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Album reviews Music

Ministry – Relapse

Rating: NNN


Yes, Relapse is goofy and cartoonish, and, yes, its politics are simplistic and childish, but this has always been the case with Ministry albums. Sure, every song is in the speed metal vein, but I’m happy to let Korn handle the brostep/rock futurism. No, there’s no sonic variety, but this is Ministry, so were you expecting random folk interludes?

Bands that were exciting when you were a teenager tend not to sound very good once you’re no longer battling your parents over piercings. You remember bands like Ministry as transgressive and exciting, so when they put out something new, you can’t help but compare it to your warm, fuzzy recollections of their glory years.

Relapse isn’t their best work by far, but if you listen to it next to their genuinely great albums like Psalm 69 or The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste, it stands up better than the cranky metal/industrial establishment – who’ve been dissing it mercilessly – would have you believe.

Top track: Double Tap

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