By 1982, members of Killing Joke, especially singer Jaz Coleman, had become immersed in the occult, particularly the works of Aleister Crowley.

[1] "Empire Song" was released in March 1982 by E.G. Records as the first single from the band's third studio album, Revelations.

[2] As a result of Coleman moving to Iceland, "Empire Song" was performed at Top of the Pops with drummer Paul Ferguson on vocals.

Guitarist Kevin "Geordie" Walker and bassist Martin "Youth" Glover followed Coleman and moved to Iceland later that year.

After spending some time in Iceland, Killing Joke returned to England and began touring and recording again.