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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 [a=Ministry]. Barker was a member from 1986 to 2004. Prior to [a=Ministry], from 1979 until 1985, Barker provided bass for Seattle's No Wave ensemble [a=The Blackouts] alongside future [a=Ministry] drummer [a=William Rieflin] and his brother, one-time [a=Ministry] touring keyboardist & saxophonist [a=Roland Barker]. Beginning as touring bassist for [a=Ministry]'s 1986 [m=16563] tour, Barker collaborated with frontman [a=Al Jourgensen] on [m=7643] (1988). Although many musicians briefly contributed to [a=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 [a=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 [a=Ministry], he has spent his time recording new material, producing such acts as [a=I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness] and collaborating with artists such as [a=Stayte] (on their 2007 [r=2264096] EP). He joined [a=USSA] with [a=Duane Denison] ([a=Tomahawk (6)], ex-[a=The Jesus Lizard]) as bassist. The first album from his solo project [a=Flowering Blight] entitled [r=1541689], was released on November 19, 2008 via the official website. In 2021, Barker released [m=709973]. It features guests such as [a=Chris Connelly], [a=Nivek Ogre], [a=Taylor Momsen], [a=Puscifer], [a=Alexis S.F. Marshall], [a=Thee Joshua Bradford III], and Devix Szell. Paul has played live with [a=Puscifer] and has toured with the [a=Revolting Cocks] (originally The Cocks) with [a=Chris Connelly], [a=Richard 23] and (sometimes) [a=Luc Van Acker]. Paul is also one of the founders of Malekko Heavy Industry Corporation, a manufacturer of synthesizer modules and guitar effect pedals.