Combining the glam-rock sounds of Mechanical Animals and the aggression and hatred from Antichrist Superstar, Holy Wood shines through as plethora of emotion and melody, easily pleasing all types of Manson fans.
Combining the glam-rock sounds of Mechanical Animals and the aggression and hatred from Antichrist Superstar, Holy Wood shines through as plethora of emotion and melody, easily pleasing all types of Manson fans.
Thematically, Holy Wood is divided into four sections: "In The Shadow", "The Androgyne", "Of Red Earth, and "The Fallen". The lyrics deal with the topics Manson has previously explored and further the connection between religion and celebrity. There is also much discussion of guns and kids, resulting from the Columbine shootings and the connection to Marilyn Manson. Whereas "Antichrist Superstar" dealt with birth, "Holy Wood" is primarily concerned with death.
Rather than implicate himself as the protagonist in the Holy Wood story, Manson has created a character called Adam Kadmon. According to Manson, the album tells the story of Kadmon, an outsider who finds acceptance in the mythical Holy Wood, only to be engulfed by violence and consumed by his own fame.
It’s interesting to hear Manson's commentaries, because they seem to address accusations, raised in the wake of the Columbine massacre, that his music may be responsible for violence. Manson points the accusing finger right back at society, citing society's hunger for violence and the media's eagerness to dish it out. Using the example of John F. Kennedy's assassination, Manson sneers on "Lamb of God": "If you die when there's no one watching, then your ratings drop and you're forgotten, But if they kill you on their TV, You're a martyr and a lamb of God".
While not completely original ,the music is often effective, as on the searing "The Fight Song" and "Disposable Teens", which, along with "The Nobodies" comes closest to addressing Columbine head-on in lines like: "We are the nobodies, We wanna be somebodies, When we're dead, They'll know just who we are".
Holy Wood has a way of grabbing the listener and truly reaching out in ways most artists couldn’t conceive of. Lyrics are his poems, words that most would have left unspoken. Wither it be about God, isolation, guns, or death each song has its own metaphorical meaning. Being written in such a way to allow listeners to interoperate their own meanings and self-reflections, Holy Wood leaves a lasting impression in more ways than one.
Wither you’re a long time Manson fan or just getting into his music, Holy Wood deserves it’s rightful place in your collection.
Track Listing: In The Shadow: 1) Godeatgod 2) The Love Song 3) The Fight Song 4) Disposable Teens
The Androgyne: 5) Target Audience (Narcissus Narcosis) 6) President Dead 7) In the Shadow Of The Valley Of Death 8 Cruci–fiction In Space 9) A Place In The Dirt
Of Red Earth: 10) The Nobodies 11) The Death Song 12) Lamb Of God 13) Born Again 14) Burning Flag
The Fallen: 15) Coma Black 16) Valentine's Day 17) The Fall Of Adam 18) King Kill 33 19) Count To Six And Die (The Vacuum Of Infinite Space Encompassing)
