If this is truly to be Ministry's final album, then what a way to say goodbye to what has arguably been one of the most important bands in rock history. Here we have less of the out and out thrash riffs of the previous 2 albums, with a strong return to their industrial roots. This has led to an altogether slower, yet ultimately heavier album, and it is no suprise that Burton C. Bell lends a guest vocal performance to a band he owes his entire career to. I loved 'Filthpig' but understood how some found it an inaccessable album. Here we have the same tone and occasionaly tempo, yet with never failing hooks and momentum- even by Al's own high standards, Last Sucker is their most consistent album since Psalm 69. We are also treated to the rightful heir to 'Jesus Built My Hotrod' in the inspired cover of Canned Heat's 'Roadhouse Blues'- destined to become an integral part of every Rock/Goth dancefloor set-list for the next 20 years :). Ministry's reign as the genre defining, enfant… more »
If this is truly to be Ministry's final album, then what a way to say goodbye to what has arguably been one of the most important bands in rock history. Here we have less of the out and out thrash riffs of the previous 2 albums, with a strong return to their industrial roots. This has led to an altogether slower, yet ultimately heavier album, and it is no suprise that Burton C. Bell lends a guest vocal performance to a band he owes his entire career to. I loved 'Filthpig' but understood how some found it an inaccessable album. Here we have the same tone and occasionaly tempo, yet with never failing hooks and momentum- even by Al's own high standards, Last Sucker is their most consistent album since Psalm 69. We are also treated to the rightful heir to 'Jesus Built My Hotrod' in the inspired cover of Canned Heat's 'Roadhouse Blues'- destined to become an integral part of every Rock/Goth dancefloor set-list for the next 20 years :). Ministry's reign as the genre defining, enfant terrible of industrial music is inextricably linked to the presidencies of Bush Snr and Jnr, and 'Dubya' continues to be the increasingly easy target for Al's scathing hatred. Agree of not, no one has had the artistic or social integrity in their work that ministry have shown in the last 20 odd years- not even Jello Biafra. Call him a punk, call him a junky, call him a genius, call him Al. but you can never call him boring. Cant wait to see what he comes up with post-ministry, because this album shows that he still has more ideas and energy in his little finger than any other modern musician has in their whole body. Ministry is Dead. Long Live Al Jourgensen!!!