Marilyn Manson Is Still the King of Chaos

Brian Warner, aka Marilyn Manson, has been viewed as a faded star, a fallen angel of dark rock whose dwindling career has been marked by scandals of serious domestic violence allegations. This atmosphere spawned what is arguably his darkest work, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1. While sonically reminiscent of Manson's big box-office hits Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals, it also balances darkness and beauty, pushing Manson's musical horizon towards deeper and more mature emotions.

The opening track "One Assassination Under God" is bursting with rich sound. The brooding melancholy is underscored by darkwave, haunting organ chimes and a gloomy tempo. The distorted bass line in the opening cuts through the eardrums and Manson's voice under the layers of guitars is as aggressive as when he was young. The ballad "As Sick as the Secrets Within" unfolds in the style of the old classic "Nine Inch Nails". A mixture of guitars, urgent vocals and sampled drums is softened by the piano accompaniment, the demonic touch is completed by the eerie whisper at the end.

With its upbeat rhythm and chorus, "Sacrilegious" has both hit potential and drive, while "Death Is Not A Costume" wants to slowly tear the listener apart with its twisted vocals and electronic drums. The distorted bass and massive industrial vibe in "Raise the Red Flag" brings Manson back to his roots. In "Sacrifice of The Mass", the artist bids farewell with intimate acoustic guitar, which is a welcome finale to an hour of hellish noise, aggression and darkness. A ritualistic hymn full of confusion and catharsis.

What can you appreciate about the album as a musician?

Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 returns Manson to the foundations of his dark and provocative style. The "Lord of Evil" presents himself not only as a musician but also as a philosopher of the gothic world who delves into religious metaphors, politics and introspective reflections. Musically, it's a return to his roots with an emphasis on dramatic vocals, dense atmosphere and lyrics full of metaphors. Production was handled by Tyler Bates, known for his work with Manson on previous albums. The sound is cleaner and more layered, but still dark and aggressive. In addition to classic rock instruments, it also contains electronic elements and string arrangements.

The themes of the album teeter on the edge of blasphemy and the search for the meaning of life. Manson exploits religious symbolism, but in addition, he shapes it in his typical nihilistic colours. The lyrics explore the concepts of sacrifice, authority and the desire for freedom. Although the words of the songs are often abstract, they remain concrete enough to resonate and allow anyone to find a deeper meaning in them.

Marilyn Manson – Assassination Under God – Chapter 1

Nuclear Blast, 00:43:27

gothic rock/industrial

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