The High End of Low
Marilyn Manson · 2009
75 min · 16 tracks · industrial metal
A dark, chaotic blend of industrial metal and provocative lyrics that confronts themes of despair and societal decay.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Devour Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Pretty as a Swastika — This track exemplifies the album's provocative edge with biting social commentary wrapped in sharp industrial rhythms, reflecting Manson's critique of celebrity culture.
-
→
I Want to Kill You Like They Do in the Movies — With its cinematic narrative and haunting melodies, this track stands out for its exploration of violence and obsession, encapsulating Manson’s theatrical approach.
-
→
Running to the Edge of the World — This song showcases Manson's vulnerability through poignant lyrics and an expansive arrangement that contrasts the chaos found throughout the album.
-
→
We're From America — The track serves as a scathing commentary on American culture, combining aggressive instrumentation with stark lyrical imagery that challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive and atmospheric elements with provocative lyrics, showcasing Manson's distinct style.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving percussion, while the second half shifts to more atmospheric and introspective tracks.
- The lyrics often employ provocative imagery and confrontational themes, which are emphasized by Manson's varied vocal delivery ranging from melodic to harsh.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dark, introspective listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- dynamic emotional journeys
- thematic narrative explorations
- immersive sonic landscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance after earlier setbacks.
- Themes
- celebrity culture critique· American cultural decay· personal turmoil aftermath
- Career context
- The High End of Low marked Marilyn Manson's seventh studio album, released in the aftermath of his highly publicized divorce from Dita Von Teese and the commercial disappointment of his previous album, Eat Me, Drink Me. The record represents a return to form for Manson, exploring darker themes and a rawer sound, positioning him during a period of both personal turmoil and artistic reinvention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nine Inch Nails· Rob Zombie· Ministry
Tracklist
- 1 Devour Start here 3:46
- 2 Pretty as a Swastika 2:45
- 3 Leave a Scar 3:55
- 4 Four Rusted Horses 5:00
- 5 Arma‐goddamn‐motherfuckin‐geddon 3:39
- 6 Blank and White 4:27
- 7 Running to the Edge of the World 6:26
- 8 I Want to Kill You Like They Do in the Movies 9:02
- 9 WOW 4:55
- 10 Wight Spider 5:33
- 11 Unkillable Monster 3:44
- 12 We’re From America 5:04
- 13 I Have to Look Up Just to See Hell 4:12
- 14 Into the Fire 5:15
- 15 15 4:21
- 16 Arma‐goddamn‐motherfuckin‐geddon (Teddy Bears remix) 3:30
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.