HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES

Album review

What if it’s the end? Or almost the end? Of course, this is subject to change, but Al Jourgensen, founder-leader-guitarist-singer (among other things) of the legendary industrial metal group, seems decided, after his 65 trips around the sun, to close the book on Ministry soon after HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (he’s stated that he’d also like to come out with a final record alongside his former collaborator Paul Barker, as well as re-record the group’s debut album, which he’s always hated). This goes to show that announcing one’s swan song doesn’t exclude the possibility of slapping together a second-to-last LP – far from it. 

Proof lies in HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES - an explosive album. It’s Ministry in their purest form, and although this comes at no surprise, their fans will be delighted by material that is, as expected, politically active and full of electricity, which will also attract a wider audience with tracks that are more accessible, without succumbing to mainstream predictability. As clever as ever, Jourgensen takes a shot at anything that moves, from unhinged misogynists (“B.D.E.”), to those in positions of power, as well as those who are destroying the planet (“New Religion,” “Just Stop Oil”…). This does run the risk of falling into certain clichés, yet it’s all just so good.

Since collaborating with friends is both great fun, and also brings variety to one’s music, Jourgensen has a blast alongside Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity), Jello Biafra, and Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello), who add a little something crazy and unexpected to “Cult of Suffering.” Lastly, along with making political statements, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES also has a playful, mischievous side that makes it impossibly enticing, in the same way that its predecessor Moral Hygiene was. Ministry is far from dead, long live Ministry! © Chief Brody/Qobuz