Paul Barker

Paul Barker (born February 8, 1959 in Palo Alto, California, USA), also referred to as Hermes Pan, is best known as the former bass guitarist, producer and engineer of the industrial metal band Ministry. Barker was a member from 1986 to 2004. Prior to Ministry, from 1979 until 1985, Barker provided bass for Seattle's No Wave ensemble The Blackouts alongside future Ministry drummer William Rieflin and his brother, one-time Ministry touring keyboardist & saxophonist Roland Barker. Beginning as touring bassist for Ministry's 1986 Twitch tour, Barker collaborated with frontman Al Jourgensen on The Land Of Rape And Honey (1988). Although many musicians briefly contributed to Ministry in the nearly two decade period after Barker joined the band, he and Jourgensen were the only continuous members. The dynamics between the two different personalities came to shape Ministry's sound, along with a number of side-projects which they were involved in together. In 2004, Barker left the band for personal reasons. Since leaving Ministry, he has spent his time recording new material, producing such acts as I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness and collaborating with artists such as Stayte (on their 2007 Cognitive Dissonance (The Art Of Lying To Yourself) (US 2007) (opens in a new tab) EP). He joined USSA with Duane Denison (Tomahawk, ex-The Jesus Lizard) as bassist. The first album from his solo project Flowering Blight entitled The Perfect Pair (US 2008) (opens in a new tab), was released on November 19, 2008 via the official website. In 2021, Barker released Fix. It features guests such as Chris Connelly, Nivek Ogre, Taylor Momsen, Puscifer, Alexis S.F. Marshall, Thee Joshua Bradford III, and Devix Szell. Paul has played live with Puscifer and has toured with the Revolting Cocks (originally The Cocks) with Chris Connelly, Richard 23 and (sometimes) Luc Van Acker. Paul is also one of the founders of Malekko Heavy Industry Corporation, a manufacturer of synthesizer modules and guitar effect pedals.