Back catalogue: Leftfield

Review: On its original 1986 release, Ministry's "Twitch" album - Al Jourgensen and company's second in total - was seen as something of a departure from their established new-wave synth-pop sound. These days, the Adrian Sherwood co-produced set is considered a vital release that helped to cement the growing global influence of industrial music and, more pertinently, electronic body music (EBM). As this timely reissue proves, it remains one of the band's greatest albums; a throbbing, synthesizer and drum machine driven romp through dark, macabre and muscular musical passions rich in dancefloor-friendly classics (see "We Believe", the surprisingly funky "All Day Remix", Cabaret Voltaire-esque "Over The Shoulder" and "Where You At Now?/Crash & Burn/Twitch", a paranoid and noisy suite of cuts that rounds off the album in breathless fashion.

Review: Ministry's The Land of Rape and Honey is a pivotal release in both the band's discography and the evolution of industrial music. This genre-defining album marked their shift from synthpop to industrial metal, characterised by distorted guitars, pounding beats, and aggressive, sample-rich compositions. The deluxe edition enhances this landmark with iconic tracks like 'Stigmata', 'The Missing;, and the haunting title track, along with exclusive remixes and extended cuts. Tracks like 'The Missing' and 'Deity' highlight the album's metal edge, blending thrash aggression with industrial elements. 'Golden Dawn' introduces a dark, ritualistic tone with samples from occult sources, showcasing Ministry's skill in merging industrial and post-industrial aesthetics. Songs like 'Destruction' and 'Hizbollah' expand the sonic palette with chaotic percussion and Middle Eastern influences. The title track, despite its controversial samples, reinforces the band's anti-fascist stance with its militaristic atmosphere. Closing with 'Abortive', the album offers a reflective end to its intense journey. The Land of Rape and Honey stands as a crucial bridge between early industrial soundscapes and the metal-influenced industrial of the 90s.