The Pale Emperor
by Marilyn Manson
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
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  1. 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, 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    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, 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.    … Expand
  2. JustinHowell
    Apr 24, 2015
    9
    A mixture of primarily The Blues and Glam Rock, with hints of Industrial Rock, Marilyn Manson brings something truly interesting to the table that is bound to go down as one of the best, and it's worth buying for any rock fan. When listing Warner’s best works, just listing Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals, and Holywood will no longer suffice. You’ll need to, from this day forward,A mixture of primarily The Blues and Glam Rock, with hints of Industrial Rock, Marilyn Manson brings something truly interesting to the table that is bound to go down as one of the best, and it's worth buying for any rock fan. When listing Warner’s best works, just listing Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals, and Holywood will no longer suffice. You’ll need to, from this day forward, list those three, and The Pale Emperor.

    Great/Outstanding/Memorable in a Good Way Tracks: Killing Strangers, Deep Six, The Devil Beneath My Feet, Cupid Carries a Gun, Odds of Even.

    Average/Good but Forgettable Tracks: Third Day of a Seven Day Binge, The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles

    ”Eh”/Filler Tracks: Warship My Wreck, Slave Only Dreams to Be King, Birds of Hell Awaiting.

    Overall Rating: 93/100.    … Expand
  3. 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 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. WithMarilyn 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.… Expand
  4. yune2
    Jan 20, 2015
    10
    So, you all thought he was gone, huh?
    Marilyn Manson was a **** idol in the late 90's. He was single-handedly the most terrifying presence (to everyone in the media, anyway) to grace the music scene. With the production backing of Trent Reznor and a thematical message that, back then, was truly innovative and brave, Marilyn Manson inspired an entire generation of people.
    For the past few    So, you all thought he was gone, huh?
    Marilyn Manson was a **** idol in the late 90's. He was single-handedly the most terrifying presence (to everyone in the media, anyway) to grace the music scene. With the production backing of Trent Reznor and a thematical message that, back then, was truly innovative and brave, Marilyn Manson inspired an entire generation of people.
    For the past few years, however, he's been off his game. Way off. Especially apparent in his last 4 albums, Marilyn Manson suffered from an apparent loss of creativity and... well... himself. His lyrics were starting to fall flat and his music was just bland kind-of-hooks mashed up with industrial noises that pretended to be coherent. It's no wonder that his reputation has fallen into disgrace, being regarded as a sort of hipsterish icon for bratty goth teenagers everywhere.
    He's different now. The Pale Emperor is probably the best thing Marilyn Manson has released in over a decade. No longer is he the shocking, intentionally antagonistic prince of darkness that threw the Bible belt to its knees.
    Now... now Marilyn Manson seems is a sad man with a painted face who's been through 46 years of life. But Marilyn Manson, unlike many other aging stars, actually has something meaningful to say. And the musical talent to back it up.
    Plus, he just **** rocks.    … Expand
  5. 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 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!
  6. prescribeddrone
    Jan 20, 2015
    9
    I've been following the band for 15 years now and I have enjoyed (and still enjoy) every album this band put out. I think that The Pale Emperor could be the Mechanical Animals of this decade. This is the bravest *musical* adventure the band went on since... dare I say 1998. Headbangers should look elsewhere unless they just want good music. Manson brings out his inner Jim Morrison here.I've been following the band for 15 years now and I have enjoyed (and still enjoy) every album this band put out. I think that The Pale Emperor could be the Mechanical Animals of this decade. This is the bravest *musical* adventure the band went on since... dare I say 1998. Headbangers should look elsewhere unless they just want good music. Manson brings out his inner Jim Morrison here. This album cares less for that mid tempo verse/heavy chorus layout based around a guitar riff and focuses more on the music other than the distorted guitar. The music builds up and changes, it feels raw but very well produced. The album is full of interesting lyrical references, multi-layer vocal tracks doing whispers and different pitched voices singing along to the memorable melodies, rocking swing beats, classic blues style guitar riffs over cinematic atmospherics with some of the coolest sinister synthesizers since Holy Wood. A lot of those elements give this album that gothic-blues-rock n' roll vibe that some of the more experimental songs from Eat Me, Drink Me, High End of Low and Born Villain flirted with along with some elements from Holy Wood and The Resident Evil Score. Which basically mutated into the beast known as the Pale Emperor. I have nothing bad to say about this. Grab some headphones, light a candle for sinners (or come on baby light my fire) and enjoy this album.… Expand
  7. Muddsjr
    Jan 21, 2015
    8
    The Pale Emperor is no classic, but to be honest, in my opinion, I don't believe Manson has ever actually done a classic standard album in his career. But in comparison to his four or so albums since Holy Wood (one of his best albums) The Pale Emperor seems more accessible and perhaps less a lyrical put-off. There are some mad lyrics here and there, but additionally, with all theseThe Pale Emperor is no classic, but to be honest, in my opinion, I don't believe Manson has ever actually done a classic standard album in his career. But in comparison to his four or so albums since Holy Wood (one of his best albums) The Pale Emperor seems more accessible and perhaps less a lyrical put-off. There are some mad lyrics here and there, but additionally, with all these melancholic 'coming of age' songs together, (some of which are catchy and admittedly addictive, like Deep Six or Third Day..), what we have here is possibly the most cohesive and even personal albums since Mechanical Animals.… Expand
  8. mm_nirv_rhcp
    Jan 20, 2015
    9
    This album, in consideration with the predecessors, accounts for the great diversity and ever-evolving sound of Manson. Each album represents an "era" of sound--matched with an equally diverse range of apparel and appearance--that contributes to the complexity of the band, nonetheless the difficulty in defining--or refining therefore--their sound to a single entity or album alike.This album, in consideration with the predecessors, accounts for the great diversity and ever-evolving sound of Manson. Each album represents an "era" of sound--matched with an equally diverse range of apparel and appearance--that contributes to the complexity of the band, nonetheless the difficulty in defining--or refining therefore--their sound to a single entity or album alike. Listeners can expect to hear something completely novel in this album; its bluesy feel is unmatched in any prior Manson album. A very good listen for anyone interested in the band--not too chaotic, but on the same token, completely competent, refreshing, and catchy.… Expand
  9. rgajria
    Jul 23, 2016
    10
    Consider me a new fan. Been hearing MM since his prime in the 90s but he never quite won me over until this one. Is it the organic sound of the record, all natural instruments, hardly any reliance on industrial sounds, the stellar songwriting, MM's singing, the way he phrases, whispers, screams, the production of the record? I don't know if it's just those things but the album flowsConsider me a new fan. Been hearing MM since his prime in the 90s but he never quite won me over until this one. Is it the organic sound of the record, all natural instruments, hardly any reliance on industrial sounds, the stellar songwriting, MM's singing, the way he phrases, whispers, screams, the production of the record? I don't know if it's just those things but the album flows beautifully from start to finish with so many great songs - Killing Strangers, Deep Six, Mephistopheles, Warship my Wreck, Third day of a seven day binge.… Expand
  10. LoRevisor
    Nov 10, 2017
    9
    Mesmo eu adorando "Born Villain" talvez do mesmo jeito que "The Pale Emperor", É inegável que TPE é foi um novo renascimento para Marilyn Manson para os antigos fãs e até gerou novos fãs.

    Pois trata-se de um álbum muito maduro, delicado, e onde tudo se encaixa os gêneros e ordens das músicas um dos mais impecáveis nesses quesitos. No começo preferir Born Villan a este, pois o achei    Mesmo eu adorando "Born Villain" talvez do mesmo jeito que "The Pale Emperor", É inegável que TPE é foi um novo renascimento para Marilyn Manson para os antigos fãs e até gerou novos fãs.

    Pois trata-se de um álbum muito maduro, delicado, e onde tudo se encaixa os gêneros e ordens das músicas um dos mais impecáveis nesses quesitos.

    No começo preferir Born Villan a este, pois o achei quieto demais e até tedioso, mas cometi o crime de ignorar e até de não ouvir s Músicas excelente e essenciais para o álbum como Warship My Wreck, The Devil Beneath my Feet, Odds of even & Cupid Carries A Gun 4 das melhores músicas do álbum.
    Mas claro que eu já tinha gostado de algumas do álbum e continuo gostando como as essenciais também Deep Six, Third day of Seven day binge, The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles.

    Excelente Álbum de Marilyn Manson.    … Expand
  11. adpirtle
    Jun 3, 2015
    7
    It's not his best work, but then his best work was made as a young man for a young audience. Manson's latest album is more melodic, with its glam-grunge hooks and a vocal delivery akin to Jim Morrison on a bender (track six could have been called "Slave Only Dreams To Be Lizard King").
  12. Desertrold
    Feb 24, 2015
    8
    To be honest, I think this album is a turnaround. I think the beast is back! The album is not a masterpiece but it has the old yet fresh vibe to it. It seems like somebody finally made it out the pit made of absinthe and cocaine and just got enough drink and weed to be all over it again. Especially songs like "The Mephistopheles..." make me hope for Brian Warner again. The only thing leftTo be honest, I think this album is a turnaround. I think the beast is back! The album is not a masterpiece but it has the old yet fresh vibe to it. It seems like somebody finally made it out the pit made of absinthe and cocaine and just got enough drink and weed to be all over it again. Especially songs like "The Mephistopheles..." make me hope for Brian Warner again. The only thing left to do is get lost of all that superstar, Los Angeles and I'm so special crap. The antichrist is thaaat close to become a person again, just to become the antichrist once more. Row for row, we go....… Expand
  13. NKB
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    This album is perfect, I began to like the whole album after playing through it once. The tracks on here really grow on you and Ive been listening to all of them for about two months now. This is clearly one of his best albums since Holywood. There isnt a track I would recommend skipping, all of them are easily enjoyable. Tracks like" Killing Strangers" , "The Mephistopheles of LosThis album is perfect, I began to like the whole album after playing through it once. The tracks on here really grow on you and Ive been listening to all of them for about two months now. This is clearly one of his best albums since Holywood. There isnt a track I would recommend skipping, all of them are easily enjoyable. Tracks like" Killing Strangers" , "The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles", " "The Devil Beneath My Feet" , and "Cupid Carries a Gun" are tracks I would heavily recommend. The whole album was defiantly worth buying. 10/10… Expand
  14. Zanessa250QI
    Mar 10, 2017
    9
    Everyone both critics and audiences say at the time of release that this album is one of best Marilyn Manson albums, And his best in 15 years.

    In the beginning, I don't like very much of "Pale Emperor" even been a bigger fan of MM, Of course i like some songs like "Deep Six", "Third Day Of Seven Day Binge" & "The Mephistopheles Of Los Angeles" But the rest of songs half i don't like and    Everyone both critics and audiences say at the time of release that this album is one of best Marilyn Manson albums, And his best in 15 years.

    In the beginning, I don't like very much of "Pale Emperor" even been a bigger fan of MM, Of course i like some songs like "Deep Six", "Third Day Of Seven Day Binge" & "The Mephistopheles Of Los Angeles" But the rest of songs half i don't like and other half i don't pay attention.

    Until the end of 2016, when i see how Amazing is The Devil Beneath My Feet, Warship my Wreck, Odds Of even & Cupid Carries a Gun

    Now i see that i Underrated this Great album, Really critics & audiences were right.

    But i don't see Born Villain being way worst of "Pale Emperor" In my opinion Born Villain is Underrated!!, more for critics but some fans are dumb in that question too

    Top Pale Emperor Songs

    1-Deep Six
    2-The Devil Beneath My Feet
    3-Warship My Wreck
    4-Third Day Of Seven Day Binge
    5-Odds Of Even
    6-The Mephistopheles Of Los Angeles
    7-Cupid Carries A Gun    … Expand
  15. raciocinio
    May 21, 2017
    9
    The Pale Emperor is the definitive prove that MM, Still more Relevant that many others 90's 2000's Rock bands With nothing to say or quality to show.

    Warship My Wreck, The Devil Beneath My Feet, Deep Six, Third Day Of Seven Day Binge, Odds of Even, Cupid Carries A Gun & The Mephistopheles Of Los Angeles are Classics
  16. Pazza626
    Mar 20, 2016
    10
    Manson returns, bringing with him and his band a grittier, darker and harder-hitting example of what roughing at the edges of an already tremendously rough canvas can do to an artist placing himself under the somber genre 'suicide rock'. This album exemplifies a matured Manson. His true vocal range is, for once, aptly shining through; raspy, roughened and brazed; it reaps the rewards of aManson returns, bringing with him and his band a grittier, darker and harder-hitting example of what roughing at the edges of an already tremendously rough canvas can do to an artist placing himself under the somber genre 'suicide rock'. This album exemplifies a matured Manson. His true vocal range is, for once, aptly shining through; raspy, roughened and brazed; it reaps the rewards of a superlative showing of restraint and co-ordination, something that has seldom been associated with Manson's older music, (Which is utterly hectic, and deterred a wider audience).

    Manson's capability as a writer also shows up, his classy witticisms ever-present: "...Zeus said to Narcissus, you better watch yourself" and the compelling line of "We're killing strangers so we don't kill the ones that we love" unveil Manson's inner philosopher, and at countless times, his ever-dark, talented lyricism.

    The instrumental side of things is punchy, grungy, bluesy and heavily evocative, conjuring themes of drugs, death, suicide, material suffering, and of course, lust, all drawing from various literary sources, such as 'Dr. Faustus' being an instantly recognizable source for 'Mephistopheles of Los Angeles'.
    The album's pacing is varied, the melodies harrowing, the temperament unpredictable. It is adventurous, and it is finally more accessible to a wider audience than ever before; dare I say it is one of Manson's very finest? This has got to be an instant cult classic.    … Expand
  17. kooper
    Jan 22, 2016
    9
    It's a solid album which should satisfy Manson's dedicated fans for the most part, as well as certain casual listeners. There is little to no shock value to be had here, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
    All in all, I'd personally rate this above Born Villain. It's probably what I would consider the best album from Marilyn Manson's newer work.
  18. YT_Guyyy
    Mar 12, 2017
    10
    One of my biggest problems with Manson's music overall is that I want it to be more industrial metal-y, more like 'The Beautiful People'. Although this record is not really a move in that direction, it is by far his best work since Antichrist Superstar, and possibly his best work ever.

    Every song on here sounds very heavy, which I like very much. The songs manage to blend a magical    One of my biggest problems with Manson's music overall is that I want it to be more industrial metal-y, more like 'The Beautiful People'. Although this record is not really a move in that direction, it is by far his best work since Antichrist Superstar, and possibly his best work ever.

    Every song on here sounds very heavy, which I like very much. The songs manage to blend a magical concoction of of glam rock, hard rock, and gothic metal into something amazing. My only problem is a few bad lines here and there.

    It seems Manson finally got back to his best.    … Expand
  19. Joss-
    Oct 6, 2017
    9
    What can I say? This album amazed me since the first song, it feels like Manson has found the sound he was looking for during the last 5-8 years. Probably one of his most ambitious proyects. And it worked for me. My favs: Deep six, Third day of a seven day binge, The mephistopheles of LA, Birds of hell awaiting.
  20. godeatgodworld
    Aug 22, 2018
    8
    For the first time in many years it feels as if Marilyn Manson has gained back his confidence that was part of his prime. Not so much a heavy record but a bluesy and depressing take on reality throughout ages of mythology and times of pain. Manson's vocals can be a little bit lazy though that seems to be due to a lot of the Pale Emperor having first takes as their final takes. A greatFor the first time in many years it feels as if Marilyn Manson has gained back his confidence that was part of his prime. Not so much a heavy record but a bluesy and depressing take on reality throughout ages of mythology and times of pain. Manson's vocals can be a little bit lazy though that seems to be due to a lot of the Pale Emperor having first takes as their final takes. A great album and a great return to form with confidence streaming from the Door's Jim Morrison.… Expand
  21. lovro4501
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Easily best Marilyn Manson album since Holy Wood. I really love this album, there are no weak song on it. It's most mature Manson records and sound and lyrics are just great, acoustic songs are great too.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  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]
  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]
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jan 29, 2015
    60
    Unlike Manson's previous records, there's no real guiding concept here, which is probably for the best.
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