It’s not often that a band is so closely associated with one single member, but with a frequently shifting lineup, Ministry’s brand of industrial metal has been overseen by one man: Al Jourgensen. Founded in 1981 as a synth-pop group, Ministry has gone on to become one of the most influential industrial bands of all time.
Somewhat regular visitors to Houston, Ministry has played several shows in the bayou city over the last few years, and will return to the local stage later this year with Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper.
Shortly after 7PM, electro-industrial band Front Line Assembly emerged onstage at Houston’s House of Blues. With a short, eight-song set, FLA brought an energy to the room that was maintained throughout the night.
A sold-out show, the venue was packed to the gills with an eclectic mix of fans. Following FLA’s set, Gary Numan took the stage, with a band shrouded in monk-like cloaks. Known as a pioneer of early electronic music, Numan’s set was chock full of wild visuals, bright lighting, and a four-piece backing band. Playing a 12-song set including the classic “Cars,” Numan kept the crowd moving for a full hour before ceding the stage to Jourgensen and Ministry.
At almost exactly 9:30PM, Ministry emerged from the wings and immediately launched into their set, opening with B.D.E. off their recent album HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES which was released early last month. Jourgensen stalked the stage, staring daggers into the crowd and gesticulating wildly as he sang, while a circle pit began to form in the crowd.
The band continued with three other new tracks (along with two from their last album, Moral Hygiene), before diving into a number of older cuts, including “Thieves,” “Burning Inside” and the classic “Jesus Built My Hot Rod.”
With a 15-song setlist, Ministry gave fans an experience to remember, and with a number of un-official afterparties taking place around the city, the show didn’t truly end until late into the night.
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
