless and spectacular
New forms of freedom are being sought after, with little regard for the cost.
Obliteration shall be poetry of 'Golden Dwans'
The destruction of civilization will be thought of as a beautiful, idealistic concept.
And as the people thrill, I stand and comprehend upon the threshold.
As others get caught up in the chaos and excitement, the artist is calmly watching and reflecting on the state of the world.
Revolution
A widespread and violent change is coming.
Points of no return
The events to come cannot be undone or stopped once set in motion.
Evolution
Humanity and society are changing and evolving rapidly.
We cross the rubicon
We have reached a point of no return and must keep moving forward, regardless of the consequences.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, PAUL VINCENT RAVEN, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ObscuraPrima
The age of miracles, assent of man in strident tones
Realms of fantastic have been forged by folly speed and steel
Out of the cones stream forth, creation is not yet complete
New species come, old species fall to nature once again
Now that I've found god on every side - and in every legion
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
The shipyards blaze, vibrant arsenals wait their turn
Idols of rational worlds to worship power, to worship strength
Great crowds excited by riot, pleasure, work
Insane crusades, destructive gesture of the freedom bringers
And all the bells shall toll as holy banners fly
And all will talk of freedom
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
Let rage and hate of races run from Adam down
The magic of our science shines brighter than a thousand suns
Liberty in new dimensions ruthless and spectacular
Obliteration shall be poetry of 'Golden Dawns'
And as the people thrill, I stand and comprehend upon the threshold
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
Kai Lorenz
Overwhelming power and profundity in this masterpiece of wave. Rarely listened to anything better.
Severn Flow
Bon who.
MisAnnThorpe
I don't know! There's something just a little bit Bon Jovi sounding about the bass and drums on the verses (especially) of this song.
Tam ElGam
I am new to Killing Joke, but this must be one of their best songs.
Tam ElGam
@Jaybird214 What an amazing band.
Tam ElGam
@grey eminence I totally understand. They really impress me.
grey eminence
Personally I love this album and I am a long time fan; only in the last few years did I become really hooked though. It took me a long time to dig through their backcatalog which has wonderful variety. Personally I think all their major releases are worth a listen.
Jaybird214
A great song, but not even close actually.
ObscuraPrima
The age of miracles, assent of man in strident tones
Realms of fantastic have been forged by folly speed and steel
Out of the cones stream forth, creation is not yet complete
New species come, old species fall to nature once again
Now that I've found god on every side - and in every legion
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
The shipyards blaze, vibrant arsenals wait their turn
Idols of rational worlds to worship power, to worship strength
Great crowds excited by riot, pleasure, work
Insane crusades, destructive gesture of the freedom bringers
And all the bells shall toll as holy banners fly
And all will talk of freedom
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
Let rage and hate of races run from Adam down
The magic of our science shines brighter than a thousand suns
Liberty in new dimensions ruthless and spectacular
Obliteration shall be poetry of 'Golden Dawns'
And as the people thrill, I stand and comprehend upon the threshold
Revolution
Points of no return
Evolution
We cross the Rubicon
Rubico
"Insane crusades, destructive gesture of the freedom bringers"
"And all the bells shall toll as holy banners fly
And all will talk of freedom"
This came out a few years before the Gulf War