This is what MARILYN MANSON’s new album sounds like

MARILYN MANSON
“One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1”

The protective care of isolation

The world around us is getting dark! It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the dark veil that is covering our society and the world’s economic and political situation. Many people are therefore drawn to the seemingly protective shelter of isolation. Loneliness and hatred prevail. Accusations and hate speech have become commonplace. Old master and cult shock rocker Marilyn Manson is also aware of this mood. Of course, if you look for it, you can find many references to the recent accusations, the trial and the scandals of the past in the lyrics of the songs on his current twelfth album. But the core theme on “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1” is and remains the artist’s own soul world. There is no question that this salvation suffers immensely under the influence of these past events and the ongoing legal proceedings against Manson. Lyrically, the album is pervaded by anger, self-hatred and self-reflection as well as sadness. As usual, the lyrics leave plenty of room for interpretation. Whether the album is in fact Manson’s own trial with himself will be revealed after the release of “Chapter 2” at the latest.

Trips back in time

In terms of sound, the album has a lot of variety to offer and in places represents a journey back to Manson’s early works. Co-producer Tyler Bates knows exactly how to give Marilyn’s mood and lyrics the right soundtrack. The title track, the sluggish doom number “One Assassination Under God”, contains many musical references to the “Holy Wood” era, yet sounds innovative and fresh. Both on this and the next song, “No Funeral without Applause”, Manson tends to stay in the lower registers, but this seems to serve the overall concept very well. “Nod If You Understand” is reminiscent of songs like “Irresponsible Hate Anthem”, but doesn’t come close to the manic aggression of the “Antichrist Superstar” phase. The first single release “As Sick As the Secrets Within” and the seventies-inspired “Sacriligious” end the first half of the album. From then on, a slight monotony becomes noticeable in the tracks, which is either due to Marilyn Manson’s deep vocal lines or the fact that the album was split into two chapters. “Death Is Not a Costume”, “Meet Me in Purgatory” and – also previously released – “Raise the Red Flag” trickle along as soft but catchy goth rock pieces, but unfortunately also run the risk of being quickly forgotten. The theatrical “Sacrifice of the Mass” brings up the rear. From acoustic guitar parts at the beginning, the song continues to build up until the album – or the end of “Chapter 1” – comes to a worthy conclusion with a rocking guitar solo.

With the handbrake on?

Whether Marilyn Manson has really done himself a favor by splitting “One Assasination Under God” into two parts will only become clear when the same structure and occasional monotony also run through “Chapter 2”. At times, you could be forgiven for thinking you were listening to Marilyn Manson with the handbrake on. Conceptually, there is no recognizable red thread to follow. The tracks all stand well on their own. The album is well-rounded, very well produced and contemporary. There is little in the way of shock or provocation here. Manson – and possibly also his new label Nuclear Blast – are playing it safe with this album. But that’s not a bad thing! The lyrics are philosophical as usual, the songs are catchy and well arranged. On “One Assasination Under God – Chapter 1”, Manson seems clearer and more sober than he has been for a long time – or ever. This may not appeal to everyone, but it definitely brings a successful change to the artist’s work. It remains to be seen what he will present to his fans on “Chapter 2”.

Sam Oeder

Listen to the album on Spotify:

Experience MARILYN MANSON live:
10. February 2025 CH-Zurich, Halle 622
11. February 2025 IT-Milan, Alcatraz
13. February 2025 DE-Munich, Zenith
14. February 2025 CZ-Brno, Hala Vodova
16. February 2025 DE-Berlin, Columbiahalle
17. February 2025 DK-Copenhagen, KB Hall
19. February 2025 NL-Amsterdam, Afdas Live
21. February 2025 UK-London, City Hall
23. February 2025 UK-Wolverhampton, Civic Hall

Do you already have your tickets?

*The link recommendations marked with an asterisk are affiliate links/affiliate program links which you can click on freely. When a click and purchase is made, we receive a commission from the provider (we earn from qualified sales as an affiliate). Of course, the price does not change for you. In this way you can help to cover some of the costs of this website.