Ministry and Rosetta Stone new albums released by Cleopatra Records


Ministry band (Photo Credit: Derick Smith)

Cleopatra Records has carved out a formidable space in the underground music scene, acting as a home for some of the darkest, heaviest sounds emanating from the goth, hard rock, and industrial worlds. Since its founding in Los Angeles in 1992, the label has cultivated a lineage of uncompromising music, and it remains a powerhouse of creative force.

The label’s ongoing success is built on bridging generations of talent. It’s a place where legendary acts meet emerging voices, all united by a commitment to heavy, evocative sound. This dedication is perfectly exemplified by the pairing of two monumental acts slated for release in the Fall of 2026: the industrial metal behemoth Ministry and the English darkwave group Rosetta Stone.

Ministry, known for its crunching anthems and irreverent political commentary, has a long and storied history with Cleopatra. Al Jourgensen has been the band’s consistent force since 1981, driving the band’s evolution from danceable early Wax Trax singles to a provocative juggernaut of heavy guitars and heavier beats. This legacy comes to a close with the release of their farewell album, Hate To Go – Take Out or Delivery, which closes out a fascinating chapter.

The connection between the label and Ministry dates back to 2015, when Cleopatra released archival live albums, including Toronto 1986. The label continues to support the band’s journey, with Ministry making appearances at major festivals across America and Australia before embarking on the upcoming Goodbye Europe 2027 Tour.

Meanwhile, Rosetta Stone brings their signature dark post-punk sound to the label. Formed in 1988 by singer/guitarist Porl King and bassist Karl North, the band has carried this evolving sound for over two decades. Their latest release, Executing Nostalgia, continues to refine their aesthetic with cavernous reverb, heavily distorted guitars, and driving drum machine grooves. The album also pays tribute to foundational influences, touching upon tracks from the Virgin Prunes and Colin Newman of Wire.

Cleopatra Records continues to foster this vibrant, multi-generational environment. Recent releases like Executing Nostalgia, which features German electronic artist Thunder Bae on the track Incubus Succubus, demonstrate the label’s ability to welcome exciting new music that respects the deep roots of its history. With artists spanning multiple generations, Cleopatra Records is poised for a bright future in dark, uncompromising music in 2026 and beyond.

You may also like: