Tag: melvins

March 12, 2022 – The Wellmont, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Ministry / Industrial Strength Tour

Not many bands have the presence, or know how to make a statement quite like Ministry and Saturday night was no exception. Joined by Corrosion of Conformity, a heavy metal band from Raleigh, NC (also known as C.O.C.) and Melvins, a Washington State tenant of sludge-metal, the night was a powerhouse, recking ball of industrial strength & metal rock.

Church was in session with Ministry, lead by the constant intensity and powerful strong vocals of Al Jourgensen. The pioneering, high octane filled band spread their Gospel, fueled by powerful lyrics representing anti-fascism, equal rights, and distaste of political corruption.

As the stage techs finished constructing Ministry’s iconic fence, prior to the band walking out, the lights dimmed and the large screen in back center stage illuminated with the Ukrainian Flag which read, “Ministry Stands with Ukraine”, as the Ukrainian National Anthem played. It was a unique, one of a kind experience as timing for this show combined with the lyrics the band preaches is impeccable, as Russian forces continue to bombard and invade the Ukraine for the third week in a row leaving death and destruction in their wake.

The strong, powerful vocals, mixed with electrifying, aggressive “riffage” from Ministry spread through the Wellmont Theatre all night to a packed, head banging crowd.

“Uncle Al” complemented his tattooed and pierced face with a black vest, arm sleeves, and accent neck pieces of a cross, skull, dog-tag, and bullet resembling the vigor he brings to each performance. He shook the cage as he sang, as if he and his band mates were caged animals, threatening to escape and infiltrate the sea of fans taking it all in.

Lead guitarist, Monte Pittman’s high energy and skillful guitar playing captivated admirers and provided an extra jolt to an already electrified performance. Cesar Soto (guitar), Paul D’Amour (bass), Roy Mayorga (drums) & John Bechdel (keys) were no disappointments either – that’s one hell of a band!

My ears were buzzing the entire day after, and I’d do it again within a blink of an eye.

The Industrial Strength tour celebrates 30 years of Ministry’s landmark album, “The Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Taste”. The night included songs from that album as well as debut songs from the bands brand new 15th studio album, “Moral Hygiene”.

For more info please visit http://www.ministryband.com

Setlist