Marilyn Manson
The High End Of Low

'Damn Glamorous'.

It can only be summarized with these two simple words the latest work of the former reverend "The High End Of Low", which in its denomination serves only as a subliminal message, the album that represents the "highest lowest end" in the true meaning of the antithesis.

That said, it shouldn't seem shocking to talk about a Manson more directed towards pop/rock sounds that, in some respects, wink at late '70s Bowie, with melodic neo-romantic openings (the first thought goes to HIM), as in the opening track "Devour" or in the even more radio-friendly "Leave A Scar". Therefore, do not be surprised by titles like "Pretty As A Dollar" (here too we could talk about a message, not subliminal because the perverse Manson/money link has long been evident since "Eat Me, Drink Me") and above all do not be surprised by titles seemingly akin to "Antichrist Superstar" such as "Arma-Goddamn-Motherfuckin-Geddon", or the mediocre "I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies" with a pounding loop backing track for a full 9 minutes.

One is still surprised by the 'flashiness' of "We're From America", what Mr. Warner implies (or would like it to be so) is that all Americans are ultimately united by the same pseudo-fanatical values but also by the same vices and virtues (easy when one is guilty to say: "he did it too, why not me?").

I can already anticipate the array of 1s for an album made to sell, yet we are all a bit 'American', myself included and you readers as well, thus I confirm that even for myself as indeed for the 'Mansonian memory' the album isn't displeasing in its predictability and absolute lack of Metal hints, but rich with simple and highly catchy 'radio-friendly' melodies, just as it was with "Eat Me, Drink Me" (here too the hidden message served as the sale of one's own cannibalization to radios and press) and that the role of 'former villain' is liked and pleasing.

It wasn't that easy to open up to a new audience, namely the new generations addicted to 'pseudo-emo', abandoning the old fans still tied to the transgressions of the already mentioned "Antichrist Superstar", "Mechanical Animals" or the then-current "Holly Wood" before the conversion. Well yes, the latest "The High End Of Low" on the whole is liked, or to tell the truth, the reverend has changed, and whether one likes it or not, 'the highest lowest end' has occurred, and the horror plot has turned into a splendid, predictable, sad, 'American dream'.