Ministry Unveil Title + Release Date for Thirteenth Studio Album

If "eternity" seems like too long, then would you settle for September? That's when Ministry will be releasing their thirteenth studio album, 'From Beer to Eternity.' Frontman Al Jourgensen says that while concluding Ministry's career had been discussed, after the events of the past year he had no real choice other than to record this disc.

Jourgensen began recording in the studio last December, calling in guitarists Mike Scaccia and Sin Quirin, drummer Aaron Rossi and bassist Tony Campos to fill out the lineup. But as the sessions continued, guitarist Mike Scaccia was felled by a fatal heart attack. At that point, 18 rough tracks had been recorded and the remaining band members were devastated by his loss.

"We have never, in the history of Ministry, ever had a tracking session like that before," said Jourgensen. "Everything went so smoothly. It was surreal. And Mikey was so on fire and inspired and really a driving force for this record." After attending the guitarist's funeral, Jourgensen spent three months locked away in the studio determined to finish the effort.

"There was no choice," said the frontman. "During the tracking sessions, Mikey was smiling and going, 'You know what, Al? This is by far and away the best Ministry album we've ever done together. This is awesome.' I'm super proud of 'From Beer to Eternity' because it's my tribute to Mikey's incredible talent, and I feel it honors him and all of the years we spent together making music."

While many of the songs were written with Scaccia, the disc does include the track 'Change of Luck' that Jourgensen penned specifically about the guitarist's heart attack and death. Other album highlights include the lead single 'PermaWar,' which drops on iTunes in late July, and such hard-hitting cuts as 'Hail to His Majesty (Peasants)' and 'Punch in the Face.'

Ministry will offer the recording in a variety of formats and they also have some interesting takes on promotion for the album. Jourgensen's two Labradors, Lemmy and Ozzy, will provide an ongoing "dog blog" that gives fans a glimpse inside the studio. Follow it on Facebook here. Pre-order details will be announced shortly via Ministry's Facebook page.

In related news, Jourgensen is also prepping the release of his authorized biography, 'Ministry: The Lost Gospels According to Al Jourgensen.' It's expected in stores July 9 va DaCapo Books. Fans can also look for the new two-disc DVD, 'Ministry: Enjoy the Quiet -- Live at Wacken 2012.'