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: Testament – Para Bellum (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

I didn’t expect a new Testament album on my list for “Best of 2025,” but Para Bellum – the band’s first release with new drummer Chris Dovas – is easily within the top five.

From start to finish, Para Bellum is a relentless assault on the senses that never lets up. “For the Love of Pain” introduces the world to the band’s said latest member appropriately, while “Infanticide A.I.,” “Shadow People,” and “Witch Hunt” all keep the momentum going.

But there’s a couple stand outs here that need to be mentioned; “Havana Syndrome” is pure metal greatness, while “Meant to Be” is epic in all of its seven-plus minute glory. Metal fans rejoice, Testament are keeping the flames lit here indeed.

Rating: 4/5 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: My Dying Bride – Macabre Cabaret (Nuclear Blast)

By: Jesse Striewski

This short, four track EP from U.K. doom masters My Dying Bride serves as a fitting compliment to the band’s recently-released full length effort, The Ghost of Orion. Here the band expands on some of the very same themes from said album.

The opening/title track is an epic, ten minute long opus, with a detailed music video to accompany it. Other tracks like “A Secret Kiss” are far more stronger then it’s title might suggest, while “Orchestral Shores (Buiksloterkerk Cathedral Mix)” is as effective as it’s original version, “Your Broken Shore.” The weakest link by far though is “A Purse of Gold and Stars;” although it’s threaded together well sonically, lyrically it falls a tad short.

Although I tend to forget about them these days, there was a minute when I was still in high school that doom/goth metal acts like My Dying Bride, along with the likes of Paradise Lost and Moonspell (among others) were much more at the forefront for me. But I’m always glad when bands like them come back on my radar; it’s rare that I ever regret re-visiting their older material, and discovering their new music.

Rating: 3/5 Stars