In an interview on the Loudwire Nights , hosted by Chuck Armstrong , Al Jourgensen once again commented on his plan to end Ministry soon.
Jourgensen has promised a "final" Ministry album on several occasions, but now it seems to be more serious and there is a plan for how the band will end its activities.
Before the official end of Ministry, there will be the release of their next album, Hopiumforthemasses, in March of this year. After that release, the band will still re-record their debut album and record one last studio album. All this with their respective tours.
During the interview, the singer seemed content and satisfied with what the band has produced over its 40-year career, comparing Ministry to a "fine wine".
Release of the 16th album
Jourgensen made it clear that the album Hopiumforthemasses , which is scheduled for release on March 1st by Nuclear Blast Records , will not be the band's last.
“I had said that we still had one more album to make after finishing 'Hopium'. So, we have another new album coming out, which I'm recruiting an old friend from the beginning of the band for. Paul Barker is coming back to the band and we're going to record it together and this one will be the last.” (via Blabbermouth )
Commenting on the new album, Al said he was tired of this type of creation and work: “My uterus is tired… I need to find some birth control, man. I’ve just been churning out babies for decades.” (via Loudwire )
Despite the jokes, the musician stated that he is proud of Ministry's new album and believes it showcases the artistic nuances of all the band members very well.
Re-recording of the debut album
One of the most interesting pieces of news was the re-recording of the band's first album, With Sympathy, released in 1983, with updated versions and new arrangements.
Al said the desire arose because at the time there was little creative control and they had to follow guidelines imposed by the record label.
“I hated that album for 40 years, but with this band, the way we’re approaching that album makes those songs almost relevant 40 years later, whereas I used to hate them.” (via Blabbermouth )
He went on to explain that the idea came from a Ministry cover band he saw about two years ago in Los Angeles, whose performance helped him understand how early fans of the band connect with that work.
“And then, one night, when we were on tour with Gary Numan last year, the [Ministry cover] band approached me. I mean, we played things after a show and listened while we were driving. And suddenly, they started playing an old thing they had done without me knowing. They had been working on it for four months. Because they knew how much I hated it. So they waited until I was completely out of control and started playing this stuff. And after seeing this cover band, I thought, 'Okay. Fine. Why not? Let's give it a try.'” (via Blabbermouth )
Al Jourgensen confirmed that the re-recording of the first album will not be Ministry's last, but rather the album following this re-release, which he will record with Paul Barker.
Career shift in focus
Despite hinting at the end of Ministry, the vocalist doesn't intend to retire yet and has shown interest in working more on soundtracks and social activism.
“Film scores are really where I want to be right now. After taking care of the last albums, the last tours that are coming, then, yeah, I’m quite interested in film scores and activism. At this point, I honestly think – because our lyrics are quite sarcastic and politically charged, but I really think it would make more of a difference in the long run to be strictly an unpaid activist, much like what Tom Morello is doing. Between that and film scores, I’m very happy. It’s not like I’m going to curl up in a ball and grab a blanket from grandma and watch TV all day and play golf.” (via Blabbermouth )
Al also confided that he no longer enjoys performing live, which for many artists is a fun moment, but for him it has only generated worry, as he is constantly questioning whether everything is going according to plan, whether the equipment is working, and things like that.
Furthermore, he says he misses truly connecting with fans during shows, something that was easier when the band performed in smaller venues. However, with success and increased demand, the crowds have grown larger and larger, and now he says he sees the audience as a "blur."
The future of Al Jourgensen
The musician seems excited about upcoming projects, and highlighted his enthusiasm for collaborating with directors on film scores. “I love collaborating. That’s why I had so many bands in the 80s and 90s. I love collaboration, but only now will I be collaborating with directors and not other musicians. So, I think it’s an interesting twist in my path and I’m looking forward to it.” (via Blabbermouth )
When asked if there was a chance of Ministry returning after the band's end was official, Jourgensen seemed at peace with his decision:
“Well, unless the world suddenly changes, which I doubt, there’s an argument to be made that if it keeps getting worse, maybe we should make more albums. But you know what? I really think time’s up.” (via Blabbermouth )
Ministry –
Hopiumforthemasses 01. BDE
02. Goddamn White Trash 04:43
03. Just Stop Oil 03:59
04. Aryan Embarassment
05. TV Song 1/6 Edition
06. New Religion
07. It's Not Pretty
08. Cult Of Suffering
09. Ricky's Hand
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