Marilyn Manson has been a prominent name in the alternative music scene for decades, soaring to fame in the 90s. It's hard to lock his music down to just one genre, but Industrial Rock, Industrial Metal, and Shock Rock fit the bill nicely.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Manson is also well-known for his covers, and a few of those may surprise you if you're unfamiliar with his work. Some of those covers are among his heaviest hitters, with Tainted Love and Personal Jesus being perfect examples. The former has been performed by multiple artists, including Soft Cell, while the latter is a phenomenal tune by Depeche Mode. Personal Jesus was famously covered by Johnny Cash.
Marilyn Manson is also a fan of Cash and released a brilliant rendition of the Rock and Country artist's sensational God's Gonna Cut You Down in 2017.
The Johnny Cash version has a thumpy percussion line that persists through almost the entire track. The lyrics serve as a warning to evildoers that they cannot escape God's judgment. Interestingly, the 'official' music video was created three years after Cash's death. The video is shot in black and white and features numerous celebrities, including Johnny Depp and Sheryl Crow.
Marilyn Manson's Version Is Notably Heavier
In comparison, the beat in Manson's version is slightly heavier, although the score follows Cash's closely. His vocal approach is pretty different, with the growly whispers the Vodevil singer is known for. The song also has a gradual build-up that is less present in Cash's rendition. I'm a sucker for Marilyn Manson's music, and I adore his version of God's Gonna Cut You Down. I'm sure some purists may disagree.
While the lyrics and message are the same, both versions sound entirely different. The top-voted comment on the Marilyn Manson version by @nealjustus9500 reads, "When Johnny Cash sang this, it sounded like a preacher warning others about an avenging angel that God has sent to cut them down. This version sounds like the demon that God sent to cut them down."
I couldn't agree more, and Manson's version twists the tone through his delivery. The Industrial Metal artist has also added his spin to other Classic Rock hits, including Helter Skelter by the Beatles.
I've always found covers to be problematic. For the most part, no one covers a song unless the original version was something special. But that's also what makes the cover so tricky; if you can't improve on the original, don't bother doing it. The Alein Ant Farm and Saliva both manage to offer something fresh even while following the original very closely. Both songs sound new and unique. But Evanescence? Her version sounds a little labored; her voice just isn't right for this song and the whole thing fails miserably. But even worse is Fallout Boy's version of Beat It. Seriously, this sounds like karaoke night at a sleazy dive on the outskirts of town.