Marilyn Manson – High End Of Low

Releasedate: 22-05-2009; Label: Universal
By: Sabine van Gameren

Marilyn Manson is an American rock band founded by Brian Warner and Scott Putesky in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Advocates of nonconformity and iconoclasm, often utilizing controversial imagery and lyrical content, it is difficult to categorize the band, however, as each album so far has had a distinct and individual sound, and the band and front man endeavor to devise and use a unique image and aesthetic for each album’s era. The band was formed in 1989 as “Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids”. The band’s uniquely theatrical performances gathered a local cult following that subsequently developed into a worldwide fan base. The band’s lineup almost always changes between album releases. The current members of the band are the eponymous lead singer Marilyn Manson, bassist Twiggy Ramirez, drummer Ginger Fish and keyboardist Chris Vrenna.

They have now released their seventh studio album “High End Of Low” which was highly expected by not only their fans. With 16 songs this album has a quite long song list compared to other CDs, but Manson usually has many songs on the album. As I listened to the album fir the first time I somehow found the production of this one special, the general sound of the songs differs slightly from the past albums yet the quality and some tracks differ quite a lot. For example you can hear more focus on bass lines and some additional electro tracks on some songs, which doesn’t mean they are extraordinary loud or put into the foreground too much, no. It only means that they are clearer to hear and don’t dissolve with the rest. Another thing I can say about the album in general: It is warmer and more melodic than the last one, more emotions put into it and I would even say a little more passion. At least now it sounds like that!

Already the first song is breathtaking. “Devour” is passionate and emotional like not many other Marilyn Manson songs ever have been. It is extremely touchy and amazing; you will fall in love with it instantly and of course devour it as much as he devours you. “Leave A Scar” has some grunge elements in it and is followed by “Four Rusted Horses” which is lead by country melodies on acoustic guitar. “Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon” has the typical Marilyn Manson beginning, like it was on almost all released singles, meaning: once this song starts you can definitely tell it is a MM song. ”Unkillable Monster” also has the unkillable MM sound whereas “I Wanna Kill You” is just a creepy song that gives you goose bumps. “We’re From America” has quite provoking yet true lyrics. I am sure you will read about it in some news because of its lyrics, although by now everybody should be used to that. “Into The Fire” is another gorgeous song on this album. It is a ballad with orchestra sounds in the background, slow and thoughtful, emotional and touchy. It makes you a little sad, but not only because of the song itself but also because it means the album is almost done. So you better start searching for the replay button now before it is too late. “High End Of Low” is one of the best Marilyn Manson albums so far in my opinion. Get it and make your own.

Links:
Marilyn Manson Official