Marilyn Manson "One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1" (2024)

 Moving on from the catchy Post-Punk period vibes We Are Chaos reveled in, the band trade in those flickers of color for dreary tones steeped in indulgent misery. Bleak, downtrodden and typically anthemic, Assassination hails back to the spirit of Antichrist Superstar with the metallic inclinations of Holy Wood. Manson's lyrics flow potent and cutting. Renewed with a biting anger, his disenfranchised cries come wrapped in religious overtones and social commentaries. Spinning disillusionment into reverence once again, the nostalgic familiarity hailing back to their creative peak sounds fresh. A few tracks further in, words turn inwards, reflecting on addiction and escapism, a new avenue heard since fragilities expressed on The Pale Emperor.

Throughout Assassination, in some of his words linger a sense of martyrdom, spinning controversies of recent years to paint himself the victim. The tensions amass with Raise The Red Flag. Antagonistic lines make a climatic declaration to "wash the bullseye off my back". Through the lens of artistic expression, its a marvelous twist of the arm, however when reality and legal proceedings are a long muddy affair of accusations and defamation, its hardly a black and white case you can rally behind.

Lastly, the instrumentals are well crafted, a consistent aesthetic that serves this album experience well. Shifts in tones can ramp up intensities for aggression and subside into rebellious melodies. It all flows cohesively with their iconic front-mans licks. At fifty five, he can still deliver his knack for devious and catchy hooks. Now lacking the shock and awe he once commanded like a prophet, Assassination's potent expression themed on recent accusations land well but perhaps with an air of doubt.

 

Rating: 8/10

Marilyn Manson "We Are Chaos" (2020)

 

With his career revived in its third stint, news of We Are Chaos brought quite the anticipation, despite Heaven Upside Down not having the same lasting power as The Pale Emperor. From the first spin till this latest, this new chapter has had quite the absorbing pull. Now starting to pick out my favorites, all ten of these tracks strive for a similar sing-along anthem spirit as Manson's lyrics hit a stride for his typically striking wording and keen thought provoking lyrics, twisted with a little deviance as his catchy chorus hooks dig like nails into skin, leaving a mark.

One to normally romp with metallic aggression and industrial noise, the bands thick and embellished sound gives way to the tenants of popular song writing. Where riffs and slabs of darkly sound once took the musical stance, keen writing directed by driving baselines, elevated with timely pianos and permeated with moody acoustic guitars. A stage is set for Manson to shine as a front man, his lyrics churning dark and difficult realities into sing along songs is remarkable as hes done it many times before. Without deep analysis, the general mood feels like an amalgamation of his newer personally oriented themes and lesser so, the social commentary.

Infinite Darkness and Perfume stick out as a moment more alike his traditional styling. They fit in well to punch a bit of stomping energy between the indulgence of lighter songs toying with the the now common wall of sound production style where the music is fluffed up layers of sound between its core instruments. Its a good thing, enriching these tunes. In the game of picking favorites, the songs that define themselves do so with flashes of great songwriting from decades gone by and quite the variety of genres and moods these musics have blessed us with. Its hard to pin down even per song but it feels like the band embraced a lot of inspiration.

For me, We Are Chaos now sits in this strange place where I can lavish praise upon it yet as the songs become better known I wonder if its got legs. Over the years many records muster up a big fuss in their freshness only to fade. Some songs here will undoubtedly stand the test of time. If all of them do we could be looking be at a record to fit in among his best. One thing that is for sure, a lot of these songs will fit sweetly into a set list whenever he is amble to resume touring, given the times and all.

Rating: 8/10

My Day At Sunday Download Festival 2018

 

I had quite the incentive to go for one day this year, with exception to five or six other artists, most the bands I wanted to see were playing Sunday. Of course discovering new acts and watching bands you've never heard of is a lot of fun too! Wish I had gone for the whole weekend now but I must admit I enjoy the comfort of my bed after a long day in the sun.

Dream State
Starting of the day this five piece group warmed up crowds with a mix of gleaming Post-Rock melodics and Pop-Metal heaviness that was easy to follow along with and enjoy.

Greta Van Fleet
With an unapologetic indulgence in nostalgia, GVF graced the stage in their sixties clothing and swooned the crowd. With an infectious mix of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendricks and Lynyrd Skynyrd vibes they relived the sounds of times gone by in glorious fashion. Very impressive.

Cradle Of Filth
Summer sun and the open stage just doesn't suit English legends Cradle Of Filth. With a mediocre stage presence and thin sounding symphonic section the performance mustered not much beyond the enjoyment of hearing a couple of old classics. Should of stayed at the second stage for longer.

Puppy
This was my third time seeing this rising band. Playing new songs and classics from Vol II, they were sure to win over new fans with an enthusiastic set that really got the day rolling as the moods flowed from their inspired playing, one of the days best.

Dead Cross
Ive caught wind of the acclaim for this "super group" of musicians from already established bands but have yet to get into a record. Getting punished by the hovering sun I watched from afar, enjoying the riff fests and smatterings of unsettling noise between but perhaps would of enjoyed it more had I known their material better.

Bad Cop Bad Cop
These punk rockers brought a lot of energy and liveliness to the stage, burning through songs with positive statements in between, not specially my cup of tea but it was nice to relax in the shade of the tent and enjoy the show.

Kreator
Not the first band that comes to mind when you think of Thrash Metal but these German Metal legends have been rocking that sound for decades and I'm guilty of not further exploring there records beyond a couple in the naughties. They put on a killer show that sounded fantastic. Hard hitting thrash that got the crowd moving!

Milk Teeth
I was dead excited to see this group. Having missed my chance to catch their Christmas show I was very happy to see them on this years line up. With a whole heap of energy they drove through their songs, commanding pits in the crowd and rocking their fantastic Grunge sound hard. I especially enjoyed Brain food from Vile Child as well as their guitarist who through his guitar to the ground in order to climb the scaffolding and scream at the crowd. One of the best.

Body Count
When I saw Ice-T and his cronies a couple years back they thought it would be the last. I remember it so well, that moment where Ice realized this was probably it for them. With one last effort the band revitalized their career thanks to the Grammy nominated Bloodlust. They returned to download with their usual persona and energy in front of a rammed crowd. They had just as much fun as we did with Ice entertaining between the songs.

Black Foxxes
It may not be a good thing to say that I can't remember much of this band, probably because I took the opertunity to sit down in the shade of the tent and recharge the batteries. I don't remember anything negative but I certainly wasn't captivated in anyway.

Thrice
With the sun at the peak of its cooking ability it was a little hard to fully enjoy this band, big scenic soundscapes born from Art Rock and Post-Hardcore vibes they put on a fair show of interesting music with a fair amount of texture coming over the PA.

Meshuggah
One of my all time favorite bands, they always stir me right up! Although I wasn't massively keen on The Violent Sleep Of Reason, the new songs were well performed by the five Swedes who let the music do the talking. They busted through about six songs, ending with the colossal Demiurge. It was a real treat of head banging madness and a touch of moshing that reminded me its not as fun as it used to be to get bashed about. Really loved seeing them, something that doesn't happen often enough!

Myrkur
With a gap in the scheduled for food I realized there was no reason I couldn't eat and listen. Just to my luck this group happened to be a really interesting composition of Black Metal with angelic vocals. The show was superb and now I have a new band I must check out!

Zeal And Ardor
The fruits of the internet age are laid bare here. A lone artist with an experimental musical idea, releasing the self produced Devil Is Fine online and blossoming to life with heaps of attention and praise from the viral nature of information. Now a six piece band, the fusion of Black Metal, Chain Gang songs and other extremes came to life through a vivid show that had the music roaring out of the angry Manuel, slamming his first into his guitar and screaming with ferocity. Undoubtedly the days best show, maybe one of the best this year.

Marilyn Mason
Following the best perhaps came the worst with a tantrum throwing Manson taking an age to get it together between songs. Promoting the new Heaven Upside Down album the song Say 10 sounded great and so did a few others to be fair but his stage presence and attitude just doesn't suit the big stage soaked in sun.

Baroness
The Grammy nominated Baroness return with pretty much the same show as last year. Now headlining the fourth stage their fans were huddled together to give it a stronger atmosphere but with no new songs It felt a little dull in comparison.

Ozzy Osbourne
Rather than go to the front and make the most of my last opertunity to see the Metal god himself on stage, we decided to hang back and watch from a far, which is never the same. It might play on my mind but given that seeing Black Sabbath hasn't left that much of an impression on me, I think the same could be said of Ozzy, he still sings fantastically but the era is long gone. It was great to hear so many classics but also nice to chill out and get away from the crowds early.

Marilyn Manson "Heaven Upside Down" (2017)

There's little bad to say about Marilyn Manson's tenth record. I could get critical and say it gets off to a moderate start but as the wheels get spinning, they don't slow down! Best known for his culture shock records Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals, Manson has seen a steady decline in recent years that got turned around with The Pale Emperor, a change of pace, an introspective artistic piece that turned his observational musing inwards. I was sorely disappointed at first, "Heaven Upside Down" was not continuing in that direction but with each passing listen it grew on me substantially. He may be approaching his 50s but the fire for his breed of intelligent rebellion still burns bright in this fellow.

The most obvious comparison for this change of pace is the Antichrist Superstar era. The vibes, instrumental aesthetics and attitude is similar in many spots with a helping dose of anger and aggression. His poetry is witty, sharp as a blade with cutting lines like the opening "fuck or fight" on "Jesus Crisis". I could make lists but this is Manson, his reputation needs no examples, hes on his best game here with cracking lyrics that turn in on themselves as the words unfold. His ability to write and deliver hooks elevates the instrumentals as you'd expect them to do but always catches you off guard.

Instrumentally things start off aggressive with crunching guitars leading the songs. Dirty, Industrial thumping riffs on steady repeat. "Tattooed In Reverse" experiments with gritty, buzzing baselines and sharp, often shrill oscillating synths for a rattle house of dystopian blues. "Saturnalia" Is the turning point, the music becomes expansive with echoes of The Pale Emperor distance the aggression for spaces to breath in as the moods start to flow. Its as the album winds down from its aggressive start that I find myself captivated, Manson's chemistry with his band mates seems to electrify as his performance resonates with lyrics carrying the burden of dramatic emotions.

This albums flow is a strength played to. It starts with a bang to lure you in and steadily evolves into a much deeper record. The density of the instrumentals, aided by rich electronics, plays to the versatility Industrial music can provide as the songs collectively share a space with quite a variety of textures and flavor to throw your way. It can shred distortion guitars and find its way to bustling acoustics too without loosing the heretic energy. Everything comes together on this record, the group are on fire and give us the all killer no filler treatment. I will leave this post with a favorite lyric I can't get out my head. "And I tried to look inside you, but ended up, looking through you, now you try to tell me, your not a ghost!".

Favorite Tracks: Say10, Saturnalia, Jesus Crisis, Heaven Upsidedown, Threats Of Romance

Rating: 7/10

My Top 10 Albums Of 2015

So its nearly the end of the year and time to write about my favorite records released. Now that I think back over the year there have been some terrific records and compiling a top 10 wasn't too difficult as there had been about that many that stood out as being the most memorable and enjoyable. Alongside the best there were also a few stinkers, disappointing records I had been anticipating that unfortunately didn't deliver. Overall its been decent but not remarkable, of all that was great much of it was great within its own context with nothing ground breaking or revolutionary reaching my ears.

(10) Killing Joke "Pylon" Link

 Not a record I expected much from, having gotten to grips with Killing Joke's identity this one felt at home with everything they were about. The production and choices in the instruments tone really gave it a new dimension. Possibly their best since their first two records, however there still a lot of records for me to get through first.

 (9) Arcturus "Arcturian" Link

 

One of the most anticipated records I could ever think of. A decade of wait for the return of a band who's music has been both riveting and engulfing with their unique, distinguished sound and unforgettable songwriting that did not fail to deliver. It felt as if no time had passed, despite an awful production, the music shined bright and charmed once again with a familiar sound.

 (8) Izioq "My Own Private Video Game" Link

 

 Izioq second project was an interesting evolution from its predecessor. Moving away from the purist retro sounds of the debut, this sophomore record felt right at home while deviling into a more expansive and imaginative set of sounds that is full of charm and soul, creating nostalgic memories with the power of imagination.

(7) Joey Badass "B4.Da.$$" Link

I heard about Joey with a promise of a 90s nostalgia trip and boy did we get it! This record has the heart of the 90s spirit without being nostalgic or recreational, Joey brings his own style and flavor and it works. Solid record that's full of decent tracks.

(6) Iwrestledabearonce "Hail Mary" Link

I very nearly passed this one up. What a mistake that would of been! This has been the years most fun and "don't take seriously" record. Full of grooves, dichord abuse and maddening shredding, "Hail Mary" is an unrelenting onslaught of rhythmic aggression goodness that never lets the foot of the gas!

(5) The Underachievers "Evermore - The Art of Duality" Link

I like this duo a lot. They have a unique style and seem to be on their own path regardless of what trends are leading Hip Hop music. After checking out last years "Cellar Door" I had to pick this one up, turned out to be a real gem, conceptual and executed well this was full of food for thought and meaningful lyrics alongside tripy beats.

(4) Ghost "Meliora" Link

Heavily anticipated from one of the most exciting Metal bands active and they are going from strength to strength. Meliora gave a fan everything they could hope for and more with the classic "He Is" song. A true gem in one of Metals best records this year.

(3) Periphery "Juggernaut: Alpha/Omega" Link Link

A sublime double record with no shortage of inspiration. Periphery created possibly their best work to date with infectious grooves and lush harmonies bouncing back and forth from one another in the fold of progressive and creatively written songs that have been stuck in my mind.

(2) Marilyn Manson "The Pale Emperor" Link

 A stroke of genius, the return of a true musical great who's been drifting through obscurity in recent years. "The Pale Emperor" is one of Manson's strongest records, embracing a new introspective approach that works so well for the man who used to poke at anything else. Moody, dense and folk like, its a grabbing record that sucks you in.

(1) Enter Shikari "The Mindsweep" Link

From the first listen it was obviously a great record and possibly one of Shikari's best, but as the year went by this one wouldn't get out of my head. As a long time fan it made me realize how much the band had matured and progressed over the years. They have the same charm yet now their music has a greater sense of vision and clarity, a richer diversity of ideas and inspiration that keeps on giving. The band musically shape-shift through styles and aesthetics so effortlessly it has accumulated to the years most exciting record for the band who's future never stops looking brighter.

Marilyn Manson "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" (2003)

It took me some time to get around to this record, having got into Manson's music last year I started with the classic "Trinity" of records and my research and reading into Manson's career indicated this was the record where he "fell off" and things started to change. I finally gave it a spin and instantly enjoyed it, having now thoroughly enjoyed this record I can certainly hear its weak points but am a little mystified as to why this album wasn't received well by critics. Its everything Manson is about, orchestrated like a finely tuned weapon of blasphemy aimed at the masses, covered in glossy a deceptively approachable listen.

The record kicks off with "This Is The New Shit", a song that gives you a belly full of what the albums tone and context will be. Making a mockery of trends and pop culture through defining itself as the "next thing", Manson executes a very direct approach that gets straight to the point, at times it works great and in others the lack of depth or obscurity in the lyrics does leave much to be desired. "This isn't music, and were not a band, were five middle fingers on a mother fucking hand" from "Vodevil", the records best lyric of this style, a very blunt and aggressive statement that hits hard, unfortunately these moments are just a handful.

Aesthetically the album is ripe and potent, an infectious noisy production with fantastic distortion on the guitars that feel overdriven to hell, yet have a crisp, sharp, razor blade tone that transforms some rocking riffs into full on head banging, moshing monster riffs. The guitars are not the sole focus though, theres plenty of space for them to drop out and give a range of electronic noises and drum machines to create paranoid, dark atmospheres along with bass lines that step up the tone and distortion and make themselves an important part of many of the albums tracks. The writing is catchy and heavy on the hooks which dominate the songs, so much so, many of the tracks lack a bit of variety and depth where they repeat with the same hooks.

The album flows really well, mixing up the more aggressive numbers between the peculiar, outlandish atmospheres and style this record broods in Manson's artsy moments. The song "Para-Noir" captures the records best qualities, creating a menacing atmosphere with Dita Von Tease's domineering taunts brooding and provoking a driven response from Manson as the record explodes with ever powerful guitar riffs. The album does fizzle out with a cover of "Tainted Love" I've never enjoyed, followed by a carnival of horrors track and another atmosphere driven song that doesn't excite much, the record could of ended on a high with "Vodevil" for me. Overall its a vibrant, blasphemous rock and roll record of unforgiving attitude that has some obviously flaws but Manson clearly did exactly what he set out to do with this one.

Favorite Songs: This Is The New Shit, Mobscene, (S)Aint, Slutgarden, Para-Noir, Vodevil
Rating: 7/10

Download Festival 2015 Top 10 Performances

I've been going to donington for nearly a decade now, and although I've missed a couple on recent years I absolutely adore this festival which proves time and time again to be an amazing and truly inspiring event. With the venues history and size its like mecca for metal heads and fans of heavy, alternative music. In recent years the direction has broadened to incorporate more rock and alternative than in previous years and the result is a diverse line up rammed with so many bands you'll never be short of something to watch!

(10) Corrosion Of Conformity

My first time seeing this band and they had one of the best sounds, everything was crisp, guitar tones where niche and the performance tight. Especially enjoyed bassist Mike Dean's groove and energy while playing.

(9) Madball

Having recently enjoyed their debut "Set It Off" I had no reason not to check them out, and they rocked a great set for a smaller crowd who were really into it. Especially liked frontman Freddy Cricien's attitude on stage.

(8) Lamb Of God

Tight, solid performance with decent sound from a band that delivered the aggression and Metal I was in the mood for. Good set, included some new songs which sounded decent.

(7) Slipknot

Disappointed the weather held me back from going down the front where the action is. Even though my hunger for this band is still strong I found myself enjoying it from a distance despite being cold and wet. They still put on a great show.

(6) Dolomite Minor

Visiting the forth stage in between bands is a must! I've discovered many gems doing this and Dolomite is one of them! This duo rocked some serious oldskool Rock / Metal grooves on Sabbath like tones, playing them over and over to great effect.

(5)  Evil Scarecrow

Was blown away by how fun this band were at Bloodstock. There was big anticipation in a rammed tent for these guys who's reputation is growing. The show and music was spot on and very entertaining. It felt like they were ready for a bigger crowd, maybe second stage next year.

(4) Suicidal Tendencies

Absolute legends, I hastily made my way from Shikari to find myself in a wild and energetic crowd that were living up every song in the tent, crowd surfing, moshing and general chaos ensued seeing out the festival in unforgettable style.

(3) Marilyn Manson

At 46 it was obvious that his performance wouldn't be quite the spectacle it once was but given my recent found love for his music this would only be fantastic. His persona was a little strange, he seemed fascinated with Ice-T who was watching but it just added to the mystique and turned out to be one hell of a show.

 (2) Body Count

Never thought id see this band. Seeing them on the bill was like a wet dream and I made sure I was there at the killing floor to watch an absolute legend perform with a band I've been listening to since I found Gangster Rap and Metal. The set was explosive, the band came out looking mean and ready for war. They rocked a hard set of classics, Ice-T hardly looked his age and gave a lot of energy, their bassist shocked me as he bare handed ripped the strings of his bass during their exit from the stage. Amazing.

(1) Enter Shikari

I wasn't anticipating much more than an enjoyable show. Got a spot right behind the barrier center stage and found myself getting totally into their performance. A few songs in I made my way to the pit and moshed the night away to a fantastic set that had me in high spirits. The mud, the weather wouldn't stop us! It was all about the music and reminded me that this is what download festival is all about, and why I will keep going.

Marilyn Manson "The Pale Emperor" (2015)

Its time for our first record of 2015! And I've been listening to it since 2014, when it leaked onto the Internet. Its still not released, but available for streaming, and I've held of from talking about it, but soon I will own this fine record that may just be Manson's finest hour. "The Pale Emperor" on first listen was a great listen that was rather unexpected considering the impression I gathered that Manson had "fallen off" since his classic trinity of records. Having thoroughly enjoyed them recently, this record didn't feel to far from where "Holywood" left off, but had an obvious progression and maturity to it. Gone are the bold and contentious statements that shock some and excite others. On this record Manson turns inwards for inspiration, and the pains and hardships of being him, it is reflective of the overall mood of the album with only "Deep Six" hitting that harder Rock/Metal vibe Manson does with a urgent sense of style on previous records.

It's a calmer record thats theatrical, intelligent, with a subtle grandiose to it. The band instrumentally focus less on hooks, and craft matured songs with no cheap thrills, yielding a rockier vibe that sees the Industrial element of their sound quiet influence of past. Manson is in his artistic vision as always, but his chemistry with the group is spot on, the track "Birds Of Hell Awaiting" for example, Manson's performance is free and audacious, it carries the dreary, mechanical instrumental along and together they climax the song with a boisterous flamboyancy. Its a high point in a charactered group of songs that are crafted through a subtle arrangement of instrumentation that is varied and lead by some fantastic guitar work that appreciates where and when to bring the energy, and where to decorate the instrumentals with calmer energies. The record's calmer nature was reinforced by the dismissal of a drum machine and the inclusion of Sharone, formally of Dillinger Escape Plan. In the moment they could provide the classic Manson fist pounding rhythm to get your noggin bobbin, as well as structuring the theatrical nature of these tracks.

Manson as always is a huge part of these record, his presence here was commanding as ever, and even when showing his weaknesses he stays in the music and turns his anguish into an exhilarating performance. Its a sign of maturity that his artistic vision can change and retain the best of his performance. As touched on a couple of times, this album is openly personal and introspective, more so than the observational and instigating nature to poke at establishments and ideals in controversial fashion. Even with a shift in focus Manson delivers those classic lines that stick in the mind, twirling thoughts of intrigue. "At least I know, wherever I go, I got the devil beneath my feet" and "Were killing strangers so we don't kill the ones that we love". I've listened to this record countless times, its stuck in my mind and I have enjoyed it through and through. I feel like its a record that has a lot to offer, and will continue to do so. Its theatrical presentation, mature delivery, and depth of theme are true strengths that challenge this as their best artistic output to date.

Favorite Tracks : Third Day Of A Seven Day Binge, The Mephistopheles Of Los Angeles, Slave Only Dreams To Be King, Birds Of Hell Awaiting

Rating: 7/10

My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2014

Its been a great year for music. I've seen a lot of live music and caught some amazing anniversary shows, like Emperor playing the whole of "In The Nightside Eclipse" ans Nas at Lovebox playing "Illmatic". Also got to see Sikth, Metallica, Eminem, Dog Eat Dog and Limp Bizkit a couple of times too. Theres countless more but seeing two of my all time favorite albums played in full was really something. I foolishly missed out on seeing Linkin Park play "Hybrid Theory" in full and Smashing Pumpkins with Marilyn Manson in London, but no need to dwell on the missed opportunities, next year I will aim to take them all! Beyond live music I've broadened my horizons and discovered more fantastic music, this list covers my top 10 new discoveries over the year, for my top 10 albums of 2014 click here.

(10) Kendrick Lamar

I was never expecting to find much in the way of modern Hip Hop, but this artist had what was great about the old and the new rolled into one. It gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the new era. ive since found myself enjoying a lot more Hip Hop from our current time.

 (9) Skee-Lo

Not the greatest of rappers, but Skee-Lo's style and sound is prime 90s, and I love 90s Hip Hop, after expansively exploring this era over the last few years there are not many leaves left to turn over, but Skee-Lo was a hidden gem that had some how alluded me, much like Kriss Kross possibly because of short lived commercial success at the time.

(8) Chelsea Wolfe

Simply a brilliant musician, Chelsea's dark and haunting psychedelic folk paints her a unique sound to my ears that is a welcome discovery, but one I have neglected to take beyond "Pain Is Beauty", must listen to more of her albums in 2015!

(7)  First Aid Kit

I've said a lot about these two already, my favorite album of 2014, and beyond that their other records are enjoyable too. A great discovery recommended by a reader here at the blog.

(6) Depeche Mode

Known about this band for as long as I can remember, but finally had some encouragement to give them a listen and found that I very much like what they are about. With such a large discography I'm sure I will be listening through their albums for some time to come.

 (5) Ministry

I've known about Ministry for a long long time, even listened to ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ a couple of times but this year their music just clicked for me. I brought a 5 album bundle at bargain price and never looked back. Incredible energy and anger in their music, my favorite discovery from my dive into Industrial Music.

(4) The Art Of Noise

"The Seduction Of Claude Debussy" Is a blinding album, it fit a niche for something I had always wanted to hear, a joining of old and new, Classical and Opera colliding with Jungle and DnB. The record itself is no experiment, this is a masterful execution and expression that utilizes the qualities of each and brings them together in unison, beyond the album they have a few other songs I like and have been a rewarding discovery.

(3) Marilyn Manson

I've been familiar with Marilyn's music since my youth, all my friends liked him, but for some reason it has taken me 15 years to get it, but its well worth the wait. Manson has his own genius and he flaunts it through his angry, rebellious music that has plenty of food for thought. I've really connected to his music and I'm eagerly anticipating a new album from him in 2015.

 (2) Marvin Gaye

I was drawn to the TV after hearing extracts from "Kind Of Blue" to find a great albums of past show, after Miles Davis came Marvin's "What's Going On" album. It stuck a nerve with me immediately, and I found myself at the mercy of his soulful voice which appealed to me through the subject matter. He could talk about our deep rooted societal issues, but package them with a warm reflection and positive perspective that spoke to me deeply. I brought the record instantly and it has been spun countless times since.

(1) The Smashing Pumpkins

Undoubtedly my favorite discovery this year, and maybe of the last few. Their a band I've always known of, but really had no idea what their about. After watching a documentary about them, it clicked, and listening through their albums one by one I've realized Billy Corgan is a musical genius and one I connect with. His sound is brilliant and unique, bringing influences from across the spectrum of Rock, Metal, Grunge and Alternative, but blending it all together and painting songs in his own color. I've enjoyed there first 4 records tremendously and theres still more to come.