Band:	Ministry
Album:	In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up
Style:	Industrial metal
Release date:	September 04, 1990
Guest review by:	Joey Jo Jo

01. The Missing
02. Deity
03. So What
04. Burning Inside
05. Thieves
06. Stigmata

Besides having the most appropriate title for a live album (in this case, an EP), "Incase You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up" showcases one of the most energetic live shows on tape. From the opening bruisers in the form of two beefed up songs off "Land Of Rape And Honey", you know you're in for a hell of a performance. "So What?" totally slows things down to a halt, although a live setting gives the anthem a very eerie atmosphere. Just one small inconsistency in an otherwise blistering set.

One distinctive attribute Ministry has on this recording is how they create a dense wall of sound with a wide assortment of guests. From having up to three vocalists shouting at once, five guitar players, and two drummers, things get pretty intense from time to time. At this point in their career, Ministry's trademark was their ability to create very precise music out of chaos. Something other bands fall flat on their face trying to duplicate. A perfect example lies in the nerve shattering performance of "Stigmata", which happens to be the highlight of the show.

Although a great testament to how much of a destructive presence Ministry has on stage, the EP is really lacking in representing what an actual show was like on the tour. Which was infamous for its' guests and having a few side project tunes grace the setlist, along with a few other live gems. A tribal drum duet, a cover of Skinny Puppy's Smothered Hope with Ogre on vocals, and Jello Biafra giving his own version of the Pledge of Allegiance. While having only six songs from a lengthy setlist does seem like too much of a tease, this is one of the most complete live albums you'll be sure to come across.