If you thought that Ministry's 2004 release "Houses Of The Mole" was a scathing attack on the Bush administration, wait til you get a load of this year's "Rio Grande Blood." One only has to see the album cover with a picture of a crucified George W. submerged in a barrel of oil to get the point. And while it may seem that it's "safe" now for artists to criticize, Ministry mainman and mastermind Al Jourgenson has always made a point throughout his career to lash out at conservatives run amock. In fact, many say he makes his best albums when they are in power. Indeed, "Rio Grande Blood" is a fine piece of work musically, even if you don't agree with the politics.
Tonight's show was extra special because Al's longtime side project, The Revolting Cocks, opened the show, which meant Al was doing double duty. Opening up with a cover of Cheap Trick's "Hello There," substituting the "Are You Ready To Rock" line with "Are You Ready For Cock?," the band's sarcastic nature seemed to go right over the crowd's heads. Maybe it was because many weren't familiar with their material, or they just wanted Ministry. But it was apparent that the band was being viewed as a freak show, as opposed to the tongue in cheek entertainment that it was. As the band took the stage, Al proclaimed that this show was for all who payed to get in, and not the guest listees. Perhaps an LA crowd doesn't like to be berated either. During the set, a furor figure emerged and started lambasting the typical LA stereotype of industry jargon and phoniness. Before their cover of Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," the furor demanded that all females get onstage for some dancing. But they did not obey the furor. So Mr. Jourgenson, full of piss and vinegar, got behind the mike and accused everyone of being scared Shwarzeneggar Republican's. Well that did it, as the ladies started emerging onstage for some "sexy" dancing. As the set ended, the furor berated the crowd one last time for being a part of the worst generation ever, believing what he called the lies of the media trying to convince the masses that all will become millionaires, Rock stars, and movie stars. Quite an in your face performance, which I'm sure was completely intentional.
On to the main performance, Ministry took the stage and opened up with "Fear Is Big Business" from the new album, and from there the whole first half of the set was comprised of "Rio" and Houses." The sound was LOUD! Unfortunately, the HOB just isn't equipped to handle such enormous volume. So it was a bit muddy if you weren't familiar with the songs. However, "Rio Grande Blood," Lies, Lies, Lies," "No W," "Waiting," "Wrong," "World," "Senor Peligro," "The Great Satan," and "Khyber Pass," were all huge slabs of subversive Industrial madness. And what a band Al has assembled for this tour. Joey Jordison from Sipknot handled drum duties, Tommy Victor from Prong was on guitar, and Raven from Killing Joke was on bass. The rest of the show was dedicated to Ministry hits including "NWO," "Thieves," "Stigmata," and "Psalm 69."
Al says he has one more Ministry left in him, which he says will focus on the corruption of Bush Co. From there he will begin another new label in the vein of his legendary Wax Trax Records from yesteryear. So be sure to check them out while you can.
