Marilyn Manson has a great reputation of shocking people with both his music and imagery, something that has divided the masses for many years. While on Interscope Records, quality often dipped from his ‘Antichrist Superstar’/’Holy Wood’ heyday, so much so that his debut post-Interscope is said to be his comeback. So, with this in mind there’s a lot of pressure resting on the shoulders of his new release ‘Born Villain’.
With a cover of ‘You’re So Vain’ featuring Johnny Depp on guitar, it seems like this record holds something different. The opening duo ‘Hey, Cruel World’ and ‘No Reflection’ act as a promising introduction to this musical journey, feeling like acute throwbacks to his prime. Overall, on a first listen from here on in much of the album feels underwhelming, but give it time and further flaunts and tracks stand out as something more interesting than at first perceived.
A stand out track upon further listening is ‘Overnearth the Path of Misery’, which possesses some real tempo and punch amid its more lethargic counterparts. It really takes hold after a long introduction, a criticism that rears its head often. These drawn out intros break up much of the fluidity, leaving the album far longer than it needs to be. Furthermore, the real quality moments are spaced further apart by this, often causing the listener to become disengaged during the wait.
Personally, ‘Born Villain’ isn’t immediately grabbing, but it is most certainly a grower. At the moment, it rates as good; perhaps more listens will render it great. Manson’s sound is definitely present – sadistic shouts, sinister tones and big riffs pack a real punch at some moments, but there’s something lacklustre doused throughout. It’s clear on this album that Manson still has the capability of producing brilliance, yet there’s something that just feels off about it.
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With a cover of ‘You’re So Vain’ featuring Johnny Depp on guitar, it seems like this record holds something different. The opening duo ‘Hey, Cruel World’ and ‘No Reflection’ act as a promising introduction to this musical journey, feeling like acute throwbacks to his prime. Overall, on a first listen from here on in much of the album feels underwhelming, but give it time and further flaunts and tracks stand out as something more interesting than at first perceived. 
