From Antichrist to glitzernen Bird of Paradise.

Even when looking at the cover you dare at first his eyes not to be trusted: light blue plastic bag? Manson with knallig-, fiery red hair? Manson naked and bust?
Then take a look at the songs: "Great Big White World", "The Speed ​​Of Pain"? ? "New Model No.15" "Coma White" One thing is certain: Something has changed quite serious because such an image one would have expected from the controversial Antichrist at the very least.
All those who keep Marilyn Manson for a band that just shocked, crying and can provoke using obscene lyrics and images, at the latest after listening to "Mechanical Animals" disabused. Because here is not about Manson's metamorphosis from worm to Antichrist make music, but, as a central core of action, about dementia through increased media and drug use. "Mechanical Animals" is in contrast to the successful previous album rather subtle way, therefore, very soulful, calm, yes almost melancholic one might think. What must not be necessarily bad, not even with Marilyn Manson. Because that androgynous something on the cover has a lot more to offer than feminine curves and a new hairstyle.
The 14 songs offer a fantastic mix of styles. While songs like "Rock Is Dead" or "I Want To Disappear" therefore come accustomed rock, is one in "The Speed ​​Of Pain" or "Coma White" rather then feel like Kullern of one or other tear. The first single "The Dope Show", which is dominated by distorted guitars and sounds glamorous, showing in which direction to move the band:. Away from aggression and towards feeling and Glam At first hearing the rhythmic groovy, jazzy and ironic "I do not like the drugs (but the drugs like me)" then often followed by a frown, because who would have thought that "shock rocker" Marilyn Manson ever would integrate into his songs gospel singers? Well, at least we know at least now that the band is good for surprises, which is confirmed with "Fundamentally Loathsome" again, or you can imagine, like a mix of episch- ballad passion mixed with a kind of "Industrial Blues" and backed with acoustic melancholy guitars may sound? Otherwise I could not describe the song. It is just as addictive as most other songs also.
Overall, it must be noted that the drive has failed a lot of guitar driven than their predecessors. Beautiful guitar solos as in "Fundamentally Loathsome" or "Coma White" will find often on the disk, replace the predominant drums of "Antichrist Superstar". Maybe can be explained with the fact that the rough Quirk of the previous album is no presence here, what initially may be regrettable, however, is offset by the many strengths and advantages of "Mechanical Animals" again.
On "Mechanical Animals" clearly outweigh the quieter sounds. It's more pop than rock, more glam than shadow and more David Bowie as Alice Cooper. The musical chameleon Marilyn Manson has implemented a change of image on which may not find any favor, especially because it is at the beginning still getting used to and the songs seem a not familiar; Manson's voice is packaged in a trendy glam rock garb But who has this plate once cast a spell that is it difficult to get away and recognize them. that "Mechanical Animals" is a very multi-faceted album, which is not worse than "Antichrist Superstar". Marilyn Manson prove with this record that they are more than a scandalous band that knows only to provoke. "Mechanical Animals" shows, that they can make quieter sounds grandiose music also, without losing conviction. A wonderful piece of art, which should be in every record collection.
Playing tips: "I do not like the drugs ...", "Fundamentally Loathsome", "Coma White"