The Pale Emperor
by Marilyn Manson
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    This tenth album opens, unappetizingly for non-disciples, with a histrionic funeral dirge call provocatively, Killing Strangers--plus ca change from the Status Quo of Satanist twaddle. But hold tight, there's livelier material ahead. [Feb 2015, p.89]
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  2. NOW Magazine
    Jan 29, 2015
    60
    Unlike Manson's previous records, there's no real guiding concept here, which is probably for the best.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    Whereas the Duke represented the pop icon's most aggressive experimentation with composition and style, Manson appears content simply to polish up the usual antisocial stompers.
  5. Exclaim
    Jan 16, 2015
    60
    The Pale Emperor is downright ambitious when it wants to be and lazy when it can get away with it.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 16, 2015
    60
    It's no classic, but perhaps the surprise here is that Manson’s music can work without the shock shtick.
  7. Spin
    Jan 23, 2015
    50
    The Pale Emperor plods inoffensively from start to finish with moderate gloom and a similar level of hooks.
  8. Boston Globe
    Jan 20, 2015
    50
    There are other winners here: “The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles” (sheer autobiography by Manson) and the unexpected “Killing Strangers,” a slow, dirgey track that appears to pinpoint a terrorist’s mind-set: “We got guns, you better run, we’re killing strangers.” Elsewhere, the album often flounder.
  9. Consequence
    Jan 15, 2015
    50
    A lack of “oomph” prevents the album from landing a gut punch that would cover all of its flaws.
  10. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 20, 2015
    40
    That this is Manson’s most accessible and focused album in years counts for very little; there is simply no shock value when all you have to offer are cheap shocks.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2015
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 161
  3. Negative: 9 out of 161
  1. Dartboard
    Jan 20, 2015
    10
    Marilyn Manson has always been an interesting figure; his music is ever-evolving, even if he sort of went off the rails a bit in the lastMarilyn Manson has always been an interesting figure; his music is ever-evolving, even if he sort of went off the rails a bit in the last decade. He has always had the ability to create strong music, and he seems to have remembered that with The Pale Emperor - it's confident, ambitious, and some of it is completely different than anything you would expect from a 46-year-old Manson. With Bates on board, the album retains a bit of the theatricality of Manson's earlier albums, and that is definitely a great thing to see. The hooks are memorable, the choruses are catchy, and Manson pushes his vocals to interesting heights. Definitely recommend getting the deluxe edition for the acoustic tracks - Manson sings the hell out of them. If you're patient enough with the album, you'll start to see an interesting story to form. It isn't necessarily shocking, but Manson manages to sound raw, and even vital. If you're expecting Antichrist Superstar, look elsewhere. This is a mature, grounded Manson, and I'm happy he's here.… Full Review »
  2. grenouille
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    Pale Emperor is more in the vein of Born Villain, in the sense that it continues to redefine the sound of the more recent albums. However, itPale Emperor is more in the vein of Born Villain, in the sense that it continues to redefine the sound of the more recent albums. However, it is very distinct from just about anything else the band has put forth over the past 10 albums with distinct jazz influences mixed with a lyrical and thematic presence centered on the Faustian bargain.

    Overall, this album stuck out really well for me in that it continues the tradition of being a very smartly written introspection. The album is full of extensive imagery that really givea force to the ideas behind each lyric. Rather than rely on abstractions, Marilyn Manson and company continue to use very physical imagery to reinforce every point being made. While many fault the album and the artist's zealous use of one-liner after one-liner, each line is original with new ideas to be both impactful and creatively meaningful. I really cannot see the cause for criticizing these songs on a lyrical basis given lines such as "It's better to be blamed for robbing Peter than guilty for paying Paul" or "Blinds wide open like a whore paid in spit from that hearse between her thighs" that carry such impact steeped in symbolism and imagery respectively. Compare these lyrics to the backdrop of most modern rock music, and these lines really just exemplify solid song-writing.

    Overall, I am definitely excited for the future of the band. While I agree with the majority opinion that this is one of Marlyn Manson's best albums in recent years, I would go a step further and say it is one of my favorite albums from within these past few years.    … Full Review »
  3. Entersson
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    Well somebody maybe thinks that this album is going out of Marilyns classic speed "hard" way, but in fact this album really rocks! It's muchWell somebody maybe thinks that this album is going out of Marilyns classic speed "hard" way, but in fact this album really rocks! It's much more calm but also much more deep. You have at least 3 amazing tunes (Third day of a seven day binge, Deep Six and Cuppid carries a gun) with some new strange juicy sound and I really love it... 10/10 - Must have!… Full Review »
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