MINISTRY Recruits Drummer DEREK ABRAMS For Spring 2018 Tour; JOEY JORDISON No Longer Taking Part

Industrial metal pioneers MINISTRY have once again recruited Derek Abrams to play drums on their upcoming North American tour, which kicks off Thursday night (March 22) at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California. Abrams originally joined MINISTRY last year and sat behind the kit for the band's fall 2017 run of dates.

Says Abrams in a statement: "I'm super excited to get back out on the road with MINISTRY for the 2018 North America tour that kicks off [Thursday] in Anaheim. I can't express enough gratitude to the band and crew to be able to be a part of this family. I look forward to seeing you at a show. If we don't hit your city this time, there is a chance we will in the fall."

Although it was announced last month that Joey Jordison would join MINISTRY on the road in North America this spring and he took part in some of the early rehearsals for the trek, the former SLIPKNOT drummer is no longer taking part in the tour.

Amanda Victoria, Jordison's representative, said in a statement: "It's been decided between Joey and MINISTRY that he will not go on tour with them so he may focus his full-time attention on his own ventures. MINISTRY and their management are very supportive of Joey and wish him continued success."

The rest of the tour's guest lineup will feature vocalist Burton C. Bell (FEAR FACTORY),and live scratcher DJ Swamp (BECK, THE CRYSTAL METHOD),who will join longtime bandmembers Sin Quirin and Cesar Soto on guitars, Tony Campos (FEAR FACTORY, STATIC-X, ASESINO, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY) on bass, and keyboardist John Bechdel (KILLING JOKE, FEAR FACTORY).

For these dates, MINISTRY's will present a whole new set list that will include more new songs from "AmeriKKKant". Said Al Jourgensen, "Old friends, new music... Dream lineup, nightmare world. Get your ass to this show...this one will be memorable."

With his "P.T.-Barnum-meets-RAGE-AGAINST-THE-MACHINE" ringmaster style, Jourgensen will front this motley crew of killer musicians, along with giant inflatable Trump chickens, video screens projecting politically imbued images to compliment the music, and a couple of Antifa soldiers.

"I am very honored to be part of MINISTRY's 'all-star' crew for the upcoming 'Amerikkant' tour," said Burton C. Bell. "Working with Al over the years has been a blast and a dream come true, and to be part of another MINISTRY album was another milestone in my career. Hanging, laughing, playing with Al, JB, Sin, Cesar and Tony is always a good time. I've known all these characters for some time, and they will never get old! I expect this tour to be super fun. Like the songs goes, 'my whole life is making music with my friends, and I can't wait to get on the road again...'"