Fire Dances (1983) is Killing Joke's first foray into more accessible material following their earlier efforts between 1979 and 1982, which had a decidedly limited, if devoted (me included !), audience. Jaz Coleman & Co's obsession with all things occult (a product of their fascination with the works of Alistair Crowley et al) comes to the fore here, entrenched within some fairly upbeat-ish songs (in comparison to KJ's previous outings).
With classic tracks such as Lets All Go (To The Fire Dances) and Feast Of Blaze onboard, Geordie Walker's tight, skillful riffing, Coleman's slightly more restrained vocals and a more fluid rhythm section, a real sea-change in the Joke's approach is apparent, providing a snapshot of greater things to come.
Their next album, Night Time (1985), was a perfect follow-on, with darker lyrics, superb production and songs other bands would die for. Fire Dances is not far off the mark of greatness either, and excellently portrays a band undergoing a major transition.