Ministry's "Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs," released 33 years ago, on July 14, 1992, by Sire Records, is a seminal industrial metal album that stands as a defining work in the genre. Also known as "ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ," the album showcases a powerful blend of aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and electronic elements, solidifying Ministry's influence and legacy in industrial metal. Produced by band members Al Jourgensen and Paul Barker, "Psalm 69" features iconic tracks like "Jesus Built My Hotrod," with a memorable guest appearance by Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers, and "N.W.O.," which offers a scathing critique of the Gulf War and U.S. foreign policy.
The title of the album is linked to chapter 69 of The Book of Lies, a written work of Aleister Crowley, where he uses the expression "The way to succeed and the way to suck eggs" as a pun for the 69 sex position ("suck seed" and "suck eggs"). Moreover, Crowley titled the chapter ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ (which translates literally as "shrugged" and contains the sound ΛΗΞ "licks") but has a second meaning as a compound of Greek κεφαλη ("head") and Ξ Θ (an encoded alphabetic reference to "69") which both have slang meanings in English for sexual acts.
"Psalm 69" achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and earning a platinum certification from the RIAA, marking it as Ministry's most commercially successful album. The album's raw intensity, dark themes, and innovative soundscapes have made it a critical and fan favorite, influencing countless artists in both the industrial and metal scenes. Tracks like "Just One Fix" and the title track "Psalm 69" further demonstrate the band's ability to merge relentless energy with thought-provoking commentary.
The album received a 4 to 5 star ratings by most leading music magazines.
The album's relentless energy, unapologetic political stance, and groundbreaking fusion of metal and electronic music have cemented its place as a powerful statement in Ministry's discography. With "Psalm 69," Ministry not only defined the industrial metal genre but also pushed the boundaries of what heavy music could achieve. Its lasting impact on the industrial and metal scenes underscores its status as a landmark album, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Ministry – ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ / Psalm 69
| N.W.O | 5:29 | ||
| Just One Fix | 5:11 | ||
| TV II | 3:04 | ||
| Hero | 4:12 | ||
| Jesus Built My Hotrod | 4:51 | ||
| Scarecrow | 8:21 | ||
| Psalm 69 | 5:29 | ||
| Corrosion | 4:55 | ||
| Grace | 3:06 |
