"Hosannas from the Basements of Hell" is the twelfth studio album by one of the key purveyors of post-punk, Killing Joke. Released in 2006, the album marks the band's 27th year in the music industry. The album was recorded in 2005 in Prague, seen as a comfortable midpoint for the geographically dispersed band. It was mixed by Chris Kimsey, known for his work with the Rolling Stones.
The ~71-minute album contains eleven tracks, each one encapsulating Killing Joke's distinct blend of electronica, heavy metal, punk, and gothic rock. With Jaz Coleman's vocals and the band's music, the album maintains the atmospheric and abrasive sound characteristic of Killing Joke. The entire album reportedly suffers from a lack of mastering, giving it a raw and powerful feel, further enhancing its authenticity. Lyrics gravitate around themes matured with age and retrospection, such as spirituality, politics, the state of the world, and the human condition.
The cover art was designed by Mike Coles, the band's longstanding illustrator, and features both a visual nod to their first album (Killing Joke, 1980) and an image of a DNA helix, enveloped in a fireball – allegedly an actual photo from a nuclear test.
"Hosannas from the Basements of Hell" reflects Killing Joke's evolving and thoughtful approach to music while retaining their signature intensity. As a fitting testament to their longevity, the album is an integral part of their extensive discography and still resonates with fans worldwide. Despite various lineup changes, legal squabbles and periods of hiatus, Killing Joke remain as provocative and influential as ever, with "Hosannas from the Basements of Hell" standing testament to this enduring legacy.
