"Filth Pig" is the sixth studio album by American industrial metal band Ministry, released on January 30, 1996. The album marked a significant departure from the band's previous sound, which was heavily electronic and sample-based. Instead, "Filth Pig" embraced a more guitar-driven and raw sound, reflecting a darker and more aggressive tone.
The album was recorded during a tumultuous period for the band. Frontman Al Jourgensen was battling drug addiction, which influenced the album's darker themes and heavy sound. Despite the challenges, Ministry sought to create a record that went against the polished expectations of the music industry at the time.
"Filth Pig" featured singles such as "Reload," "The Fall," and a cover of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay." The album received mixed reviews upon release, with some praising its bold stylistic shift and others criticizing it for its departure from Ministry's signature industrial sound. Commercially, it debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, showing the band's continued influence and fanbase.
Over time, "Filth Pig" has gained recognition for its raw energy and has been appreciated as a critical piece of Ministry's evolution as a band. It stands as a reflection of the band's creative resilience and willingness to explore new musical territories.
