Requiem - Killing Joke

Released the same year as their grand The Gathering 2008 box set, Killing Joke's Requiem is another live CD plus DVD package, but its best viewed as secondary and not primary product. Recorded in Belgium in August of 2003, the set captures the lineup with the late Paul Raven on bass plus ex-Prong, ex-Swans drummer Ted Parsons who, despite talent and pedigree, was never quite a perfect fit. Still, this edition of the band is under-recorded and fans won't be disappointed by the show, either. It goes for the guts and the glory the whole way through, obtaining it on the important numbers like "Fall of Because" and "Wardance" along with the title track. The sound quality is fine, although dangerously deep when a rumbling bassline shakes "Total Invasion." The video quality is above average, but someone down the production chain decided to add an overwhelming amount of computer graphics and video trickery. Bootleg-buying fans are the target audience, and they'll find it a step up from the usual underground releases. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide