Industrial legends Ministry step back in time with Trax! Rarities - Ministry Review by SongBlog

For over 30 years, Al Jourgensen has proven himself to be the undisputed king of industrial music, godfathering a genre that millions have grown to love. He is the only original member of Ministry remaining since the band’s formation in 1981. Originally a new wave synthpop band with melodic and stylized output compared to to the more aggressive music for which they would eventually become known, as embodied in such tracks as The Game Is Over, Let’s Be Happy and Same Old Madness. Ministry ultimately changed their style, resulting in them becoming an industrial metal pioneer in the mid-1980s. This 'Trax! Rarities' release celebrates hidden gem from their early days.

Ministry inspired numerous groups, including Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and KMFDM. Jourgensen continues to influence and morph, both in his style and music. While the latter is deeply rooted in Industrial, he is still creating new forms as most recently can be heard in his latest project SMM (Surgical Meth Machine). A multi Gold and Platinum selling artist, his drive to entertain has seen him play the part of producer, musician, author and composer. Apart from Ministry, Jourgensen has led numerous side projects, including Revolting Cocks, , 1000 Homo DJ's, Pailhead, ,LardBuck Satan and SMM. Al Jourgensen is once again prolifically making music despite numerous challenges faced since the late 2000s, including the loss of his best friend and Ministry bandmate Mike Scaccia, which resulted in him taking a few years off from Ministry. He still performs select shows with Ministry. He has also acted in movies and wrote an autobiography, called ‘Ministry: The Lost Gospels According To Al Jourgensen’.

This is a special limited edition double LP collection of early rare tracks and versions from Wax Trax!-era Ministry, as well as several previously unreleased gems from Al Jourgensen-related side projects - namely Revolting Cocks, PTP, Pailhead and 1000 Homo DJs.

Keep up with Ministry / Al Jourgensen