By Sara Pintilie/reporter

In his 10th album, Marilyn Manson brings a personal and less biting sound to Eat Me, Drink Me.

It still is in the genre of Goth rock, but the satanic, angry edges have been slightly smoothed out, so it appeals to more than his fans.

Some can see this as a mixed blessing, but Manson doesn’t lose his uh, charm; instead, he brings a little accessibility to his music.

Simply put, Eat Me, Drink Me is a mellower Marilyn Manson. Yes, the alliteration is paradoxical but nevertheless true.

The first single “Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)” has an entertaining riff, simple yet it powers the song more than Manson’s lyrics.

The lyrics are less angry and more personal but still echo his older albums in a good ole gothic way.

The CD works well as a decaying stepping stone from his anti-Christ roots to a more mature and sedately creepy sound.

I just hope it’s not too late in the game for Manson to make this move.

Overall, I liked the general sound of the album, but the songs start to run together. The lyrics also seem to get lost in the instrumental meshing.

In half of the songs, I just ignore Manson’s crooning and listen to the Marilyn Manson band.

By his next album, he should get the kinks out and show he is not just a symbol of angry Satanism but also a talented musician.

Noteworthy tracks: “Heart-Shaped Glasses,” “The Red Carpet Grave”