With the original line up releasing a new studio album in 2010, followed by a live album earlier this year, it came as a bit of shock to see the band embark on another studio project for 2012... Sitting on their laurels? Don't you believe it! MMXII is one of Killing Joke's finest records in a catalogue of fine records, and is destined to be spoken in the same sentences as "What's This For" and "Extremities" for years to come. Opener "Pole Shift" sets the tone of the album, a mixture of Geordie Walker's ability to find the beauty in the ugliest of guitar riffs and Youth's ability to find the warmth in an alternative album that is sorely lacking in a lot of modern releases these days. Add to this Jaz Coleman's ability to mix the sweetest of harmonies with the ability to rant at all that is wrong with the world, and you end up with an album that commands the listeners' undivided attention. MMXII closer "On All Hallows Eve" brings an album of 'all killer, no filler' to an end. I could go on and on about how good this album is, but I won't... I just suggest you sample its delights for yourself. If you only buy one album this spring, then you should make it this one.