Marilyn Manson Mechanical Animals (1998) Genre: Alternative Metal, Alternative Rock, Glam Rock

Marilyn Manson

Mechanical Animals (1998)

Genre: Alternative Metal, Alternative Rock, Glam Rock

Man, Manson has some major balls coming out with an album about a transgender alien that becomes a rock star. I remember the up roar when this album can out, if this guy was parent’s worst nightmare with anti-Christ, this production visually left them in total shock.

Vocals and Lyrics: Lyrically this album is pretty good, throughout this album we have bizarre story of this alien called Omega, and Manson does make some interesting social criticism with this analogy, it’s too bad that his need to shock you does sometimes get in the way of the real message.  9

Instrumentation:

Guitar: To my surprise John 5 does not play guitar on this album, y he joins them when they start the tour, Zim Zum does the honors. The guitar composition on this album is fantastic; some of them are great to learn how to play. And Dave Navarro ( Jane’s Addiction/ Red Hot Chili Peppers) is a Guest on “I Don’t like the Drugs…”

Bass: Twiggy does what’s needed for these songs.

Drums: Ginger Fish`s drumming is as always interesting.

Key: M W Gacy’s sound selections for his synths are spot on; he helps define this album sound. 7.25

Melody and/or Structure: The song composition on the album the highest Manson will ever get. 10

Sound, Production and Feeling: It’s almost a complete 180 compared to Manson’s previous albums,  nice clean sound with a strong 70’s glam influence and I must say that I can hear some 80’s pop in there too, but the feeling of decadence is very well executed. 9

Songs:  Manson takes some major risks and each song is packed with surprises, it’s a rewarding listen. 13

The Bad:

                                                                                                     

Originality: This album really rises the bar in quality for Manson, and it’s too bad it’s not a standard for later  albums. 10

Overall: 58.25