Ministry's transformation from a synthesizer-driven dance act to a bone-smashing industrial thud machine was in part shaped by an obscure band from Seattle. Bassist Paul Barker and drummer Bill Rieflin were members of the post-punk group the Blackouts, experimenting with oppressive, detached rhythms. If it weren't for their affiliation with Ministry, the Blackouts probably would've faded from rock history, but they do represent a curious and often-overlooked part of pre-grunge Seattle. The Blackouts picked up where the Telepaths left off.

Read more about Blackouts on Last.fm.


User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL.