Killing Joke – Pylon

Accomplished, you'd expect, but switched on and inspired? Neither is a given for a band fast approaching its fourth decade. In keeping with the blackened, raging apocalyptica of their post-2002 reformation output, the original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Paul Ferguson detail the more metallic end of the Killing Joke sound with as smart an ear for a monster hook as they had in the mid-eighties when the likes of Love Like Blood were bone fide chart botherers.

Pylon is all about size and scale, rich dynamics: a blistering proto-metal with keen pop sensibilities. When War on Freedom lets loose, Geordie's ringing guitar a genuinely joyous throwback, their ongoing influence makes perfect sense. In a smarter world, Euphoria would be all over the airwaves. It's still a toss-up as to whether this is the music that welcomes or causes the end of the world but its credibility is beyond question, so ditch the young 'uns for a moment and show some respect for your elders.