Ministry: HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES

Ministry is an Industrial metal powerhouse led by the legendary Al Jourgensen. Their 16th album, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES, is due for release March 1, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Given the majority of readers on this site are likely to be Progressive/Fusion listeners, I’m unsure if this album will be high on the ‘must listen’ list of many. However, any band or artist that can survive long enough to release 16 albums deserves plenty of respect in my book, so I’d encourage people to check this album out when it is released.

‘Uncle Al’ has never been one to shy away from using his music to comment on the state of the world, and it only takes a quick scan of the track list to see that he’s got plenty to say about the post-pandemic challenges that society faces on HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES. There is nothing subtle about his commentary either.

Stylistically the album is relatively typical of Ministry and industrial metal in general; Heavy riffs and grooves are accompanied by samples, patches, and other electronica. A lot of this album is a mid-tempo stomp, which is fine by me. It’s no-frills heavy music, founded on solid riffs and grooves. At times I find the lyrics to be a little over the top/in your face but that’s an aspect of the release that many of Ministy’s fans will no doubt enjoy. I’m unsure how many times I’ll revisit the release in full, but it's an enjoyable listen nonetheless.

Tracklist:

1. B.D.E.
2. Goddamn White Trash
3. Just Stop Oil
4. Aryan Embarrassment
5. TV Song 1/6 Edition
6. New Religion
7. It’s Not Pretty
8. Cult of Suffering
9. Ricky’s Hand

Added: February 3rd 2024
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 3897
Language: english

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