English post-punk rockers Killing Joke, are of course, no joke. A pertinent band of the 80's, Killing Joke was formed in the later part of the 70's in Notting Hill, England. The bands early industrial sound was slow and heavy, often referred to as "dancing to a tune off doom and gloom". Their first albums, "Killing Joke" and "What's THIS for...!" attracted English post-punkers and heavy-metal fans alike.

In the mid-eighties, Killing Joke mixed their unique sound with a pop twist which gave them a "new wave" sort of sound. Some criticized the band for this, saying that they were conforming due to pressure from the record label. At this time, the band produced the 80's hit anthem aptly titled, "Eighties". Killing Joke became notorious for their controversial imagery and alleged involvement in the occult. Killing Joke may have enjoyed modest success in the 80's but there is no doubt that their sound and type of music may have influenced the greats of the 90's - Band's like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Ministry.