Report

Ministry Rocks Seattle One Last Time

Band Photo: Ministry (?)

The night was cold and wet. Perfect weather for Meshuggah to feel right at home. Oddly enough we also were blessed with a healthy clap of thunder and a strike of lightning, giving me the impression that the night was going to be interesting. Upon arriving at the venue, the early birds endured the cold and wet weather for about an hour and a half before being separated into two lines: one for the men and the other women. The search was easy and despite my skull belt was let in with no troubles.

A question that I had since getting my tickets was answered once inside the venue: who was opening? Hemlock was a new band to me, and I did not know what to expect. Surprisingly enough, I think they did well and look forward to following them in the future as they grow in the word of metal. Chad, the lead singer of the band, had great stage presence and worked the crowd into a mosh. Later that night I was able to shake his hand and he cited Pantera and Sepultura as big influences and spoke about Slayer being one of the best bands he had the chance to tour with. At the end of their set, the anticipation grew as all knew who was next.

The set up for Mesuggah was fast and simple. No need to deck out the stage for a band as great as Meshuggah, right? When the five Swedes entered the stage the crowd erupted into a roar that I am sure could be heard for blocks away. Playing a little of everything including my favorite "Rational gaze" they had the entire building in a frenzy. The set was short, and despite the drummer Tomas Hakke's shoulder condition he did not miss a beat. I'd go so far as to say that they truly made me proud to be Swedish, and I'd recommend seeing them if you get the chance! The atmosphere was truly intense and every fan seemed to be hanging onto every beat and every lyric by Jens.

Ministry, the gods of industrial metal, gave Seattle a great last show. Opening up with "Let's Go" from their latest "The Last Sucker," they sent the entire Showbox Sodo into an intense fury of people dancing and moshing. The stage was set in blue and red with Al's famous funky mic set ups. The stage also had a gate that guarded the band, and it seemed that Al was not too happy with it. Ministry's set was long and well done. Covering everything from their long and successful career, they never let up and endured every harsh note. All the while, the crowd was going just as insane knowing this truly may be the last time they got to see Ministry live. Closing their set, Ministry played three covers, from The Doors, Rolling Stones and Motorhead. Falling from the ceiling were balloons emblazed with the Ministry double anarchy symbol. The night was over and the band done.

The sound in the Showbox is infamous for not being the best, but every band did well and did the best with what they had. I give them all my respect and hope this review does them justice.