Album Review: Ministry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (Nuclear Blast)

As the world continues hanging on by a thread through pandemics, wildfires, climate change, social-political chaos and social media-fuelled conspiracy theories, at least there’s Ministry to get us through. Industrial provocateur Al Jourgensen is ready to unleash Ministry’s 16th album, “Hopiumforthemasses”, on March 1st, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records.

What’s a world without Ministry? A f**king weird one, that’s what. When Ministry come around, the world takes notice and they continue to not give a flying f**k what you think of them. An attitude that has resulted in incredible longevity, even when the music hasn’t always been stellar stuff.

Something that is worth pointing out because HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES has a few disappointing moments, but thankfully, when it’s good, it’s really damn good.

As outspoken as ever, Al Jourgensen is in a cantankerous mood, but can you blame him? The world is a mess and every day, it seems to get that little bit worse. It’s these issues and how Jourgensen perceives them, that makes up HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES. Be it climate change, social-political chaos, conspiracy theories… Uncle Al has something to say, and you damn well better listen.

It’s incel culture that gets the brunt of the industrialised sarcasm and heavy 90s groove of B.D.E. A track that is as Ministry as it comes, making it an easy thing to enjoy. From the start, Jourgensen isn’t pulling any punches, even if it’s not exactly Ministry at their best, thanks to some cringy lyrics.

What is Ministry at their best is Goddamn White Trash, a heavily politicalised song that involves Corrosion of Conformity’s Pepper Keenan and a song that goes extremely hard. A grubby blast of infectious heavy that shows just how much life is in this band still. Remember, if you’re offended by what Ministry is saying, they’re doing something right as far as they’re concerned.

Which is certainly what they are going for with Just Stop Oil. Doing what Ministry do best and dropping a no-nonsense slice of groovy industrial rock on heads. Delivering 90s tinged heaviness with energised rock and roll vibes, covered with a greasy sheen of recognisable Ministry industrialisation.

It is time for one of the more dull and lifeless tracks though with Aryan Embarrassment. An overly long track that lacks the spark that makes Ministry such an exciting listen. It has some thick groove, and some really sharp lyrical content, but it runs out of steam quite early on. Even the inclusion of Jello Biafra can’t lift this one.

Things pick up a bit with TV Song afterwards, as the chaotic side of Ministry comes out to play and propaganda is in the firing line. Yet, the instrumental rhythm, for all its speed and heaviness, is a bit boring. By contrast, New Religion is an absolute banger. That thick anthemic groove is back, and it showcases so much more creativity. The vocals sound great, soaring over a cacophony of guitars, drums, and abrasive industrial noise.

It’s Not Pretty comes next, and really mixes things up. A ringing guitar and distorted vocals, going on for longer than expected but not unwelcomingly, followed by a shift that makes this one more rocking, but it also enters experimental territories. Expect the unexpected with Ministry as we all know, but even then, they surprise.

Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello then makes an appearance on the penultimate track, Cult of Suffering. One of the more laidback efforts of the album, and his voice is excellent. Before, Ricky’s Hand ends an overall strong return for Ministry in typical erratic fashion. A real ‘blast from the past’ that has a goth-tinge and a load of synth. It’s fun, but it’s not going to be remembered as one of the best tracks on this album.

Ministry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES Track Listing:

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

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