Marilyn Manson: The Pale Emperor review

2012 saw the triumphant return of Marilyn Manson. For a few album cycles the Antichrist Superstar failed to deliver when it came to studio albums. It seemed like something was missing from the creative process but, when he released Born Villain it was a true return to form for the shock rocker. Many attribute it to leaving Interscope Records and that may be true. Enter 2015 and Manson is set to release the follow up to Born Villain in The Pale Emperor, which shows a side of Marilyn Manson we haven\’t really seen much of yet. The Pale Emperor is a Marilyn Manson album in a different kind of way. If you\’re looking for an album with a bunch of songs akin to “Lunchbox,” “Fight Song” or “Mobscene,” keep searching because you won\’t find that style here. Rather we get an instrumentally toned down side of Manson. Lyrically, however, this is right on track and on par with everything the man has done in the past. In fact, you could go as far as to say this is the most lyrically and thematically dramatic and honest offering Manson has done to date. Musically, this is an electronic and industrial trip if there ever was one. “Third Day of a Seven Day Binge,” “Deep Six,” “Killing Strangers,” “The Devil Beneath My Feet” and “The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles” are Manson songs through and through with a gritty, raw feel to them that will open your eyes to what the artistic side of Marilyn Manson is really all about. This could very well be Manson\’s most mature record yet and it\’s a hell of a way to follow up his 2012 comeback- so sit back and enjoy this new chapter in the Marilyn Manson saga. Rating:8/10 -Reggie Edwards