The Antichrist Returns: Manson Surprises Us Again

Marilyn Manson, the iconic shock rocker, is back with his 12th album, One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1, after a silence that seemed to seal his fate following the lackluster We Are Chaos. In a world where many thought his career had come to an end, Manson surprises with a comeback that defies expectations and reaffirms his place in the rock pantheon.

The question everyone is asking is: is this new album actually good? The answer is an absolute yes. One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1 easily stands as Manson's best work in over a decade, offering an intense and captivating sonic experience.

Manson surrounds himself with musicians who know his dark creative universe perfectly. Tyler Bates and Gil Sharone, veterans who contribute guitars and drums, while new accomplices like Reba Meyers and Piggy D. enrich the mix with their talent. The result is a sublime and dynamic sound, with a special focus on the rhythm section. Manson's essence remains intact, fusing elements of his most iconic albums like Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals.

One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1 is a sonic journey that brilliantly spans from 90s industrial music to influences of punk rock and epic ballads adorned with atmospheric synthesizers. Manson once again stands as the most visible and controversial figure in modern gothic in challenging times for subversive art. His characteristic sound remains, an intriguing mix of Alice Cooper, Marc Almond, and Trent Reznor.

The album opens with the somber title track, where icy keyboards and synthetic rhythms create an enveloping atmosphere. Manson defies musical gravity, presenting industrial riffs that give way to an enigmatic sonic block. No Funeral Without Applause offers a dark landscape where the singer revives his classic sound with mastery.

Nod If You Understand probably marks the album's climax; here the band's fury intertwines with Manson's malevolent vocals, creating one of the album's most explosive moments, while As Sick As the Secrets Within takes us to the darkest side of Manson's universe, combining abrasion and melody in a threatening atmosphere. In Sacrilegious, Manson presents himself as a future Alice Cooper, exploring shock rock with an impeccable postmodern touch.

The quality of One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1 is outstanding. Each track is carefully crafted to work together, maintaining a constant level of energy. Experimentation shines in Raise the Red Flag, a hard rock piece that stands out for its uniqueness. The album culminates with the desolate Sacrifice of the Mass, where few could match Manson's ability to evoke deep and devastating emotions. His creative genius continues to generate criticism and controversy, consolidating his legacy in the world of rock.

For those who thought Marilyn Manson's story had come to an end, this album is a resounding answer. One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1 not only marks a comeback; it is a bold statement that reaffirms his relevance in contemporary music.