Ministry

w/Chelsea Wolfe, and The Godbombs

Thursday, April 26

Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL

There is nothing subtle about Ministry.

I wore earplugs and they were still really loud.

I closed my eyes and the amazing and overwhelming light show still seeped in through the unweatherproofed portions of my eyelids.

So when it comes to their politics, and opinions, why would anyone expect a quiet and polite dissent?

Al Jourgenson’s never been one to sit on his disdain and contempt and wasn’t about to start now. With a sizable chunk of the show focused on the most recent AmeriKKKAnt release, his volatile screed against all things anti-Trump and pro ANTIFA, more than a rock show, it was a performance filled with righteous indignation. Unhappy with the direction of his country, he protests the best way he knows how. Fear Factory’s Burton C. Bell took the stage repeatedly to offer his vocals.

The new material was welcomed by the audience, but when the set shifted to older songs, “Just One Fix,” “N.W.O.,” and “So What,” the crowd became unhinged.

Ministry took a hit a few years ago with the passing of long time guitarist, Mike Scaccia. But thankfully Jourgenson seems to have found both purpose and his footing once more. An angry voice, which will not go quietly into that good night.

Chelsea Wolfe preceded Ministry with a dark, gloamy set of brooding songs, pushing forward in second gear. Unfamiliar with her material, her set proved to be enjoyable, even if I was unclear on the exact nature of her torment. A sulky, yet compelling performance, that was taught and engaging. I may well have to explore her catalog and see what all she has to say.

The Godbombs were uneven but enthusiastic. The songs and performance should be bolstered by the roadwork, but tonight they worked their material for all it was worth and it wasn’t enough.