2000 Years Of Human Error

You know roughly what's coming, but their debut is a bit more innovative than you'd expect from a bunch of the Dark Master(bater)'s made-up goth-drones.

You've got to hand it to them, they've got the dynamics down pat. Unusually enigmatic programming compliments the patented formula of strung-out verse followed by big blitzkrieg chorus, and stark relief is provided through judicious use of peaceful piano breaks and codas, with refreshingly funky basslines and even lilting harmonica in evidence.

There's nothing new in the lyrics, though - while they go easy on the usual scattering of horrorshow gore-strewn imagery, they stick with the worst of the bombastic cliches e.g. "I'm a product of your hate," "Kill for me, worship me" blah, blah, blah, it's that personal schism of massive self-loathing topped with a hefty superiority complex, which is endemic to the genre (hence the appeal to tormented teenagers, I suppose).

There are guest vocals from Mr. Manson himself, as well as a bizarre reading of 'Eleanor Rigby', which is a great bit of karaoke crack.

Other cute touches, like the (possibly sardonic) nods to '80's heavy metal or the appearance of cheesy robotic vocals on the title track result in quite a merry affair.

This is probably not intentional, although you never know where Manson's concerned.

Taken seriously or not, some of these songs definitely approach the 'quite good' mark, make no mistake.