Ministry made the most of a weekday night as a crowd filled the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom for an evening of industrial music legends.
Kicking off the evening to a filled room was Canadian industrial legends Front Line Assembly. With a 40 minute set that never had a resting second in, the 4 piece took command of the crowd. Dancing was happening galore as the band blasted through a masterclass of industrial music. Frontman Bill Leebs going between vocals and using tom drums that were set up on both sides of the stage to add another level of sound was a sight to see.
Next was a man who needed no introduction, Gary Numan. Blasting through a 12 song set Numan commanded the stage alongside his band. With a moveset and stage presence like no other Numan works the mic stand like hes made of rubber and every small articulate movement has a deep meaning behind it. Whats impressive with Numans set is the ability to cross genres so easily. Going from some super heavy industrial right into a massive hit like “Cars” would be no easy feat for most but Numan and company make it look so easy.
It was time though for the band of the evening, Chicagos very own Ministry. Sporting straight hair and no piercings frontman “Uncle” Al Jourgensen had a different look around this time. What wasn’t different though was his pure intensity on stage.
With a few extra songs in Chicagos set the band structured their setlist a bit different than most bands would. The first half of the set was focused heavily on songs from “HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES”, the bands latest album which released over 2 weeks ago. The second half was a mixture of hits / older songs along with a few new ones thrown in there for good measure. The new songs fit into the set great kicking it off with mixtures of straight industrial goodness following by some crushingly heavy songs.
With a giant cross skeleton hybrid light up mic stand Al never stood still for too long as he prowled the stage along side his band as they tore through an almost 90 minute set. Louder than ever Ministry still holds my record for loudest band live. While the mix was perfect, the overall volume is near deafening for a Ministry show, making sure you feel every note thats played throughout your body down to your soul.
Even this far into the game, Ministry not only isn’t slowing down, but their just getting better with age. With a perfect tour lineup that was all killer no filler, this is a tour that has to be experienced in person.
Photo Gallery : Front Line Assembly – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom (03.14.2024)
Photo Gallery : Gary Numan – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom (03.14.2024)
Photo Gallery : Ministry – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom (03.14.2024)
