Marilyn Manson: Born Villain

Battra · 06-01-2012, 08:41 AM

I finished the album and my initial response was fairly correct...the album has a big sameness to it all the way through.

Other points:

Marilyn has not grown or changed as a vocalist since 1994. Not one iota...but that's ok.

His lyrics have really matured. Instead of just stating I hate Jesus and those who follow him are expletive deleted..etc...etc....There's a much greater subtlety that exists now that has always been much needed and adds to the believability of the songs.

Twiggy Ramirez plays guitar on this album. That was something I was concerned about and that concern was also correct. The guitar work was largely uninspired and lacking. Lots of strumming on power chords. Though there were some moments...but all in all he needs to go back to playing the bass and let someone else handle the guitar work. Instead of it feeling monolithic, like I'd presume it was supposed to have, it was easily tuned out and largely a non-factor in most songs.

The use of ambient sound on this record was phenomenal and gave it a wonderfully creepy and sometimes uncomfortable vibe that really connected the songs to the listener. This is a great departure from the old samples he/they used to use.

As I thought on my first listen of a couple tracks, the songs are pretty good, and in some cases instant Manson classics (Slo-mo-tion comes to mind), but this is not an album that will get much play in my car. (Where I still listen to my physical CDs.)

I'd give it a 7 out of 10...just above average. Certainly not their best record, but not their worst either. I think with better guitar work, this album could've been great.

06-01-2012, 08:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Battra Groupie Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 4	Marilyn Manson: Born Villain I finished the album and my initial response was fairly correct...the album has a big sameness to it all the way through. Other points: Marilyn has not grown or changed as a vocalist since 1994. Not one iota...but that's ok. His lyrics have really matured. Instead of just stating I hate Jesus and those who follow him are expletive deleted..etc...etc....There's a much greater subtlety that exists now that has always been much needed and adds to the believability of the songs. Twiggy Ramirez plays guitar on this album. That was something I was concerned about and that concern was also correct. The guitar work was largely uninspired and lacking. Lots of strumming on power chords. Though there were some moments...but all in all he needs to go back to playing the bass and let someone else handle the guitar work. Instead of it feeling monolithic, like I'd presume it was supposed to have, it was easily tuned out and largely a non-factor in most songs. The use of ambient sound on this record was phenomenal and gave it a wonderfully creepy and sometimes uncomfortable vibe that really connected the songs to the listener. This is a great departure from the old samples he/they used to use. As I thought on my first listen of a couple tracks, the songs are pretty good, and in some cases instant Manson classics (Slo-mo-tion comes to mind), but this is not an album that will get much play in my car. (Where I still listen to my physical CDs.) I'd give it a 7 out of 10...just above average. Certainly not their best record, but not their worst either. I think with better guitar work, this album could've been great.