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Book Review

Ministry – “Prescripture: The Visual History” [Book Review]

Ministry’s Prescripture: The Visual History (Melodic Virtue) is a beautifully designed, fully authorized visual history of the career of a brilliant band and man (Al Jourgensen), as designed by Aaron Tanner. Every page is lovingly laid out with photos, advertisements, illustrations, and scribbles – many of which have never before seen the light of day.

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“He’s fearless. He’s funny. He’s a diehard hockey fan. I love this man. Complete original. Can’t wait to have his book on my coffee table to make company nervous.” – Bill Burr

Prescripture: The Visual History is a fully authorized 248 pages of rare and unseen photos, artwork, and other ephemera that spans Ministry’s entire career. Published by Melodic Virtue, Prescripture is authored, curated, and designed by Aaron Tanner (with additional design by Rachel Wambach and Jackson Tanner). Working together with Liz Walton, Tanner raided Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen’s personal collection of behind-the-scenes artifacts and then supplemented those items with contributions from band members past and present along with visual artists, Brian Shanley and Paul Elledge.

The book also features an introduction by Jello Biafra and exclusive quotes from members of Smashing Pumpkins, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, NWA, Ramones, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Megadeth, AFI, Slayer, Jane’s Addiction, Rammstein, and many, many more!

Prescripture is a beautifully-designed book. Every page is lovingly laid out with numerous photos, flyers, advertisements, illustrations, and scribbles, many of which have never before seen the light of day. Jello Biafra’s excellent introduction, backed by numerous quotes, formulate the backbone of the text presented within the book. As the title suggests, Prescripture is primarily a visual history of Ministry. Studio, candid, and live shots are utilized to maximum effect as Prescripture progresses sequentially through Jorgensen’s nearly forty-year musical journey.

Read Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Flip’s thoughts on Ministry, right from the book:

A band that has never stopped evolving, Ministry was founded in 1981 by Al Jourgensen. Al’s constant experimentation and drive to vary his musical stylings morphed the group from its early synth-pop origins into the industrial juggernaut that Ministry is most known for today.

Jourgensen’s dabblings with narcotics have been well documented. Al’s book Ministry: The Lost Gospels According to Al Jourgensen (co-written with Jon Wiederhorn), has all of those filthy details. Ministry fans all know Jourgensen’s biggest addiction is his life long pursuit of music. He is considered by his peers as one of the best studio engineers within the industry. It’s this addiction that shines throughout Prescripture, a coffee table book that will please every Ministry fan. Let me retract that; a coffee table book that will please 2000 Ministry fans. This book is limited to 2000 units only, and it has been selling well on pre-order. Don’t mess around, secure your copy now, before they are all gone.

Written By: Aaron Tanner
Foreword By: Jello Biafara
Publisher: Melodic Virtue
Release Date: December 6th, 2019
Format / Length: Hardcover / 248 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-578-56212-4

Take an inside glimpse inside of the book:

Deluxe Features:

– Includes 7″ of the studio version of “(Every Day is) Halloween (Acoustic)” featuring Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction)
– Includes Ministry: Prescripture Next Level 3600 t-shirt
– Numbered 1-500
Unsigned option: $150.00 U.S.
Signed option – Al Jourgensen & Aaron Tanner $225.00 U.S.

Chicago People: Al Jourgensen also has an upcoming one-night-only appearance to celebrate the release of the new fully authorized visual history book Ministry: Prescripture. Due to overwhelming fan demand, the event will now be held at a bigger space, Morgan’s On Fulton in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, on Friday, December 13.

Jourgensen will be signing books alongside author and designer Aaron Tanner. The event is open to the public and will begin at 6 pm. After the signing, there will be an afterparty with DJ Scary Lady Sarah spinning industrial, gothic and new wave tracks from 8 pm to midnight. Tickets are free but attendees

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