The ninth album finds Maryln Manson getting more personal than his previous outing Born Villain. This is a definite improvement as we get more of an insight into his moral compass as the overarching lyrical theme here being one of redemption.
The opener Killing Strangers has Manson's vibrato vocals twisting and turning over a bluesy beat. The chorus packs a wallop as he declares "we are killing strangers, so we don't kill the ones that we love."
His voice may have lost some of its growl but there is a welcome punchiness to his delivery in Deep Six, an upbeat punk boost with heavy riffs resembling his older track (S)aint. The gloomy mid-paced Cupid Carries Gun is more vintage Manson with its dark piano and vocals mostly comprises pained moans. Yes, it is not exactly your party album, but Manson fans know the thrills lie in the morbid sounds and lyrics. On that score, the Pale Emperor does not disappoint.
malshamsi@thenational.ae
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
More on Quran memorisation:
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
