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
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Jan 16, 2015
    83
    It's about as close to aging gracefully as you could ever hope to get from a dude who used to call himself the Antichrist Superstar. [23 Jan 2015, p.69]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Kerrang!
    Feb 2, 2015
    80
    The Pale Emperor doesn't repeat the in-your-face rebellion of Manson 1996. But it does share those old traits of being brave, smart and intriguing. [10 Jan 2015, p.52]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 22, 2015
    80
    The album itself is overall lackluster, with only a few jewels in an otherwise pronounced rough, even though Warner seems to be trying hard to experiment.
  5. AllMusic
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    Taking their sound in a new, unforeseen bluesy direction accomplishes the near impossible by making Marilyn Manson sound even more sinister than before.
  6. The Quietus
    Jan 16, 2015
    80
    While it may not be the most musically adventurous or frightening albums you'll hear this year, when it comes to writing memorable, mature songs full of devilishly addictive hooks without trying to relive the past, The Pale Emperor breathes new life into Marilyn Manson's previously ailing music career.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 15, 2015
    80
    Marilyn Manson has always possessed the ability to write and produce music that can speak at its own compelling length and pitch. Here he unleashes that side of his frayed character for the first time in about 14 years.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Jan 20, 2015
    75
    On The Pale Emperor, he sounds both inspired and rejuvenated; for the first time in a while, the most interesting thing about Manson is his music.
  9. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    Definitely a leap into the right direction, the album is the product of a clear mindset and less ego tripping.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    What emerges is a classier record than you might expect from Manson--and one that still manages to be the kind of old-fashioned alt-rock tantrum no one bothers throwing these days.
  11. Uncut
    Jan 15, 2015
    70
    A paucity of strong tunes remains his Achilles heel, but no-one else does wasted decadence with such persuasive panache. [Feb 2015, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
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 »
See all user reviews »