Marilyn Manson has officially released "Front Toward Enemy" across global streaming platforms. The track serves as the second single from his upcoming album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2 , due August 14 via Nuclear Blast Records. For casual listeners, it's a welcome return to the aggressive industrial metal that defined Manson's mid-'90s peak. For longtime fans, however, today's release feels like long-awaited vindication. To understand why, you have to go back to late 2024. When Manson ended his four-year public silence with One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 , he also released the highly limited "Raise the Red Flag" maxi-CD. Hidden on that disc was an exclusive B-side titled in all caps: "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY." For more than a year, the song became something of a holy grail among collectors. Many fans believed it was simply too abrasive to fit the dark, introspective atmosphere of Chapter 1 , and speculation grew that it...
Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory addressed the controversy surrounding Marilyn Manson’s 2024 tour inclusion in a recent interview with Rock Feed.
The interviewer asked about the band’s decision to include Marilyn Manson on their tour despite public criticism. Bathory provided a detailed explanation of the band’s perspective.
“Manson is one of the characters who was such a big rock star, a true rock star,” Bathory said. “We live in this media world, and sometimes I read articles that are completely not true, even interviews I never gave. There is data out there, and things about us that are completely false. It’s ridiculous in some spots.”
Bathory elaborated on his stance regarding media accusations and the justice system.
“So when something is being told, I don’t take it on face value. None of us should,” he continued. “The justice system still works that way, thank God. You can be accused of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. I think all those accusations against Manson turned out to be completely bullshit.”
He then addressed Manson’s current state and the band’s support decision.
“We stood our ground because this is a great artist and one of the last big rock stars,” he explained. “He is completely sober and on the right path. Some guys in the band share that path. We faced ridiculous false accusations ourselves when he was accused.”
“There’s no judgment if it’s just an accusation. No actual evidence exists. There isn’t even a court case really. We’re not going to fall for that.”
Bathory’s defense of Manson reflects the current legal situation. No court cases have resulted in convictions related to previous accusations against Manson. This fact supports Bathory’s emphasis on presumption of innocence.
The collaboration between Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson creates a significant moment in rock music. It unites two major acts while addressing broader issues of accountability and redemption in the music industry.
Marilyn Manson and Five Finger Death Punch will perform on the same stage again in the Summer of 2025 at a few Rock festivals.
The interviewer asked about the band’s decision to include Marilyn Manson on their tour despite public criticism. Bathory provided a detailed explanation of the band’s perspective.
“Manson is one of the characters who was such a big rock star, a true rock star,” Bathory said. “We live in this media world, and sometimes I read articles that are completely not true, even interviews I never gave. There is data out there, and things about us that are completely false. It’s ridiculous in some spots.”
Bathory elaborated on his stance regarding media accusations and the justice system.
“So when something is being told, I don’t take it on face value. None of us should,” he continued. “The justice system still works that way, thank God. You can be accused of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. I think all those accusations against Manson turned out to be completely bullshit.”
He then addressed Manson’s current state and the band’s support decision.
“We stood our ground because this is a great artist and one of the last big rock stars,” he explained. “He is completely sober and on the right path. Some guys in the band share that path. We faced ridiculous false accusations ourselves when he was accused.”
“There’s no judgment if it’s just an accusation. No actual evidence exists. There isn’t even a court case really. We’re not going to fall for that.”
Bathory’s defense of Manson reflects the current legal situation. No court cases have resulted in convictions related to previous accusations against Manson. This fact supports Bathory’s emphasis on presumption of innocence.
The collaboration between Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson creates a significant moment in rock music. It unites two major acts while addressing broader issues of accountability and redemption in the music industry.
Marilyn Manson and Five Finger Death Punch will perform on the same stage again in the Summer of 2025 at a few Rock festivals.