The Gathering 2008, Pt. 2 - Killing Joke

Even though he was a member of Killing Joke Mach 2, the 2007 funeral of bassist Paul Raven brought the original KJ lineup together, including Raven's predecessor Youth, for the first time since 1982. "It made us realize our mortality and how important Killing Joke is to all of us" according to vocalist Jaz Coleman, and soon the initial four, inc., were planning the historical two-evening set of concerts, the second night of which is captured here. Gathering 2008, Pt. 2 features some of the big hits that were also played on the previous night ("Eighties,""Love Like Blood") along with quite a few selections from the 1994 album Pandemonium, which marked the band's short-lived reunion with Youth. Newer songs like the mammoth "Asteroid" plus the fast, punkish, and previously unheard number "Time Wave" also appear, and the whole affair ends on a high note with three classics building towards the quintessential KJ closer, "Wardance." No surprise, then, that the updated versions are blistering, loud, and full-bodied, but that Youth and original drummer "Big" Paul Ferguson both sound so in step after years away is a shocker, and a very welcome one at that. Coleman's croaking voice stands the test and his in-between song banter is as rousing as ever with some touching references to Raven and KJ's history. For a "no overdubs" recording, the performance is remarkably tight, even if Geordie's thick guitar could stand a kick up in the mix. Casual fans and newcomers should really get to know the source material first since the Gathering 2008 project is a celebration that goes impressively deep. Fans craving the full experience should seek out Pt. 1 -- featuring the group's 1980 self-titled debut and its 1981 follow-up What's THIS For...! -- or better still, the limited-edition, four-CD set which presents both nights in one package. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide