"Fire Dances" is the fourth studio album by English post-punk band, Killing Joke. Released in July 1983, the album marked a shift in the band's sound, with a more tribal and percussive approach. The album was produced by John Porter and recorded at Basing Street Studios in London.
Band members Jaz Coleman, Paul Ferguson, Geordie Walker, and Paul Raven participated in the creation of the album. "Fire Dances" saw the introduction of Raven on bass, which played a significant role in shaping the album's sound. The album's cover art features elements of shamanistic ritual, a theme that permeates throughout the album.
Taking an evolutionary leap from their early punk roots, the album incorporates tribal rhythms, haunting guitar work, and Coleman's impassioned vocals. The album features ten tracks, including the singles "Let's All Go (To the Fire Dances)" and "Frenzy".
Upon its release, "Fire Dances" received positive reviews and peaked at No. 29 on the UK Albums Chart, showing the band's growing popularity at the time. The album remains a seminal work of Killing Joke, representing a transformative phase in their career and a significant moment in the post-punk landscape.
