Raise the Red Flag: Marilyn Manson's controversial comeback w/ new music amidst legal battles

In the middle of last month, Marilyn Manson returned with a new single, "Raise The Red Flag," marking his second release in the span of a few weeks. This follows the debut of "As Sick As The Secrets Within" earlier that month. (It's not exactly the sexiest music video of all time, either).

In "Raise The Red Flag," Manson delivers defiant lyrics, singing, "It's time to beat up the bullies/And wash the bullseye off my back," with the chorus proclaiming, "My red flag is your white one soaked in blood." This latest song continues his signature style of provocative and controversial themes. Manson gave the first live performance of "As Sick As The Secrets Within" on August 3 at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, during a headlining show where he also played songs like Holy Wood‘s "Cruci-Fiction In Space."

The performance marked his return to live music after a lengthy hiatus, as Manson had not been on stage since 2019. He officially returned to live performances a day earlier, on August 2, at the Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This show was part of the summer arena tour of Five Finger Death Punch, where Manson was the opening act.

The tour is his first major concert series since the pandemic, following the conclusion of his 2019 headlining tour. The second new track "As Sick As The Secrets Within," released on August 3, was co-produced by Manson and his longtime collaborator Tyler Bates. It also marked his first release under a new deal with Nuclear Blast Records, a major metal and rock label. This partnership, which was confirmed in May, came after months of speculation that Manson had already finished recording a new album.

Marilyn Manson appears to be successfully rebuilding his career

It's not that Marilyn Manson could not sell any records in recent years. Manson’s last album before these singles, We Are Chaos (2020), saw commercial success, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top Rock Albums chart with songs like "Don’t Chase the Dead." Accompanying Manson on his current tour is a reformed lineup, featuring returning members Tyler Bates on guitar and Gil Sharone on drums, along with newcomers Reba Meyers of Cod Orange on guitar and Matt Montgomery (a.k.a. Piggy D., formerly of Rob Zombie) on bass.

This lineup represents a shift in Manson’s live sound, bringing in fresh talent from various corners of the rock and metal world, and sounding quite different from the "Spooky Kids" days. Despite his musical resurgence, Manson remains a controversial figure. In addition to old arguments that his music is the problem with today's youth, there are the abuse allegations.

He has been involved in numerous legal battles in recent years, with multiple women, including actress Evan Rachel Wood, accusing him of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. Manson has denied all allegations and has countersued several of his accusers, with many stepping away from any "Jane Doe" status. Several of the lawsuits have been dismissed by judges, but the accusations have significantly impacted his career.

In 2022, Manson was dropped by his record label, Loma Vista Recordings, and talent agency CAA, after the abuse allegations surfaced, with Loma Vista announcing it would "cease to further promote his current album, effective immediately."

Prior to this, Manson had been with Loma Vista since the release of The Pale Emperor in 2015, which was seen as a comeback album for the artist.

How the court cases are going

Here's what we know about his cases. In March 2022, Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood, but the main claims were dismissed in May 2023. However, parts of the case remain unresolved, and a trial is still pending. In January, Manson was ordered to cover Wood's legal fees, totaling approximately $326,000. Then, in February, reports indicated that Manson would also pay the legal fees of artist Illma Gore, a second defendant in the lawsuit and described as Wood's "on-again, off-again romantic partner." Gore is reportedly owed over $160,000, pushing Manson's total legal costs to nearly $500,000.

These reimbursements were granted under California's anti-SLAPP law, which allows defendants sued over free speech to have their legal fees covered by the plaintiff.

The new album

Manson’s 30-date tour with Five Finger Death Punch included on September 19 in Houston, Texas, marking his most extensive tour since the legal challenges began. For Manson, this tour represents a return to form, but also a chance to reconnect with his fanbase after being away from the spotlight for nearly three years.

Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner, has been a prominent figure in the rock and industrial music scenes for decades. Known for his shock-rock persona and theatrical performances, Manson has remained a polarizing figure throughout his career. While his music continues to resonate with a devoted fanbase, his legal issues and personal controversies have cast a shadow over his public image.

Nonetheless, Manson appears determined to move forward with his career, releasing new music and touring once again. It has just been revealed that his new album is called One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1, and there is a third single, "Sacrilegious."

So, obviously, if you believe Manson is innocent or separate the art from the artist, you can always listen to his new material, as well as his older stuff. While not everyone will do so, that choice is ultimately yours. The new album will be released by the record label Nuclear Blast.