Antichrist Superstar

iTunes Review

Nine Inch Nails protégé, ‘90s shock-rocker Marilyn Manson came into his own with his second studio album, 1996’s Antichrist Superstar. Armed with stronger production — courtesy of NIN’s Trent Reznor, who guides the band with a confident, strong and overpowering hand — and a backing group versed in the darker strains of metal, goth rock, industrial, with a shimmer of New Wave glitter, Manson took his anti-authoritarian stance to new heights. He’s not much of a singer — more a disturbing scream from below ground or Alice Cooper after being served 10,000 volts — but Manson’s an engaged leader who enjoys stirring controversy wherever he lands. From the opening chaos of “Irresponsible Hate Anthem,” the gig is on. The chopping, scraping industrial rhythms of “Dried Up, Tied Up and Dead to the World” define the unrelenting attack, while “Tourniquet” adds a shade of melody to its twisted guitar riffs to make for updated glam rock driven to the extreme. The 17-tracks (one hidden) make this a long journey into night, just as Manson, the fearless tour guide planned it.