By Ashley Parrish Otteman
Photos by Amy Asche
Industrial metal occupies a particular corner of my soul. The moment the abrasive rhythms and ominous, synthesized tones hit my ears, I'm instantly transported back to the rebellious haze of my teenage years. During that era, industrial metal seemed to be a constant backdrop in our household, a status quo firmly established by my older brother, Damon. His fervent, discerning musical preferences shaped the soundtrack of our home life, with the distinct, industrial-tinged melodies of his band, eROTic (and many others), echoing up from our basement, providing a constant backdrop to my youth. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp its impact, but it definitely left its mark.
Fast forward to a warm Tuesday evening in April 2024 at the Mission Ballroom in Denver—the lineup of Ministry, Gary Numan, and Front Line Assembly felt like stepping into a time machine, while simultaneously launching me into a dystopian, apocalyptic future.
The night kicked off with Front Line Assembly, and it was my first time catching them live. Bill Leeb, the band's vocalist and founder, who departed from Skinny Puppy back in 1986, has undoubtedly carved out a distinctive path for FLA. As the show started, dark patterns and visuals swirled on the screen behind them, setting up a tech-based futuristic vibe. Leeb's presence on stage is uniquely captivating—enigmatic and entirely his own. Then you had Matthew Setzer (Skinny Puppy, London After Midnight) on guitar, adding his undeniable electric energy to the set. His look alone, with blond dreads piled high and a futuristic get-up, felt like it was straight out of a sci-fi novel. I was mesmerized.
What started as a casual interest at the start of their set rapidly morphed into an outright obsession in just 45 minutes. This is the power of live music, I think. To be honest, my least favorite part of the night was them walking off the stage after their set. Everything about their performance captivated me, and I simply wasn’t ready for it to be over. A few days later, I’m still talking about them to anyone who’ll listen.
Luckily, my melancholy was short-lived, as it was Gary Numan’s turn on stage. Describing the timeless relevance and atmosphere Numan brings to his performances is a tall order, but here goes nothing. The man, seemingly impervious to aging, dominated the stage with an exceptionally rare presence and vitality. His music, with distinct vocals woven together with synth-driven melodies, has matured from its post-punk beginnings into a more robust, industrial electronic rock.
His bandmates conjured an otherworldly vibe, enveloping the crowd in a strange, compelling bubble that made the outside world vanish for a while. Witnessing Numan’s performance was unlike any other live music experience I've had, marked by artistry and intention that I couldn’t help but find admirable. The songs themselves were pure brilliance. Tracks like “Everything Comes Down to This,” “Love Hurt Bleed,” and “A Prayer for the Unborn” were personal highlights. The hour-long set offered a brief glimpse into the soul of someone whose creative passion has resonated with countless people across the span of four decades.
Finally, the moment arrived for Ministry to take the stage. Al Jourgensen, the mastermind and frontman, along with a crew of top-notch musicians, kicked off the set with a few tracks from their brand-new album HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES before diving into the iconic tracks they're known for.
Smoke enveloped the stage and the band members, while hard-hitting electronic beats reverberated throughout the packed venue. The lighting strobed and ebbed with the music, creating an effect that completely hijacked the senses—making me feel momentarily suspended from space and time. Behind the band, a vivid mix of political and religious visuals provided the perfect backdrop for their high-voltage performance. Tracks like "N.W.O." and "Just One Fix" got the crowd surfers in motion, the energy escalating until "Jesus Built My Hotrod" neared the set's end. At one point, I could swear Uncle Al locked eyes with me (Hey, front row, totally plausible). I refused to be the first to break the stare, so I doubled down. This led to a brief, intense stare-off—a moment that, yes, likely exists only in my imagination. Yet, I will run with it, holding onto the memory as long as the show lives on in my mind, which, honestly, is likely to be forever.
Concluding the show, the encore brought a nice little surprise as Gary Numan joined Ministry onstage to cover Fad Gadget's "Ricky's Hand," putting a stellar finishing touch on an already unforgettable night. This collaboration was the cherry on top, masterfully blending different musical eras and styles into a memorable finale.
Reflecting on it—it was one of those unforgettable shows, reinforcing my belief that concert tickets are rarely, if ever, a waste of money. I stood at the barricade for nearly three hours; I never once felt restless or overly conscious of my aching feet. Every band captivated me completely, leaving me not just feeling exhilarated but also sparking a desire to tap into my own creative reserves. Each performance was distinct, contributing to an experience that transcended mere nostalgia. There’s something about industrial and electronic rock and metal that cements its ongoing relevance. Given the longevity and expertise of each act, the audience was in expert hands.