About this album

Sound: "A heavy, gritty exploration of industrial metal with a haunting atmosphere and provocative lyrics."

Where they were

Released on January 30, 1996, 'Filth Pig' was Ministry's sixth studio album, following the commercially successful 'Psalm 69'. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their earlier aggressive sound to a more subdued and experimental approach, reflecting changes in both lineup and production techniques.

Why it matters

'Filth Pig' debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant moment for Ministry as it showcased their evolution in sound. The album received mixed reviews but became notable for its darker themes and experimentation with tempo, influencing many future industrial metal acts.

Essential tracks

  • "Filth Pig" — The title track encapsulates the album's dark themes and experimental nature, blending heavy riffs with a slow, menacing groove.
  • "Reload" — 'Reload' serves as a powerful opener that sets the tone for the album, featuring aggressive instrumentation and biting lyrical content.
  • "Useless" — This track exemplifies the album's introspective turn, combining poignant lyrics with a strong industrial beat that reflects the band's evolving style.
  • "Lava" — 'Lava' stands out for its atmospheric quality and haunting vocals, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment beyond traditional industrial metal boundaries.

Release Date

January 30, 1996

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Reload 2:25
  2. 2 Filth Pig 6:19
  3. 3 Lava 6:30
  4. 4 Crumbs 4:14
  5. 5 Useless 5:55
  6. 6 Dead Guy 5:15
  7. 7 Game Show 7:45
  8. 8 The Fall 4:54
  9. 9 Lay Lady Lay 5:44
  10. 10 Brick Windows 5:23