See Al Jourgensen Break Down Meaning of Ministry’s Controversial Single “Antifa” | Revolver

See Al Jourgensen Break Down Meaning of Ministry’s Controversial Single “Antifa”

Frontman clarifies inspiration behind new song off upcoming album 'AmeriKKKant'

Industrial-metal veterans Ministry have shared a short video breaking down "Antifa," the lead single off their upcoming album AmeriKKKant. Because it's titled after, and written in support of, the loose conglomeration of resurgent antifascist groups across post-election America — whose violent clashes with right-wing demonstrators prompted the Department of Homeland Security to classify their actions as "domestic terrorism" earlier this year — the song has ruffled plenty of feathers. However, listeners who've interpreted incendiary lyrics like "I've got something to say to you/I'll back it up with my fist" and "Skinheads taking a dive/Antifa is coming for you they won't survive" as plainly stated endorsements of violence are missing the point, frontman Jourgensen explains.

"I don't believe in a coordinated right wing – or a coordinated left wing – but I do believe that people should stand up for themselves and not be party to this bullshit we've being fed," he says. "I think the majority Antifa is not like looking at play books on how to run the police barrier or what kind of uniform to wear."

"I think Antifa is a state of mind – of just, like, 'We're not going to take this shit anymore, because we've been sold a bad bill of goods here by you people…you can try and force it down our throats, but you know what? Eventually I'm gonna punch you in the fucking face and say, 'Fuck you, this is not real, and you are not my people – so fuck you.'"

"I relish the attitude of Antifa," the frontman adds. "I think that some of the tactics they take actually hurt the cause or the thought process more than it helps, but I do enjoy the 'enough!' aspect of it – and that's what this song is about."

Produced by Jourgsensen, AmeriKKKant hits shelves March 9th, 2018 via Nuclear Blast. The album – which features guest appearances by DJ Swamp (Beck), Arabian Prince (N.W.A.), Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory), and more – is a direct product of the 2016 election; Jourgensen previously described the record as "provid[ing] FEMA-type relief for the devastation 'Hurricane Cheeto' has brought upon us."

In related news, Ministry recently announced an extensive North American tour slated to kick off on March 22nd, with support from Chelsea Wolfe. Find a full itinerary below, accompanied by Ministry's "Antifa" video.

Ministry tour dates:

Mar. 22 – Anaheim, CA - House of Blues @
Mar. 23 – Ventura, CA - Ventura Theatre @
Mar. 24 – Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl @
Mar. 26 – Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades @
Mar. 28 – Portland, OR - Roseland Theater @
Mar. 29 – Vancouver, British Columbia - Vogue Theater @
Mar. 31 – Edmonton, Alberta - Union Hall @
Apr. 01 – Calgary, Alberta - Palace Theater @
Apr. 03 – Missoula, MT - Wilma Theatre @
Apr. 05 – Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre @
Apr. 07 – Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre @
Apr. 08 – Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom @
Apr. 10 – Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's @
Apr. 11 – Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe Live @
Apr. 12 – Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room @
Apr. 14 – Toronto, Ontario - Opera House @
Apr. 15 – Montreal, Quebec - MTELUS @
Apr. 17 – Boston, MA - Royale @
Apr. 18 – Portland, ME - Aura @
Apr. 19 – Huntington, NY - Paramount Theater @
Apr. 21 – Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre @
Apr. 22 – Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom @
Apr. 23 – Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live @
Apr. 25 – Atlanta, GA - Center Stage @
Apr. 26 – Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live @
Apr. 28 – Austin, TX - Emo's
Aug. 10 Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Music Festival
@ with Chelsea Wolfe