Ministry
Animositisomina

THE REVIEW

It is known, after the release of "Psalm 69: The Way To Succeed And The Way To Suck Eggs," a huge success from 1992, problems began for Ministry as well: "Filth Pig" (1996) and "Dark Side Of The Spoon" (1999) did not convince critics and the public, leading to general discontent.

In the following years, the "Greatest Fits" and a live CD/DVD "Sphinctour," recorded during the tour supporting "Filth Pig" (which, by the way, includes a track in Italy, in Jesolo), were also released. In short, the band tried various ways to redeem themselves without achieving the positive reception they hoped for.

Finally, in 2003, 11 years after that worldwide commercial success, Al Jourgensen and Paul Barker, alongside historical collaborators such as Rey Washam and Louis Svitek, among others, presented "Animositisomina." I know, I've thrown a myriad of titles at you.

It may not have been the album of the year and/or an absolute masterpiece, but there is a change, and perhaps more than one: this will be the last album with Paul Barker and with it concludes the "Industrial Metal sound à la Ministry," moving towards faster and Thrash sounds.
Once again, the making of the album was not simple, mainly due to the increasingly deteriorating Jourgensen-Barker relationship and Jourgensen's attempts to detox from heroin. Nothing to be surprised about, for those who know these characters.

The story, for better or worse, repeats: vocals distorted as much as possible, vitriolic lyrics focused on drugs & politics (business as usual), venomous guitars, a bass with a powerful presence, and a computerized, simply minimal, marching beat. These are Ministry, nothing else is needed.

They present a total of 10 tracks, and the emotions aren't lacking.
Constant mood swings: "Animosity", "Piss", "Impossible", and "Stolen" (sung by Barker) are the embodiment of ferocity; "Unsung" and "Broken" echo with cries of despair; "The Light Pours Out Of Me" is a cover of the Magazine, the catchy song of the album; "Shove" and "Leper" are hypnosis sessions at the hands of Dr. Barker and his resounding bass.

A few months ago, mastermind Jourgensen said that this is the album he likes the least (not counting "With Sympathy"). He undoubtedly has his reasons, but I disagree: an album undoubtedly deserving of reevaluation.