Gonna let you in on a secret—despite how virtuous you’ll find some acting with regards to ‘cancelled’ bands, everyone still listens to one of theirs. Everyone. They just don’t tend to publicise it, which is probably the right way to go about these things. Like what you like, obviously, but it’s also healthy to be aware of the background of what you consume and how others could be / have been affected by it. Especially in situations involving, say, alleged sexual misconduct or abuse, a bit of fucking mindfulness wouldn’t go amiss.
In the case of Marilyn Manson, things have been presented in a notably different way. The idea that he’s always been a flag-bearer of pop culture controversy has been held over him as standard, but that’s in relation to faux Satanic Panic overreach and ‘think of the children’ puritanism. That’s not really equivalent to multiple allegations of sexual abuse, and yet the reactions of “Well, what did you expect?” have been disappointingly commonplace. Of course, there’ll always be a subset of online morons who’d never even entertain the idea that a woman could possibly not be a conniving liar, but you’d struggle to believe that Manson and the team around him aren’t aware of the default pass he’s been handed. Disabling social media comments is a small price to pay when you’re inking new deals with Nuclear Blast, and assembling a new band of players who you’d hope would know better (lookin’ at Code Orange’s Reba Meyers here).
But here’s the real question for any remaining fans who fancy screaming their vindication from these continued career moves—is it really worth putting your social capital on the line for Marilyn Manson, who hasn’t released anything good in about two decades? What—do you think some more notoriety will get the juices flowing for this man who was once blamed for Columbine? Or are you just keeping up appearances to trigger the ‘right’ people, despite knowing full well that creative drain and a lack of talent is just where Manson is now? Yeah, thought so.
In essence, then, it makes any ‘fair’ criticism of One Assassination Under God a functional impossibility. For any normal person, there’s enough about the twin shadows of horrid allegations and musical returns that have dropped off a cliff to not even bother touching this. Can’t argue with that, can you? But even so, the morbid fascination with Marilyn Manson can still take hold. Why is he still here? What is he still doing this for? And chief among them, what purpose does a new album serve in this current, exact situation?
Well, the lead single was As Sick As The Secrets Within, which, outside the album’s context, is actually one of the more interesting pieces of music to bear Manson’s name in a long time. Not for any musical reason—he’s still on a stock, pre-packaged alt-metal train—but for a lyrical slant that actually feels like an attempt at candour, you could even see some glances at early appeal. Maybe this is an album divorced from its character, where Brian Warner takes the wheel instead, and gives an insight into a genuinely damaged individual with a public persona that leaves him unable to show real humanity in a sincere way. In the right hands, maybe this could actually be something.
Manson’s are not the right hands, however, as any early specks of intrigue are jet-washed away like they were never supposed to be here in the first place. One Assassination Under God is not some rumination on destructive character flaws; not even close. In fact, it’s closer to the exact opposite—Manson is sad and hard-done-by, a product of ‘cancel culture’, in not so many words. And you know what? A pity party for and by Marilyn Manson might be one of the most odious sentiments one could conceive of. “How much worse than me could you be?” he asks on Meet Me In Purgatory, where the illusion of self-awareness is dropped for the song’s main neg “Are you gonna pray for me / When I’m in purgatory? / Or just step through the stained glass”. Raise The Red Flag gives off a similar rancid vibe, where “I don’t give a fuck if you say you’re sorry / I won’t accept your surrender” could be Manson’s fashion to voice the mean ol’ mob lashing out at such a hapless, good-natured soul as he, only trying to make amends. Come on; give him a break—there’s a whole four-minute song on this 43-minute-long album that could charitably be interpreted that way! Isn’t that enough?
But it’s the closer Sacrifice Of The Mass that engenders the most pity towards its limp-wristed display of ‘strength’. Here, on this dreary, acoustic dirge in which Manson narrates his own death, is the culmination of his pleas for sympathy, with every part planned out to elicit an idea of emotionality that, like this entire album as a whole, is completely unearned. And on a line “I think they’ve helped themselves to enough of my bad dreams”, there’s just an ick that’s impossible to wash off. Even if its not directly referencing Manson’s bizarre martyrdom complex at the persecution he believes is unjust, trying to reframe himself as a victim after literal decades of lapping up controversy feels like such a manipulative switch to flip. He wants it both ways, and therefore winds up with neither being even remotely believable.
So, yeah—nothing has changed, in that regard. There’s still an aura of counterculture that Manson wants to embody, just as he’s tried to force into a good number of releases in recent years, with little success. That’s the only sad thing—that Manson believes he can still pull off shock, when a quick Google search can throw up more horrors than he’d ever be capable of instilling. It’s so tired now, as well. The album’s very title is the same edging up of trad Americana that dates back to Portrait Of An American Family all the way in 1994. Hell, even earlier than that; the man calls himself Marilyn Manson! This whole shtick is the foundation of his identity, and it’s no match for the obsolescence that’s rushing forth at more than double the speed. Just take Nod If You Understand, for example, where the line “I want towers to crumble” is given no true grounding or greater elaboration, but considering that Manson’s whole thing is being an edgelord from the early 2000s designed to provoke white-collar America specifically, you know exactly where the reference stems from.
If there’s any argument to be made for how unnecessary Manson is in in 2024, he’s the one who’s making it. Even if you put aside the allegations entirely, here’s another drawn-out slog of an album to contend with, with depressingly limited ideas. A base palette of sallow, dreary alt-metal is not a strong foundation by anyone’s metric, such is the way that Meet Me In Purgatory’s guitars land like a formless slurry, or how universally bitter the synths can feel as the only source of tautness to be found. Even when the tempo picks up on Sacrilegious, it exists as the worn-down glam-rock that Manson has systemically drained of all vivacity in his repertoire, another strip of entry-level hedonism in Halloween facepaint and milk-white contacts with the hubristic groans of “I’m coming back” as its unintentionally funny saving grace.
After all, what is there to come back to? There’s no empire for Manson to reclaim, or even much of a chance of swinging public perception back around to his favour. He’s ethered any chance of that all on his own. The most plausible explanation is a return solely for the few who still want him, though that’s not such an impressive feat that you’d want to bake it into your ‘big’ comeback. If it were another artist in a similar position, you might even be curious at just what they have in mind, if only to consider the potential wreck to come. For Manson, though…no, this can be it now. There’s no reason to even give him the time of day, on a basis purely determined by output. One Assassination Under God is just another crappy misfire in a long line of crappy misfires, weighed down even further by Manson’s inability to improve himself. It simply isn’t worth the effort to keep up anymore, not when every factor of Manson’s artistic and private personality are doing their best to ward you away as much as possible. If, for some baffling reason, you do still have an interest…well, there’s no accounting for taste, is there?
Also—‘chapter 1’? Is that a threat, Brian?
For fans of: Filter, Dope, Emigrate
‘One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1’ by Marilyn Manson is out now on Nuclear Blast Records.
Words by Luke Nuttall
This is dribble at its best. The compilation of words is awful. What a terrible review if that wasnt clear. Just an agenda to have a dig at an artist that is clearly despised by a journalist.
Lot of big words to show how upset you are that we have our first reviewer who isn’t eating shit and calling it good
Lol, you’re pathetic.
A goofball journalist with an agenda and not even a clever one at that!! Definitely never even heard of him or this page. Only reason I found was someone’s link on IG, exactly why all forms of journalism are trash nowadays they all have an agenda and placate to some bullshit narrative.
Oh my goodness this review went on and on, forever. I won’t lie I couldn’t finish it. It was midlessly self indulgent. Had to quickly check out the album. Now album, that album is amazing!!!!
Its “drivel”, you moron.
You could have just said you don’t like Manson and not bothered to review the album. What is this poor attempt at music journalism.
Actually, poor reviews are a thing too. It’s what one writes in response to really terrible work, which this album is.
BS review
I call BS (BlueSky user, perhaps?). This album is very well-done. I highly doubt you even listened to it. I’m even more certain that you make no effort to investigate both sides of a story before rendering judgment. My review of your comment is F.
Yes, because everyone knows you only review albums if you like them.
Gutter journalism at its finest. No nuanced argument, no research into his last 3, most of which were critically acclaimed, albums which were more self reflective (Lazy statements of not released anything good in 20 years, clearly hasn’t done research)
Sold out tours in US and Europe to add to that.
The last three albums were “more self-reflective” because Manson deemed them so. In what world are the lyrics from those records significantly more personal than his former albums, especially the Triptych? Like, what metric are you even using? Because from where I and most non-delusional people are sitting, that’s a stupid statement to make.
pointless review
Finally a review of this album that pretty much sums up my feelings on it and him
The Manson bots are out in full force, defending their pathetic edgelord prince.
Great review, 100% on point. He’s an idiot’s idea of a genius. The self pitying lyrics sound like they’ve been ripped from a gothy teenager’s diary.
Right? What blows my mind is that the lyrics from the Triptych to me actually sound head above shoulders (above chest above stomach above genitalia above knees above feet above dirt above dead people buried in the ground) better than this album’s lyrics, and both his fans and the fucking man himself are dense enough to think this album even remotely compares to something like Holy Wood.
I agree 100%. The lyrics in all of his post-Triptych albums have been pretty embarrassing. To even put this garbage in the same category is insulting. Sacrilegious? Really? Everything from the lyrical content to the fucking name of this album feels like a Marilyn Manson parody.
The “journalism” on show here is as lazy and trite as this “journalist” accuses Manson of being. If you’re going to hide your hit piece behind a “review” you might at least want to get the lyrics right.
Shows it was never about the music, now was it Luke?
Pretty obvious author just doesn’t like Manson. Ok, you don’t think the album is good, then elaborate, you literally have one sentence for each song where you dismiss the entire song.
Yeah I definitely would’ve elaborated more about why this album sucks. But it is refreshing to see a review that isn’t eating this dirty rim job and calling it filet.
The author makes a lot of assumption about Manson. I’m not saying he’s innocent. At the current state it’s a he/she said situation. And the review itself is basically author grabbing a chance to say “well yeah I think he’s guilty”. Is this a review of the album or just an opinion piece on the allegations?
I mean over half of the review is dedicated towards how terrible the album is (and it is), and unlike what most of his fans seem to believe not mentioning the allegations in said review would actually be terrible journalism
Could atleast attempt to do a review instead of just talking about how much you hate him.
Actually a significant amount of the review is dedicated to how bad the album is on its own merits. You should get your head checked, there seems to be a problem with your reading comprehension.
Yes there was some critique of the album but his negative bias towards Manson shines through. In fact, the first 3 paragraphs are dedicated to it. To give a fair review to any artist you need to leave your personal biases out of this. If you can’t, fair enough, then let someone else review the album.
How many times have we heard “separate the art from the artist” when it comes to Michael Jackson but when it comes to Manson…None the less, true fans will see this as an historic comeback. I can hear a renewed sense of energy and purpose with this album. This reviewer clearly decided he simply thinks Manson is a freak – he has nothing legitimate to say besides “hmm those lyrics though”. If that’s how you feel, your are free to ignore the album and his sold out shows.
Yeah lyrics are a significant component of any album, and when they’re bad it tends to make the album bad. Funny how you gooning fans claim the author’s the one who don’t know how reviews work. Huge fan of all his other albums, myself. But this one sucks.
The reason why we hear “Separate the art from the artist” for the likes of Michael Jackson or David Bowie, etc, is because they’re artists.
Manson has never been as versatile or creative or talented. His best work is the result of collaboration with superior artists (Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, etc.)
He’s a novelty act that refuses to evolve.
what a load of shit , he’s made plenty without those 2 and trent came along after he already was an artist and manson made more after he had gone ,
If these idiots had half a brain they could listen to music without worrying about UNPROVEN allegations. People are so hateful and shallow these days. It’s sickening.
Pfff, MM gave a similar creative response to Holy Wood, what did you expect? All that useless and repeated speech to say “oh I don’t like Manson, I’m a sad liberal” no one believes it anymore, if you took the damn trouble to read the entire case you would see how the “victims” destroyed themselves with every contradiction and lie but hey, what does it matter about a review that not even my grandmother saw? the cockroaches said “you will never hear anything new from MM again” well, I have my headphones in my hand right now and I know that their hole is burning, we are not bots but I don’t know if you are because when it comes to reading it seems like you have no eyes or judgment…
It’s nice to finally see somebody write a review that isn’t calling this dirty rimjob of an album “on par with the Triptych.” Allegations aside, this record is uniquely bad. Soooooooo much worse than anything else he’s put out. Only use for shit like this is further intensifying his merry little band of micro-penis-acting cult worshippers (have a look over at the MarilynManson subreddit and give those poor guys some human interaction other than each other).
Took time out of your day to come here and comment through, didn’t you.
Actually this whole “if you read the whole case” shit is a myth propagated by TheMansonCases, marilynmansonuncanceled, and the far-bigger-embarrassment-than-someone-you’d-want-on-your-side sweetie Colonel Kurtz. I defy you to link one supporting source that isn’t those three, which regularly engage in bad reporting (like making factual claims without any real supporting evidence, for instance). Good for you that you like this new shitty album, but it sounds like Manson’s penis got smaller and his lyrics more incel in response. Hell of an artistic route to prove to the public that he’s not a rapist!
What an idiotic comment. I defy you to take a look in the mirror and then tell me why more and more people are abandoning the gas-lighting mainstream media every day, in droves. I suggest you take your nonsense to BlueSky (aka BS). You’ll find more support for your delusions there.
Myth propaganda? Esme Bianco’s entire evidence leaked and it shows she is a liar. Chloe Black wrote emails trying to get back with Marilyn Manson weeks after a supposed assault claiming she wanted to take a bubble bath with him. Ashley Walters claims a bad work environment as a personal assistant, which btw, some of her evidence oddly appears in Esme Bianco’s leaked evidence. Ashley Smithline recanted her allegations. I could go on and on. And Evan Rachel Wood’s supposed evidence in two documentaries are old art projects that were public, and a fake sex scene with multiple people present to say it didn’t happen. There’s a lot more than that, and this isn’t even rocket science. It’s really just a matter of time before the LADA clears him of the allegations at this point.
Bluesky??? Like really fag. Really. Stop putting political dialectics into it. Maybe a finger snap for your weak mind will pain jolt you into thinking. Warner is a Jewish boy. Following 2 jews(Rand and LeVay). Maybe you should go back on X, with that closeted fag Jew Musk. A true globalist.
One of the best albums of the year!
Marilyn Manson is the last, true rockstar. What an amazing comeback he did!
Lazy self serving review written by a neutered soy boy.
This album is the best one MM has released in a long time. Listen, and enjoy
Gonna let you in on a secret as well.. When an allegation of any kind is made, and no matter how it makes you FEEL, remember that those who make such allegations could be lying for reasons you aren’t yet aware of. It is your job to SEEK TRUTH and investigate any available information before rendering judgment (regardless of how many mindless comrades who skip this important step). Otherwise don’t bother spreading popular false narratives just to feel like you have the moral high ground (get with the times and wake up). And also, your review of the music is no review at all. Frankly, you suck at your job.
A+ album. An incredible return, and looking forward to more from one of the most unique artists of our time.
I agree. It’s almost like people forget celebrities and rockstars are prone to false allegations, or experience domino effects when allegations are made. When an allegation is made, who has the “power” now?
“Unique artists of our time” my ass. He’s Alice Cooper with Trent Reznor’s music and the presumption of being on David Bowie’s level.
Glad to see Manson back on top, releasing an album that actually has some teeth to it. Probably his best effort since Holywood or Golden Age of Grotesque. Nod If You Understand, Death Is Not A Costume, and the title track One Assassination Under God are the standout tracks to my ears, along with the already released singles As Sick as the Secrets Within and Raise the Red Flag. 4 out of 5 stars! Welcome back, Mr. Manson!
I love every Marilyn Manson album up to The High End of Low (which is severely underrated). Born Villain has 4-5 pretty good songs. The Pale Emperor has 2-3 decent ones. Sadly, there was nothing on Heaven Upside Down nor We Are Chaos worth keeping (except maybe Half-Way & One Step Forward?). Personally, I don’t really care too much if an artist is a piece of crap human being. If the songs are good, you can’t help but listen. Heck, Grimes has been supporting white supremacists, yet I still love We Appreciate Power. Unfortunately, OAUG is a really mediocre, boring album from start to finish. It feels so much longer than it is. I think the problem is that Tyler Bates has been running the show since The Pale Emperor, and he can’t come up with a decent hook to save his life. This album does feel like it tried a little harder than the last two, but it also suffers from being too thematically repetitive. Manson comes across as way too whinny on this. I get it: it sucks to get cancelled. But 9 songs of crying about it!?!? That’s just way too much. Maybe it could have been good had this featured any of the cleverness, humor or fun wordplay that he used to be known for. My mind goes to when he sung “I’m as fake as a wedding cake”. Anyway… Considering the circumstances… How would Twiggy react if Manson asked him back?
To the reviewer : don’t quit your day job.
The reviewer is a tasteless loser. He just wanted to rant because wokeness failed.
The album is amazing and a must listen! 5*
Dude, heres a tip: if you are a album reviewer than act like one. Dont use you cry baby hate towards Manson to justify the lack of consideration you got for this album. Im not a fan of him either but this album is not even near about the text you told here. Be reasonable, be professional or dont mix your personal feelings with your reviews. This album is an 8 but to you is something around 4.
You GO OFF boy with your…one Like. Something you aging Millennial types really need to figure out & fast: you no longer sound hip & whip-smart while wielding snark like a scalpel. You’re OLD, now. You just sound grumpy & come off like it’s past your middle age-era bed time.
Even taking the piss on the artist *within some perceived safety of pretense* to do with cancel culture & (alleged) allegations, even THEN I know you are *painfully aware* (like how you know those people that just passed you on the street chuckling, were indeed chuckling at YOU,) that you’re just Moral Majority: Redux, only you’re probably brandishing a big fat dildo in lieu of a crucifix. I think you hate *yourself* the most & it’s really sad tbhfam. The brave-faced self-loathing of Millennials is just boring at this point. Please get better bro
You sound like a knuckle-dragging simpleton. Are you a child, or a bitter old man? Could be either.
So this was obviously written by someone who hates Manson with a passion. You write more about The man himself than the album. It’s actually hilarious that you come out so strong as If you knew him, talking about God complex well more likely it’s you who have it. No one really is asking from you who should be relevant and I’m glad it’s not up to you lol.
So you don’t get just how raw and good this album actually is, ok, cool. You could have just said that you have a bad taste and leave the rant about how horrible you think someone you don’t even know is. Cheers! Enjoy album guys ❤️
Or maybe you just like crypto Jew losers like ‘Warner’
You can shove this sanctimonious drivel up your cretinous ass.
Aw, baby read a dictionary.
Fair enough. But implying in 2024 that Manson had something to do with Columbine discredits everything you’re saying after that. Come on…
It’s clear that you already made up your mind before even listening to the album. Anything after your opening can’t be taken seriously as a result. If you come into a project with the intent or underline feeling of, I’m going to hate this, you’re going to automatically push that on your over all experience.
What a terrible review. Whoever wrote this is not a good writer. I haven’t heard the new album but I don’t agree that he hasn’t put out anything good in 2 decades. Not at all!
eh? i’m not a normal person for thinking that his sex life is none of my business? i think i am and i think it’s people like you who temporarily (let’s be optimistic for once) lost their mind with this social justice crap. get a rest
and i don’t even like this album at all, though i’m happy it seems to work for a lot of his fans. i was looking forward to reading a review that maybe puts some of my thoughts into writing, and contradicts some of my other thoughts, you know, like most reviews do. but if your starting position is “manson’s a jerk who hasn’t released anything good in 20 years”, there’s really no point bothering. it’s just angry propaganda. by the way, pale emperor was critically acclaimed (and maybe even a little overrated, but it’s up to debate)
It’s literally the only bad critique I’ve found online.Clearly , this guy can’t do dissociation of his personal beliefs and give a real critique as a journalist.Zero ethical.Its vitriol , mean and unprofessional.
Should be fired.
You can always tell who hasn’t read the court documents. I’m not talking about listening to YouTubers or podcasts, but reading the actual documents and seeing the evidence in Manson’s favor for yourself. I guess some people just can’t be bothered and believe everything they hear. Don’t even listen to me. Just go read it and think for yourself for once.
I’m shocked that rapist FLOP even makes albums still! Who is listening to him in 2024?
His music career is as DEAD as La Toya Jackson’s is. Lol
He should suicide and take his 17 remaining stans with him!
Sold out tour, sold albums at Amazon and target, sold out a special editions. Some dead career.🤷♂️
Haters gonna hate… He’s back and you can all cry about it.
This is what happens when people think being a journalist is waving an activism flag. Shamefull review. And ridiculous, as if this guy knew what the lyrics actualy represent. They’re from another league man, give up. We dont care about your whiny bias, Marilyn Manson is a legend, the album is actualy magnificent hes selling out multiple tour dates, topping world charts and has a massive fanbase by his side. Loosers will always love liars till their dying day.
Lol, your flying the activism thread, making excuses for the jew.
We know this person cried during election night.
Errr.what??? LeVay wannabe Manson caused this reviewer to cry on election night because of Jew Drumpf??? Give me a break fag. That is so “woke”
The problem with this review is that it truly isn’t about the music, and is wallowing in strawman logical fallacies. It critiques Manson for pointlessly trying to shock in an age where nothings shocking and ignores that neither this nor the previous album are remotely shocking, but explore aging, personal and societal dysfunction, the deaths of parents, and grief.
The review claims all Manson’s music has for decades been “rehashed alt rock” and ignores that at least two of his last three albums received widespread critical acclaim. And finally, it asks “why is Manson still around?” Why is anyone? He’s not seeking societal relevance, it’s just music for fans. And this music is melodic, well produced, and with emotional range from sadness, humor, anger, grief to confessions on the damage of addiction, all wrapped up in smartly written turns of phrase. It’s ok to not like this music, but it’s plain sad to just blatantly lie to and gaslight your readers.
“Written by sanctimonious soy boy beta cuck”
Nailed it
Show me on your wife’s boyfriend where Manson touched you.
I think he’s pretty cool and sounds dope in the new album
Your review is the drizzling shit you cocksucker
Insultingly ignorant review by a faux journalist (but activist).
Your smugness negates to mention that Evan Rachel Wood was caught fabricating crucial “evidence”; Creating a fraudulent FBI investigation report, and used such bogus information to persuade others to lie, deceive and manipulate in order to defame Manson for financial profit.
Her children were removed from her custody also.
One accuser recanted and expressed this whole extortion charade and Manson has never been found culpable nor guilty of crimes.
Your review showcases what a spineless activist you are.
Depp and legitimate victims of abuse have proved that women are fully capable of perpetuating domestic crimes, though women on men violence is sadly not treated as seriously.
I’d be embarrassed to write a music review with such swarms activist overtones that might make your baby ego chuckle, but reeks of…a ruptured sewage pipeline.
Try harder at being objective and being a more informed and competent journalist.
Screw this guy
A dozen allegations and people like Reznor and multiple other artists saying he’s a shitty person and a weirdo
Plus his memoir where he claims he raped women… oh yeah, sure, it’s all BS. No way he did anything wrong. Pattern recognition doesn’t exist for some people. Or you just desperately don’t want to believe your guy didn’t do it… which I empathize with. But the pattern is pretty obvious. And just because something can’t be fully proven doesn’t necessarily mean it didn’t happen.
And yeah, his music hasn’t been interesting in a long time. And even his best stuff, the first two albums, is not thattt amazing.
Sorry, but I came here to read a musical review of the album, and not someone’s personal thoughts on the Manson’s personality. Where’s the review?
The album is awesome btw.
I agree with the comment of people having their own “closet” bands but I do not feel people are obliged to hide this. I also understand a few other points the reviewer is trying to make, but they immediately lost me when they said Manson hasn’t released a good album in two decades. He absolutely has. I’ve never understood a publication or page having a critic review an artist they don’t understand, or have never appreciated. Art is subjective and this critic apparently believes that an over inflated, unnecessarily verbose attempt at critique, will hide the fact that he considers it objective. I have only heard the first song and even it was a lot more than cookie cutter “alt metal.” In his attempt to take peoples feelings into account this “critic” would be wise to remember that few things are more offensive than encroaching on “to each their own”.
He hasn’t released a good album since the 2000’s. Nothing fresh since MA. Deal with that reality. He is old and burned out. It happens.
LOL. This review was unintentionally hilarious. So, what do you *really* think of Brian Warner? (massive sarcasm, which lots of people miss when reading comments). This wasn’t a review, it was a huge self-indulgent wank about how much you hate the guy. On the plus side, it was entertaining for the sheer level of frothing-at-the-mouth disdain you vomited up, so slow clap for that.
I don’t care for this album (at least not yet, but We Are Chaos really grew on me fast) and I don’t agree with a lot of things that MM has said in the past ten years or so.
However, this review is an absolute disgrace!