One Assassination Under God - Chapter 2

The time has come, it is quite clear—Chapter 2 is here! What can I say? Considering both albums were recorded around the same time and then split into two chapters, Chapter 2 really feels like a continuation while still having its own identity. It emphasizes a lot of the things Manson does really well: creative lyrics, catchy melodies, atmospheric songs, tons of interesting sounds, really cool bass and guitars, and catchy drums. Basically, it’s another audio salad of awesomeness if you’re a fan, especially if you liked The Pale Emperor, Heaven Upside Down, One Assassination Under God: Chapter 1, and his classic albums. It’s a little different from what I expected. I thought Chapter 2 might be more aggressive, but instead, it feels almost like a mirror version of the previous album. Apparently, it’s supposed to be a prequel, which makes the connection between the two albums even more interesting. There is something a little more raw about this album while still being very atmospheric, with some interesting symbolism and lyrics that give it another layer and make it unique. It has cues from his classic stuff while having a more atmospheric 2015/2017 Tyler Bates rock ’n’ roll vibe. Unalive — Has Devour / Heaven Upside Down vibes with some touches of Portrait. Really catchy, and I love the chorus. Don’t Open the Door — Holy Wood meets a dark David Bowie? Really interesting track. Very interesting lyrics and metaphors. Front Toward Enemy — Antichrist Superstar / “Little Horn 2.” Has that aggressive, industrial-metal energy. Most aggressive song on the album. All the Vilest Things — Mechanical Animals with bits of We Are Chaos and Holy Wood. Catchy and interesting. I love it. None of the Suns — The bass sort of sounds like “KILL4ME” from Heaven Upside Down, or something from Eat Me, Drink Me. Followed by interesting post-punk/gothic vibes like Killing Joke merged with Manson. In a way, it feels like a cousin to “Saturnalia.” Goth David Bowie? Lucifer’s Teardrop — The intro has a “Deep Six” vibe that twists into gothic rock. Really atmospheric and catchy! Fast-paced and experimental. The Arsonist — Something unique with some “Apple of Sodom” vibes blended with a post-punk/industrial/goth-rock drive. Exit Wound — The closest thing to something from Chapter 1. Catchy, synthy, and a bit aggressive. Enantiomorph — A classic epic, atmospheric ending with some really heartfelt lyrics. It has a strong Mechanical Animals vibe and feels like a fitting way to close the album. It’s basically taking most of the elements that make Marilyn Manson what it is and reworking them into something special. After 6 listens, I’m really digging Chapter 2. It doesn’t feel like simply a collection of leftovers from the same recording sessions as Chapter 1. It feels like its own album while still being connected to it, but it’s also more raw, a bit more experimental, and willing to try different things.

Front Toward Enemy was pretty good, but the rest of the album is pretty lackluster. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marilyn Manson, but this doesn’t hit the spot. I’m not his biggest fan, or supporter, really, nor have I been a fan for a while, so I’m not the most educated person to be reviewing this. Good job for making music this long, it’s just not my thing.

Album hits hard and is enjoyable all the way through. I guess the 5th star falls off because of the years of anticipation. Maybe I unfairly expected a little bit more from Chatper 2. It's still awesome. He's still got "it", and probably plently more where that came from.

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I started with Spooky Kids demo and have bought every single Manson record since. Yes, I am old. Not all his records have been great but I still admire him. Not into the Satan thing but I just ignore that. I need more spins on this record before I buy it. So far decent not bad.

Part 1 was fantastic & a return to form! This release is good but a disappointment for long time fans! Just doesn’t have that Manson “kick” of energy & anger!

The lyrics, performance and music are just awful. It feels like he just needed money to cover his legal costs and just threw something together. Just really bad, his 15 minutes are WAY over.

He just doesn’t miss! 🎸🔥🎸

Super album ! Incredible line up ! Well done MM !!

Marilyn Manson has been on fire since he’s been back these last couple years making amazing albums.