Band: Ministry Interviewer: Daisy Gambit Date: 10-9-05

After 25 years of leading rock’s industrial revolution, Al Jourgensen of Ministry is fired up and ready to release Rantology on Sanctuary Records September 27, 2005. The 25th anniversary collection is Mr. Jourgensen’s personal interpretation and reflection upon the music his iconic band has created over the years. Featuring 14 classic tracks hand-picked, produced and remixed by Jourgensen, over half of the collection has been updated, reworked, and reanimated by Jourgensen. In addition, the CD features three live tracks along with a new never-heard-before song titled “The Great Satan,” giving listeners a sneak preview of the upcoming studio album due out in April 2006.

Today, with more than 10 albums to its name and bands the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Rob Zombie citing Al Jourgensen’s influence, Ministry is the pre-eminent industrial rock band and we here at Grave Concerns E-zine got a call/e-mail from Al Jourgensen and his wife to talk. First, thanks to Mrs. Jourgensen for helping set this up and Dustin Goldfarb from ElectricArtists. Here is what Al had to say.

The Interview:

GC: Whats the best thing about playing live shows with Ministry?

Ministry (Al Jourgensen): I get to be rowdy on stage and have fun with the audience. Every audience is different in each city, so it keeps it interesting.

GC: What do you feel is Ministry's greatest achievement?

Ministry: Stickin’ around for so long in an industry that sucks.

GC: Are there new bands that you listen to that you'd recommend for people to check out?

Ministry: I’ve been so busy this past year finishing the new Revolting Cocks, Rantology and the new Ministry I’ve not had time to listen to any new bands.

Download: Unsung Alt Mix

GC: What plans do you have for Ministry touring in the USA? Do you have other acts coming on tour with you or is that undecided so far?

Ministry: We’re touring US/Canada next year May through July. The MasterBaTour featuring Ministry and RevCo.

GC: What advice would you give to new bands on the scene?

Ministry: Start your own label

GC: I hear you like hockey (Fritz from the band Twenty Ripped Angel which you played a show with was telling me)- tell us about that

Ministry: Hockey’s back and I’m so psyched. I’m a huge Chicago Black Hawks fan. I’d love to see them win the Cup in my lifetime – it’s been since 1961.

GC: Ministry has a political message- and there is only so much or so often that you can get that across in songs, is there anything you'd like to express to your fans about current goings on?

Ministry: Vote in the mid-term elections. Register and vote. The mid-terms are even more important than the federal election.

GC: What does the future hold for Ministry?

Ministry: We’ve started our own label 13th Planet Records. Our website launch is Halloween 2005 www.thirteenthplanet.com and the new Revolting Cocks release will be the debut releae. We’re in the studio now for the new Ministry and if all goes according to plan, Tommy Victor (Prong) and Paul Raven (Killing Joke) will be joining me in the studio. The new Ministry “Rio Grande Blood” is scheduled for release April 06 and then we hit the fuckin’ road and tour.