MINISTRY HOUSES OF THE MOLÉ ALBUM SANCTUARY, SHOWTIME RELEASE: JUNE 22, 2004 REVIEW: JUNE 2 , 2004

When I was 16, a friend and I totally cleared a dance floor with our wild flailing and kicking. People were afraid of us and with every right, because we were listening to "Jesus Built My Hot Rod". Nothing could stop us or hold us back. The feeling of total freedom and aggression was exhilarating.
"Houses of the Molé" gives me that same feeling. Maybe it is not as well produced as the last album "Animositisomina" – the drums are a bit dry – but all in all, it is the best album Ministry have put out since "The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste" and "Psalm 69". After the intro with Orff’s "Carmina Burana" and samples, "Houses of the Molé" kicks into full gear and doesn’t really slow down until "Worm" – the last track on the record, and a song which is as heavy as "Scarecrow" but with a catchier chorus.
This is Ministry as a punk band, with wild, fast and driving guitars, guttural lyrics and a load of great samples. The sheer unity and aggression is so intimidating and impressive that it is hard to pick any special songs, but the trio "Warp City" (the new "Jesus Built My Hot Rod"), "WTV" and "World" is breathtaking and heavy as lead.
You don’t even have to share Al Jourgensen’s criticism of the Bush administration to be totally knocked out by "Houses of the Molé". It is so great that the music actually transcends the message. But if you do share Jourgensen’s political viewpoint, this is definitely the best and most important album this summer.
Now, y’all have to excuse me – I have to go find a dance floor to clear.

KALLE MALMSTEDT