Review MARILYN MANSON “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2”

About two years after the release of the first chapter of One Assassination Under God, Marilyn Manson launches the second part, musically picking up where its predecessor left off. After exploring broader musical territory, Manson returned to his roots with One Assassination Under God Chapter 1 and continues that direction consistently on the new album.

Somehow, a new Marilyn Manson album is always a bit of a surprise, because you never know exactly what you’re going to get. But when you listen to the new record from beginning to end, one thing becomes clear: Marilyn Manson has delivered a very solid new album.

The singles “Exit Wound” and the pounding “Front Toward Enemy” gave us an early taste of what was coming, with the angry and uncompromising “Front Toward Enemy” standing out in particular. The track combines brutal riffs, a cold industrial sound, and Manson’s distinctive voice in familiar fashion. It isn’t entirely new, though, as the song previously appeared as the B-side to “Raise the Red Flag.” At the same time, it represents the heavier edge that defines Marilyn Manson in 2026. “Exit Wound,” meanwhile, is a dark and pulsating industrial track that slowly works its way into your head.

“Unalive” opens the album on a very dark note, immediately creating an eerie atmosphere. The song evokes an uneasy feeling while also drawing you in with a strange fascination. “Don’t Answer the Door” picks up that mood, and let’s just say that if someone rings the bell while this song is playing, they may have to wait a while. At the same time, “Don’t Answer the Door” comes with a well-crafted melody, while brief bursts of aggression give the track an extra shot of energy.

“All the Vilest Things” is a dark song with a few wave influences. Rather than putting heavy guitar riffs at the center, Marilyn Manson focuses more on a subtle sense of evil that gradually takes hold as the song unfolds. “None of the Suns” follows a similar approach. Once again, Manson manages to create an emotional response, something his fans will naturally expect. Dark wave influences can be heard here as well, while the underlying sinister quality provides an effective counterpoint to the surprisingly catchy melodies.

With “Lucifer’s Teardrop,” the heavier sounds move further into the spotlight before the pulsating “The Arsonist” sends a few chills down your spine. The beginning of “Enantiomorph” is dominated by samples that serve as a kind of introduction before the song slowly develops. Starting quietly and featuring a piano passage, the closer gradually turns into an emotionally charged finale that explores the darker side of the human soul.

In summary, One Assassination Under God Chapter 2 is a very successful continuation of the first chapter. Marilyn Manson’s new album is a strong one with songs being consistently powerful while the album follows his familiar signature blend of metal and industrial. With all its dark moments and atmospheric passages, this is a record that remains engaging from beginning to end. And considering that Manson has once again embraced his roots while still leaving room for his own twists, it will be interesting to see what the enfant terrible of rock music has in store for the next chapter..