Filth Pig 1996 Album

Ministry

Al Jourgensen's much-maligned follow-up to Psalm 69 in the mid-90's, which I thought this was an improvement at the time, against the prevailing tide of negativity. Basically, Al and the band tired of the reliance on samples and the hyper-thrash approach and were looking for something more organic. They also were in quite the depressed state of mind. So, the tempos are slower, even borderline majestic, or downright doom-like at points. The compelling title track is indicative of the tone of music Al had in mind for this one. Deep, throbbing bass and gargantuan drumming anchors the affair, moving the thing along at a mastodon pace, while Al throws on some disconcerting "where have I been" lyrics and echoey harmonica passages. Elsewhere, the cover of Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" reflects a lot of the themes that are woven into the album itself, and sounds totally distinct from the original tune. A severely overlooked album in need of serious critical revision.