Before you even have time to process the very fact that Ministry is back, “Senõr Peligro” doesn’t give you the chance. It almost seems like Part 2 of Rio Grande Blood since it matches it in brutality. It is yet another attack on the President. “Senõr Peligro” is, as the track tells us, Bush’s alter ego. He kills, he invades, and business is his game.
“I’m the Ministry of death…” growls some dude named Sgt. Major “Gangreen.” Following from this is a whole bunch of insults thrown at us by this Sgt. Major while a slow but heavy guitar serves as back drop. It’s difficult to take something like this seriously, especially when he snaps, “I’m gonna stick my dick in your nose,” but you can see what kind of mood Ministry are trying to achieve with this track.
Fear is a word that is often thrown around in recent times. As the next track suggests, “Fear (Is Big Business),” and it most definitely is. Products are sold to the public on the basis of fear, stories are fed to us on the basis of fear, and Ministry discuss all of these things and more in this cleverly disguised track. It almost fools you into believing that it’s an epic type song but explodes into a frenzy of guitars.
The sarcastic undertone of the first single “LiesLiesLies” opens asking, “If the government has nothing to hide, why are they so afraid to answer a few questions? This story does not add up.” Yet another obvious attack on the constant lies the Bush administration are telling the people. Jourgensen sarcastically screams; “Lies Lies Lies Lies Lies Lies Lies, Surprise, Surprise!” There is also accusation that the government believes their people are stupid and are unaware of deceit. Uncle Al sings, “Don’t listen to me, listen to your pain.” This song could lead to a severe assault on your ears if listened to loud enough, just like the entire album.
The next track, “The Great Satan,” is a remix of the original that appeared on Rantology. Melodically, it doesn’t differ much at all. On Rio Grande Blood, we hear a much heavier version of the song. The drums from the Rantology version are replaced with powerful and louder drums. The vocals are gruffer and stronger and the guitar is moved into the foreground. Fans might prefer the more industrial, garage rock sound of the Rantology version while others may enjoy the gruffer version.
Article comments
1 - shannon.
I agree, I love this album! It's awesome. It's sad that Ministry will be ending after the next album though.
2 - Aaron Fleming
Damn, it seems like only last week that Houses of the Mole was released. I wasn't even aware of this new album, but after reading your fantastic review I think I will check it out.
What interests me is the whole anti-Bush sanctimony, which don't get me wrong I have nothing against and would certainly agree with. But there's been activity on Blogcritics recently debating about assorted musicians criticing the government and being castigated for it. People like the Dixie Chicks, Neil Young etc. But old Jourgensen and his mechanical riffs garner little to no attention. I suppose it's not surprising, there's no connotations of wholesomeness connected to Ministry.
3 - Yep
So what about the song called "Palestina"? Did you leave it out on purpose? just wondering..
4 - Jessa
Good point. The review is kind of long and I didn't write it in one sitting. I think I just forgot to talk about it. Either way, it's just like any other song on this record - awesome.
5 - wsympathyfan
They need to make a record like With Sympathy again instead of just making thrash metal records over and over.
6 - Mick
Well it's now 2007 and there are many others who arn't OVER the bush administation and their Masonic puppet masters... People continue to die, but should we just say "OK, that's old news now, lets talk about something new". I don't think Ministry are merely "Bush-bashers". Yeah, he is the face or patsy on the artwork, but the symbolism says it all. But, hey, if it's all too heavy, just dimiss it as "conspiracy theory" like the rest of the programmed population...