Album Review: Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2 (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

For whatever reason, I somewhat dragged my feet when it came to giving the new Marilyn Manson album/follow-up to 2024’s One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 a try. It could’ve had something to do with the initial single, “Exit Wound,” not really striking a chord with me. But as with any good ugly duckling, there’s usually more than what’s on the surface.

As soon as I sat down and really gave this latest effort my full attention though, I suddenly “got it.” Eerie album opener “Unalive” instantly brought me back to the days of listening to earlier Manson albums in my youth, as did the likes of “Don’t Answer the Door,” “You Can’t Die Young,” and “All The Vilest Things” (my personal favorite).

I do kind of miss Marilyn Manson “The Band,” as everything sort of feels like a solo album now rather than a group effort. Longtime collaborator Tyler Bates and drummer Gil Sharone are the only other actual musicians listed here in the credits, which is somewhat disappointing to see, knowing that Tim Skold is now back in the band now as well and hoping for more of an actual “reunion.” (Though I suppose it is possible he re-joined after the album’s completion.)

I can’t say I don’t “get it” though; Manson has been dragged through the mud, and I’m sure his guard is fully up at all times these days (hence the name of these last two albums, which actually allude to character assassination, not the actual thing). At least we’re still getting a Manson somewhat on top of his game though.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review – Marilyn Manson: One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

Whether in terms of music or politics, 2024 has undoubtedly been the year of the “comebacks,” and shock rocker Marilyn Manson’s first studio album in just over four years, after numerous attempts of character assassination, is no exception.

One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 is a direct response to such accusations, with its scathing title track kicking things off with a fury. First single “As Sick as the Secrets Within” is an obvious return to form upon first listen, while “Meet Me in Purgatory” is a definite standout (and personal favorite). Other notable tracks include “Death Is Not a Costume,” “Nod If You Understand” and “Raise the Red Flag,” each upping the ante from the previous.

If you were an outsider Manson fan growing up in the ’90s (as so many of us were), and if you can get past the slightly goofy album cover artwork, this one should no doubt be right up your alley (and with any luck, in your Christmas stocking this year).

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Enforcer – Nostalgia (Nuclear Blast Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

It’s been four long years since the last time fans have had some new material from N.W.O.T.H.M. titans Enforcer. There’s since been some changes in band personal since 2019’s Zenith album, with Garth Conduit now taking over for longtime bassist Tobias Lindqvist, yet that hasn’t slowed them down one bit.

The instrumental “Armageddon” opens Nostalgia up with hauntingly beautiful dueling guitars that segue directly into “Unshackle Me,” and from then on listeners are demanded to come take a ride of epic proportions with the band, with “Coming Alive” quickly following and launching one brutal attack of the senses after another.

“At the End of the Rainbow,” “Metal Supremacia,” “Keep the Flame Alive,” and “When the Thunder Roars (Crossfire)” are all more examples of what the band is capable of. The only time listeners are really even given a chance to catch their breath at all is during the title track, a ballad of sorts that finds frontman Olof Wikstrand pouring his heart out (curiously he is the only member of the band featured in the song’s video).

All in all, Nostalgia is thirteen tracks of pure metal at its finest. Make no mistakes about it, Enforcer are at the top of their game (and genre), and surely to remain there for a long time coming.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Overkill – Scorched (Nuclear Blast Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

For whatever reason, I tend to forget just how great a metal band Overkill really are from time to time. But then a reminder comes along in the form of an album like Scorched, their twelfth full length studio effort and arguably one of their best releases in years.

The instant the twin guitar attack of the title track kicks off the record, it’s clear that listeners are in for some truly worthy thrash metal. While the intro is a definite highlight, there’s plenty of other moments that come close to duplicating it’s greatness; “Goin’ Home,” “Wicked Place,” “Won’t Be Comin’ Back,” and “Bag o’ Bones” are just a few of the numbers I wouldn’t mind personally hearing in the band’s set list should I ever see them live again.

While Overkill emerged from the same scene and era that spawned the likes of Metallica (who also just recently dropped a new album) all those years ago, their style still remains much more true to form. Overkill might not necessarily be the be all end all of their respective genre, but they certainly have earned a level of respect few others in the scene can match equally.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Album Review: Enslaved – Heimdal (Nuclear Blast Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

For whatever reason, Enslaved are another one of those many bands out there I’ve always known “of,” but never really got all that “in” to. But after spinning their latest full-length, Heimdal (named after the figure from Nordic mythology), it was clearly not due to lack of talent.

A dramatic build-up leads the charge to an album opener fit for a viking in the form of “Behind the Mirror.” From then on listeners are served more epic tales ranging from the five to eight minute mark, with titles such as “Forest Dweller,” “The Eternal Sea,” and “Caravans to the Outer World,” each admirable in their own respective ways.

As far as extreme metal goes, there is definitely a place for bands like Enslaved, though their niche style and sound is somewhat limiting in its own way. Despite some tight riffs, it’s definitely something one has to be in the right mood for in order to completely enjoy.

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars