Description
Killing Joke – Outside The Gate – Picture Disc Vinyl Record
Killing Joke released Outside the Gate in 1988, marking a significant departure from their earlier, more post-punk and industrial heavy sounds. This album is often considered one of the most controversial and divisive in their discography, primarily due to its experimental nature and the internal conflicts that arose during its production.
Outside the Gate took a notably different direction from previous Killing Joke albums, incorporating elements of synth-pop and dance music, along with a continued use of heavy synthesizers. This change was partly influenced by the musical trends of the late 1980s but also by internal dynamics and the ambitions of lead vocalist Jaz Coleman to push the band’s sound into new territories.
The themes of the album are reflective and somewhat philosophical, dealing with topics like existentialism and societal issues. However, the lyrical content and its delivery were also a departure, featuring a more polished and less aggressive tone compared to their earlier work.
Some of the notable tracks from ‘Outside the Gate’ include:
‘America’: A critique of American cultural and political influence, this track is one of the more direct and forceful on the album.
‘My Love of This Land’: This song showcases a softer side, focusing more on melody and emotional expression.
‘Outside the Gate’: The title track, which blends synthesizers with a more traditional rock structure.
The reception to Outside the Gate was mixed at the time of its release. Fans and critics were polarized by the drastic shift in style, with some appreciating the experimentation and others feeling alienated by the departure from the band’s roots. The album’s production was also troubled, with reported disagreements and legal disputes among band members about the direction of Killing Joke at this time.
Despite its initial mixed reception, Outside the Gate has been reassessed over the years. While it is still considered one of the band’s more controversial works, some fans and critics have come to view it as an interesting experimental phase that highlighted the band’s willingness to explore and evolve their sound beyond their established norms. It remains a unique entry in Killing Joke’s catalog, reflecting a specific period of flux and creativity for the band.
Outside the Gate serves as a testament to Killing Joke’s adventurous spirit and their influence on the evolution of alternative and industrial music, despite or perhaps because of its contentious standing among their body of work.
Die cut front of cover to reveal the picture disc. Plastic inner sleeve.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
America
My Love Of This Land
Stay One Jump Ahead
Unto The Ends Of The Earth
The Calling
Obsession
Tiahuanaco
Outside The Gate
