This sixteenth chapter, proclaimed as their second to last record, Al Jourgensen's Ministry strive onward with their current temperament. Similar in tone and aesthetic to AmeriKKant and Moral Hygiene, the band issue another set of disgruntled social political observations. With vocal snippets and dystopian instrumentals, the hot topics and events of the last few years in American life get a familiar treatment.
Thudding, punchy, repetitive drum beats guide groovy mid-tempo metallic riffs through the barrage of Al's shouted snarls and keen sampling. A subtle collusion of deranged synths and odd instrumentation line the core elements on occasion with a distinctive flavor. Mostly, it falls within expectations, Cult Of Suffering ventures boldly off the track with soulful singing and dreamy guitar chords over a warm crooning baseline.
Otherwise, its been business as usual, fun, predictable but lacking the bite of its predecessors. Aryan Embarrassment struck a nerve with an astute point aimed at paranoid antisemitism. As to be expected, not all messages resonated. Just Stop Oil's fun anthem couldn't stir much compassion for their ridiculous message. Hopiumforthemasses is fair but milder, ending with the tacked on Ricky's Hand. A stiff piece sounding like a re-recording of a lost composition from their Synthpop days.
Rating: 6/10