Ministry – Moral Hygiene
Release Date: 1st October 2021
Label: Nuclear Blast
Bandcamp
Genre: Industrial Metal
FFO: Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Revolting Cocks.
Review By: Trina Julian Edwards
Ministry’s 15th studio album, Moral Hygiene, follows on the heels of their acclaimed 2018 effort, AmeriKKKant, which mastermind Al Jourgensen wrote as a reaction to the explosive political situation following the election of Donald Trump. Jourgensen and company’s latest offering was conceived during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when much of the world took a step back from the daily grind. Moral Hygiene is therefore less reactionary and more reflective as a result of Jourgensen’s time away from social activity.
The opening track, Alert Level, sets the stage for Jourgensen’s more contemplative mindset in both lyrics and samples, by focusing on the question, “How concerned are you?” The first single, Good Trouble, likewise highlights the importance of activism and the use of necessary trouble to bring about change. In this track, Jourgensen samples the words of the late John Lewis to encourage listeners to “clean up the mess” and enact social justice at the grass roots level. The harmonica parts hearken back to Filth Pig, reminding listeners that yes, the harmonica can be cool.
One of the standout tunes is Sex is Sabotage, featuring the aggressive, unorthodox vocals of Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys fame. The consequences of racial profiling are highlighted by the driving rhythms and dissonant grooves familiar to long-time Ministry fans. Disinformation is another such socially conscious track, exhorting listeners to think critically. Claims of “fake news” are countered with Jourgensen’s own thundering declaration of “disinformation.”
Another track which is not to be missed is Ministry’s cover of the Stooges hit Search and Destroy. Guitarist Billy Morrison (Billy Idol/Royal Machines) adds his signature rhythmic style to this rendition, which is both faithful to the spirit of the original while bringing a unique, thoughtful perspective to this proto-punk classic. This is followed by the old school vibes of Believe Me, which is another highlight of the album. The catchy, post-punk riffs, laid back vocals, and symphonic elements are reminiscent of early Ministry, just with less synth.
Up next is the sitar-filled Broken System, which focuses on ecological destruction and decries our lack of action in response to climate change. We Shall Resist slows the pace in a moody, portentous dirge that urges listeners to stand against tyranny. The following track, Death Toll, seems less like a Ministry jam and more like filler for one of Jourgensen’s side projects- specifically early 90s Revolting Cocks. This track features no vocals, only samples of preachers proclaiming the Biblical significance of Covid-19 over a repetitive, droning rhythm. The album closes on a high-note with a typical Ministry experience in the heavily distorted, fast-paced ringer, TV Song #6 (Right Around the Corner Mix).
Overall, there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here except for the socio-political commentary, but that’s not necessarily a complaint. Moral Hygiene is Ministry doing what Ministry does best- samples, synth, heavy riffs, and high BPMs. At times it can be slightly repetitive and there’s a bit of filler here and there, but this is some of Ministry’s strongest work to date. After over 30 years in the business, it’s gratifying to hear Ministry is every bit as aggressive and combative as they ever were, both sonically and lyrically.
(4 / 5)
