The reality of this is simple. If ever there was a band that could make sense of the chaos of 2024, then its Ministry.
And the even sadder reality is that there’s nine songs here on “HOPEIUMFORTHEMASSES” 42 minutes, in which Al Jourgensen spits bile as only he can and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the vileness of the world.
As ever with Al (and this is the 16th album under the Ministry banner) it’s harsh, barren, uncompromising. And it doesn’t care what you think. “B.D.E” has women’s rights in its sights. Basically the far right want to control women because they can’t get laid.
And that’s one of the more accessible ones. “Goddamn White Trash” sounds like White Zombie on an acid trip, and “Just Stop Oil” is even more dance orientated, and it’s heavy and disorientating – a little like the climate change it’s concerned with – in a kind of Prong way, but the apocalyptic samples are pure Ministry.
“Aryan Embarrassment” luxuriates in the idea that we should “make America hate again” as it takes a swipe that those who do.
“TV Song 1/6 Edition” fixes itself on the uprising on Capitol Hill (Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth probably doesn’t want to listen to it) and given that the same two fools are vying to be the leaders of the free world again, you do have to worry for humanity.
I’ve listened to many Ministry records over the years and it’s striking this time just how heavy and oppressive this one is.
Joined by Ministry‘s current battery of musicians – John Bechdel (keyboards), Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto (guitars), Roy Mayorga (drums) and Paul D’Amour (bass) there’s plenty of guests including Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hutz, long-time collaborator and Lard companion Jello Biafra and Corrosion of Conformity frontman Pepper Keenan.
It’s not easy listening. Even for Ministry this one is not singalong, but when it all gets into place like on “New Religion” (the new god is social media) its a formidable thing.
“It’s Not Pretty” is well named for a record like this, but in truly contrary fashion its actually acoustic based to start, and “Out Of Suffering” has a dollop of soul about it, as if everyone realises you can’t always be inhospitable.
Indeed, the last one could- if you were being charitable, be described as “catchy”. “Ricky’s Hand” certainly has a beat and could fill dance floors.
That’s not exactly Ministry’s stock in trade, though, is it?
And as far as I can tell, 2024 deserves a soundtrack as nasty as this. Except for one thing. Al, you see has always been about the many, not the few. In a world where they work against us. Ministry are always on your side.
Although if the masses like singalongs you won’t find them listening to this.
Rating 8/10
