With the release of Antichrist Superstar, Marilyn Manson's loyal fan base appears stronger than

ever. The resident Pied Piper of '90s shock rock thrives on mixing extreme ideas. He knows just

how to leave a lasting impression on you, too. Bandmates Twiggy Ramirez, Madonna Wayne

Gacy, Ginger Fish and newly trained associate, Zim Zum (who replaced Daisy Berkowitz last year)

are certainly more than willing to len a hand to the constant state of confusioin and controversy that

follows this Florida-based hard rock unit everywhere they go. New songs like the first single,

Beautiful People, Mr. Superstar, and Man That You Fear from the Trent Reznor produced album

are expected to stir things up for a long time to come. When we caught up with Marilyn, he was

getting ready to go on tour. He spoke very candidly about the making of Antichrist Superstar, his

remarkable life, music and career.

HIT PARADER: What was the production time on Antichrist Superstar?

MARILYN MANSON: We spent about six months in the studio. A portion on time spent was

working with musical notes in accordance with numerology, Hebrew Kabalism, and computer

technology. Our goal was to create a musical ritual--a musical virtuoso about the apocalypse. It

doesn't matter if it is an Armegeddon of the subconscious or the destruction of the world as we

know it. Overall, it will be up to the listener to decide for themselves.

HP: Weren't some of the songs influenced by your dreams?

MM: Yes, These were dreams that took place over a course of two or three years. Night dreams,

not exactly nightmares, but dreams that i had of things like angels, for example. Most of the time in

the studio was spent trying to translate thes ideas from notebooks and diaries.

HP: The songs seem to be in a sequence. Was that part of the concept too

MM: Yes. Once the songs were all written and pulled together, we had to put them in the right

sequence so that they would have the most powerful impact. It all makes sense once oyou listen to

the record. I think with Marilyn Manson and the idea of the Antichrist, it's not only one person, it's

the embodiment of people who mainly believe in one idea. I am a spokesperson--a catalyst. It's not

just me. This record will only help our fans along to the next level

HP: How does Antichrist Superstar differ from your previous EP, Smells Like Children?

MM: Well, for one, this record is a lot more experimental. The idea is to look at the past and into the

future and see how the two are really one in the same. Antichrist Superstar answers a lot of

questions that were asked on our previous releases. All our songs are very fast, furious and violent.

That's just how we are. The guitar playing this time around was much more to my liking too. It

wasn't really centered around any particular style. We have a general comment to make and we try

to make it in the most effective way possible. This album is a complete piece of art that changes

with people's interpretations.

HP: Can you be a little more specific?

MM: There's this transformation process taking place. There are three cycles involved here. This

album is ahead of itself in many ways. Thefirst cycle is about contradiction, which is at the ctitical

point. It breaks down a paradox. The second cycle is referred to as the Inauguration Of The Worm.

That's when the transformation really begins. It's about coming upon this worm that changes into

an angel. There's a lot more to this, you know.

HP: What does the worm represent to you?

MM: The worm represents something very blblical. In the Book Of Revelation there are a lot of

different references and literature about the worm. It's not just this child-like personality to me.

There's much more to it. The worm has also been compared to the character in the Bible know as

Lucifer, the fallen angel. The worm is the first stage of growth, and then it grows some more, and

goes through this wing thing process. At which case it becomes an angel.

HP: How does this revelation fit in with the concept of the band?

MM: I believe this is the Marilyn Manson record that was always meant to be. Look at the first two

things we put out--it took us this long to get to this point. This record is actually older than all of

our other things we've done combined. This work has been with me for a very long time. The time

wasn't right before, but it is now.

HP: You mentioned the album has three cycles. What does the third cycle entail?

MM: The tird cycle is the final cycle, it's called The Great Arrival. It's like when the angel

personality takes over. The angel becomes something that no one expects it to be. It just happens

that way.

HP: How has the success of you last album and tour influenced the new music?

MM: The songs are somewhat autobiographical--the metaphor of a worm transforming into a

beautiful angel. It's not exactly how i see it. Some of the story on this album deals with how i was

treated, and how the world views me. Success has made ame more of a recluse this time around.

HP: How are you feeling about the constant controversy that surrounds you?

MM: Oh, it's always there. It never ends. There's something new everyday. I could care less about

what people in the music buxiness have to say, or what they think of me or my music. The music

on our record speaks for intself. We're happy with it and that's enough. So far our fans seem to be

happy too. That's all that really matters.

HP: Where does the onstage persona end and the private Marilyn Manson begin?

MM: That's a good question. I think the real me ends when i step off stage. I have a hard time really

fitting into every day life. On stage i feel very comfortable--very safe. I relate better to people when

i'm on stage.

HP: Why did Daisy Berkowitz leave the band?

MM: There were creative problems that sprang up between Daisy and myself. He was more into his

own playing. He wasn't flushing out the sound enough as i needed. He is a musician who has a

particular style, and it wasn't fitting into the concept we had as a whole. The parting was an

amicable one.

HP: Did you see it coming for a long time?

MM: Yes, it was something i had seen all along. I knew he wouldn't last. It was just a matter of

time before he would have to leave. For the most part we wrote the first record, Portrait of an

American Family togethor. It was a real lack of understanding on his part of what Marilyn Manson

was and represented as a band. I just got the feeling that he really didn't appreciate the kind of work

we wanted to present to the public. He did care enough, or respect us enough to see our vision. We

all wish him the best.

HP: What do you hope to accomplish with Antichrist Superstar?

MM: We are a postitive band, and people aren't used to seeing the extreme negativity we present. I

hope this record will have a positive affect on people. It's my personal study of looking at life. I