Marilyn Manson and Eminem are both back this month, trying to be as
scary as when they first appeared. Neither one succeeds. Eminen is
reduced to TMZ-like punch lines and serial-killer pastiche, and
Manson’s just repeating himself, musically and lyrically. His last
album, 2007’s Eat Me, Drink Me, might have been a pitiable
weepfest inspired by his breakup with Dita Von Teese, but at least that
was unexpected. High End songs like
“Arma-Goddamn-Motherfuckin-Geddon” and “I Have to Look Up Just to See
Hell” are Manson-by-numbers, from the sub-goth bass throb to his
monotone, distorted vocals. The only real surprise is the mournful
ballad “Running to the Edge of the World,” which mixes acoustic guitars
and choirs into something almost impressive. Everything else here is a
thin cocktail of his influences (Nine Inch Nails, Alice Cooper, David
Bowie) and his own past work. Maybe it’s time we all moved on. —
Phil Freeman
This article appears in Jun 3-9, 2009.
