The ninth album finds Maryln Manson getting more personal than his previous outing Born Villain. This is a definite improvement as we get more of an insight into his moral compass as the overarching lyrical theme here being one of redemption.
The opener Killing Strangers has Manson's vibrato vocals twisting and turning over a bluesy beat. The chorus packs a wallop as he declares "we are killing strangers, so we don't kill the ones that we love."
His voice may have lost some of its growl but there is a welcome punchiness to his delivery in Deep Six, an upbeat punk boost with heavy riffs resembling his older track (S)aint. The gloomy mid-paced Cupid Carries Gun is more vintage Manson with its dark piano and vocals mostly comprises pained moans. Yes, it is not exactly your party album, but Manson fans know the thrills lie in the morbid sounds and lyrics. On that score, the Pale Emperor does not disappoint.
malshamsi@thenational.ae
