Hey, everyone. It’s your girl, Viv! This week, I gave a healthy listening to Ministry’s new album, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES. And let me tell you something, I could not freaking wait for this to drop. I’ve been a fan of Ministry since the first time I heard “Thieves” from The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste (1989), and I’ve been addicted ever since.
Formed in 1981 by Cuban-born, Chicago-raised Al Jourgensen, Ministry is known for their aggressive sound, powerful lyrics, and industrial aesthetics. Whether you’re a longtime fan or not, you can’t deny that the band played a significant role in shaping the industrial metal genre by leading the way and influencing the groups that followed.
Ministry’s music often resonates with listeners because of the intense energy, raw emotion, and provocative themes. HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES is no exception!
Whenever people tell me they like bands like Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, or Rob Zombie, I ask if they also like Ministry. Their answer tells me a lot about what they really think about industrial music. The landscape of the genre and its various related sub-genres would undoubtedly be a lot less interesting – or at least very different – without Jourgensen.
With a revolving lineup behind Jourgensen, the current lineup consists of Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto on guitars, John Bechdel on keyboards, and Paul D’Amour on bass. However, much like the previous Ministry entries, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES features a colorful collection of guest musicians such as Jello Biafra, Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hutz, and Corrosion of Conformity front man Pepper Keenen.
As expected, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES is a sonic tour de force showcasing the band’s mastery of industrial metal.
Across a lean 9 tracks, the record showcases blistering guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and politically charged lyrics. It’s a powerful statement demanding attention. Tracks like “Goddamn White Trash” and “Aryan Embarrassment” demonstrate Ministry’s ability to create music that is both aggressive and thought-provoking.
Excuse me, Mr. Jourgensen, but I have a bone to pick with you. Due to years of listening to metal, I needed neck surgery for a herniated disc from the long-term damage of headbanging. However, with the sixth track on the album, “New Religion,” I could resist no further. The moment I heard the pulse of the drums with thrashy guitars, I couldn’t help but bang my head. Are you really trying to kill me?
It’s raw, intense, and delves into the hypocrisy of religion and the lives it destroys. Without a doubt, it’s easily one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Known for his outspoken nature and willingness to address controversial topics, Jourgensen often delves into political and social commentary.
He uses Ministry as a platform to express his views on various issues. His lyrics often touch on injustice and the impact of technology on society. It definitely helps that he weaves in sarcastic wit, devilish humor, and charisma.
In today’s world, where political tensions are high and social issues are at the forefront of public discourse, Ministry‘s music remains relevant. Jourgensen‘s politically charged lyrics continue to resonate with listeners seeking music that reflects the complexities of the world. It’s important to note that while the band‘s music can be intense, it also serves as a form of liberation for many listeners. With an impeccable ability to channel anger and frustration, Ministry has struck a chord with fans for generations, serving as the perfect outlet for their emotions.
Ministry’s impact on the music industry remains undeniable.
The group’s influence can be seen in the work of countless artists who have followed in their footsteps. Through their powerful music and provocative lyrics, they continues to make a lasting impression on listeners and remains a driving force in the world of industrial metal. Fans of Ministry will not be disappointed with this latest offering, as HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES solidifies their position as one of the most important bands in rock. If Mr. Jourgensen decides to retire after this album, it was definitely my just one fix.
HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES is now available on Bandcamp and Nuclear Blast Records.