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One Assassination Under God

"One Assassination Under God" is a song by American rock band Marilyn Manson. It is the first track on their twelfth studio album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 (2024). The song received positive reviews upon release, with numerous critics praising Manson's vocals and lyricism, as well as the production and instrumentation. The music video for the song was released on November 22, 2024, the same date the parent album was released. The video was directed by Bill Yukich, who previously directed the music videos for the three singles released for the album: "As Sick as the Secrets Within", "Raise the Red Flag" and "Sacrilegious".

Composition and style

"One Assassination Under God" is the first track on One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1.[2] The song was written and produced by Marilyn Manson and Tyler Bates, with drums performed by Gil Sharone. It was recorded at Bates's The Abattoir recording studio in Los Angeles sometime between April 2023 and April 2024.[3] The lyric of the track finds the vocalist discussing the media's reaction to the abuse allegations leveled against him, with Sputnikmusic saying Manson compares "his recent infamy [to] a lynching and used as entertainment for the masses".[4]

New Transcendence described the track as a "slow-burning, industrial-infused anthem". They praised Manson's vocals, which they said are "delivered with a raw intensity, complemented by heavy guitars and pounding drums." They went on to say the song "builds to a cathartic climax, leaving a lasting impression."[5] Similarly, Blabbermouth.net called the song a "slow-slung goth metal grinder", saying the song "aches with melancholy and bitterness, jagged metal riffs underpinning Manson's grim diatribe, and a big, wall-of-guitars blowout towards the end that is equal parts lush and lacerating."[1]

Sonic Abuse said the song "appears to address Manson's troubled past head on." They said the "mid-paced drums and synth embellishments" found on the first section of the track gradually retreat to "reveal the tightly wound guitars and melodic vocals – some of Manson's best – at the song's heart." They said the song is "arguably one of the most affecting songs to which Manson has put his name".[2] Cryptic Rock praised Manson's vocals and the production.[6]

Release and promotion

The song was not released as a single, but a music video for the track was released on November 22, 2024, the same day the parent album was released.[7] The music video was directed by Bill Yukich,[8] who directed the music videos for every single released from One Assassination Under God – Chpater 1.[9]

The video features Manson in several scenes taking place in and around a secluded farm house. Over the course of the video, he is seen sitting alone at a dining room table with a birthday cake and balloons, sitting inside of and standing in front of a black car, wearing black and holding a black umbrella in a rainstorm, sitting on a large pile of smoking wood, holding a noose tied around the neck of a goat, and standing next to a large tree. During the song's bridge, he is seen dragging a smoldering coffin baring the mark of the crucifix and being menaced by a man with a pitchfork while driving the black car[10]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1.[3]

  • Tyler Bates – composition, guitars, bass, keyboards, recording and production
  • Will Borza – mastering
  • Robert Carranza – recording and mixing
  • Marilyn Manson – composition, vocals and production
  • Gil Sharone – drums
  • Howie Weinberg – mastering

References

  1. ^ a b Lawson, Dom. "Reviews - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Phil (November 27, 2024). "Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God Chapter 1 Review". Sonic Abuse. Archived from the original on February 25, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Marilyn Manson (2024). "Booklet". One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 (vinyl liner notes). Nuclear Blast. NBR7313.
  4. ^ Simon K. (Staff) (November 22, 2024). "Review: Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on March 10, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  5. ^ Emmons, Toney (November 25, 2024). "Review – Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God : Chapter 1". New Transcendence. Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  6. ^ Rhode, Jason (December 31, 2024). "Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 (Album Review)". Cryptic Rock. Archived from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  7. ^ Adams, Gregory (November 22, 2024). "Hear Marilyn Manson's first new album in 4 years 'One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1'". Revolver. Archived from the original on April 2, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  8. ^ "Marilyn Manson Shares Music Video For 'One Assassination Under God' Title Track". Blabbermouth.net. November 22, 2024. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  9. ^ "Marilyn Manson Launches Music Video For 'One Assassination Under God'". ThePRP. November 22, 2024. Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  10. ^ Information adapted to text from video.