Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner, who came famous mid-’90s with his provocative persona and dark, industrial rock sound. Albums like Antichrist Superstar (1996) and Mechanical Animals (1998) made Marilyn Manson both a cultural icon and a source of major controversy. His 2000 masterpiece, Holy Wood, offered sharp critiques of American culture and remains a career highlight. Yet after the success of The Golden Age of Grotesque (2003), his output faltered, with middling records and infamous live performances tarnishing his reputation. With One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, Manson attempts to stage a comeback, but the results are mixed.

The album revisits elements from Manson’s Holy Wood and Antichrist Superstar eras, blending heavy industrial beats with flashes of bluesy experimentation introduced in his collaborations with Tyler Bates. Tracks like Raise the Red Flag and Nod If You Understand echo his signature chaotic energy but lack the urgency that made his earlier work so impactful. While the production is polished, the material feels like a rehash of ideas from his creative peak, often leaning on nostalgia without offering much evolution.

The lyrics tackle themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption but often feel defensive and self-serving, particularly when addressing the controversies surrounding Manson’s personal life. Songs like Sacrilegious and One Assassination Under God seem more preoccupied with settling scores than delivering meaningful introspection. While the single As Sick as the Secrets Within has moments of emotional weight, much of the album lacks the raw authenticity that once defined his best work.

Despite moments of strength, the album struggles with consistency. For every track that captures some of Manson’s old spark, like the haunting closer Death is Not a Costume, there are others that feel repetitive or underwhelming. Even standout moments are hampered by Manson’s tendency to overdramatise his grievances, which can alienate listeners seeking more thoughtful engagement with his past mistakes.

Instrumentally, the album fares better, with Bates’ contributions lending a dynamic edge to tracks like Meet Me in Purgatory. However, even strong production can’t disguise the sense that One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 is more about reclaiming past glory than breaking new ground.

While One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 marks a notable improvement over some of Manson’s weakest efforts, it falls short of being a true return to form. The album struggles to balance nostalgia with meaningful progression, and its lyrical defensiveness often detracts from its impact.

Fans of Manson’s early work may appreciate the callbacks to his heyday, but others might find the album a missed opportunity for deeper growth. As a comeback, it’s competent but not particularly compelling, raising questions about whether Manson can truly recapture the creative fire that once set him apart.

Releasedate: 22-11-2024 | Label: Nuclear Blast | Official website

Tracklist:
1. One Assassination Under God
2. No Funeral Without Applause
3. Nod If You Understand
4. As Sick As The Secrets Within
5. Sacrilegious
6. Death Is Not A Costume
7. Meet Me In Purgatory
8. Raise The Red Flag
9. Sacrifice Of The Mass