About this album

Sound: "Industrial metal meets classic rock in a gritty reinterpretation of iconic tracks with relentless energy."

Where they were

Released on April 1, 2008, 'Cover Up' was Ministry's ninth studio album and marked a significant departure from their original material. By this point, the band had established themselves as pioneers within the industrial metal genre, and this album came after their 2007 release 'The Last Sucker,' which was seen as a farewell to their earlier sound. 'Cover Up' reflects their ongoing evolution, showcasing their willingness to reinterpret classic rock songs through a heavy industrial lens.

Why it matters

This album is notable for its bold choice to cover well-known rock tracks, bringing them into the context of industrial music. It received mixed reviews but was praised for its energetic production and unique approach to familiar songs, influencing how heavy music could interact with classic rock standards. Additionally, it served to reinforce Ministry's legacy within the industrial scene during a time when many bands were experimenting with genre boundaries.

Essential tracks

  • "Under My Thumb" — 'Under My Thumb' exemplifies Ministry's industrial twist on classic rock, transforming a Rolling Stones hit into an aggressive anthem with pulsating rhythms.
  • "Radar Love" — This track showcases Ministry's ability to reengineer a beloved classic into an electrifying experience, featuring distorted guitar riffs and fierce vocals.
  • "Black Betty" — 'Black Betty' stands out for its raw energy and frenetic pace, capturing the essence of Ministry's heavy sound while paying homage to the original.
  • "What a Wonderful World" — Their rendition of 'What a Wonderful World' provides a haunting contrast to the original's optimism, delivering an industrialized interpretation that provokes thought.

Release Date

April 1, 2008

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Under My Thumb 3:57
  2. 2 Bang a Gong 4:48
  3. 3 Radar Love 5:21
  4. 4 Space Truckin' 3:51
  5. 5 Black Betty 3:29
  6. 6 Mississippi Queen 3:14
  7. 7 Just Got Paid 3:13
  8. 8 Roadhouse Blues 4:27
  9. 9 Supernaut 7:08
  10. 10 Lay Lady Lay 5:44
  11. 11 What a Wonderful World 7:01
  12. 23 What a Wonderful World (short slow version) 4:17
  13. 44 What a Wonderful World (short fast version) 3:35
  14. 68 [silence] 0:04
  15. 69 Willie Stigmata 1:04