The Holy Bible (studio album) by Manic Street Preachers

Very disturbing album, but I think it is what this kind of hardcore punk is meant to be.

From Brad1770 02/27/2023 00:52

The Manics ‘The Holy Bible’ sits alongside Lou Reeds ‘Berlin’ as one of modern rock’s most grim and harrowing listens as it unflinchingly dives headlong into unsettling truths about taboo subjects such as prostitution, the holocaust, the death penalty, British imperialism, self harm, self abuse, self deprecation, abortions, serial killers,anorexia , facism, war and suicide. And what makes the entire package so uncomfortable is that all of the lyrics are in your face real. No metaphors, no hyperbole, R.E.A.L
Hell, even the album cover is confronting

Unquestionably The Manics best album with anything that followed in the post Richey disappearance era simply paling in comparison

Between this and Unknown Pleasures for my all time favourite album. Both beautifully dark in their own ways

The more time you put into this record the more rewarding it becomes. On first listen it is extremely tough to enjoy as it is so dark and the music itself isn't exciting on new ears. It is only when you give the record some time do you start to realise the greatness of both the instrumentation and the album as a whole. To begin with, the vocals, which might not be for everyone, are fantastic in my opinion and the power and conviction that comes across from his delivery is staggering. He makes songs like Faster even more fantastic than they already are. Then there is the instrumentation which feels heavy and atmospheric and it really has a draining effect on the listener. It feels like a dark void that keeps getting bigger and bigger the further into the release you go and I love that feeling as its such a unique thing to be able to experience. They then build upon this with some incredible performances from everyone involved which includes some strong guitar solos, brilliant bass riffs and outstanding drum work. Finally, there is the powerful lyrics and themes that are explored on this release which are so intelligently written. They are intense, dark and unhinged at times and this makes for such a special record as we get a glimpse of trying to understand the pain and turmoil he was going through at the time. The words are packed full of emotion and he has a beautiful gift in the way he can use his words so effectively. Overall, this is a must listen album that is criminally under rated as once it is given a bit of time the true excellence of this record will shine through.

From Jboy56 03/21/2022 06:13

A concept album that relies on lyrics, so not bad but totally meaningless to me in my own little universe.

Very dark album but just magnificent, it really rocks with riff after riff, not as assessable as later offerings but far more rewarding if you work at it, should be ranked much higher imo.

This is probably one of the most emotionally draining albums to listen to, not because it's terrible, far from it, simply because it's nearly 60 minutes of misanthropic venom. The lyrics are the psyche of a man tired of himself and humanity, and the music is equally uncompromising. The manics finest achievement, but at the expense of Richie James Edwards life.

Top 3 Tracks

Archives of Pain
4st 7 lbs
Faster

From Boltzmann 05/14/2021 09:07

Undoubtedly a big inspiration for '00s emo rock, and certainly a lot smarter and less self-involved than the Smashing Pumpkins, but not as musically rewarding though. But as I'm generally not so impressed with '00s emo rock, this too lacks for me in the same positions. Lyrically they are against seemingly everything and everyone (as evidenced from Revol), but they don't hold any stance themselves, at best "humans are the problem". Very helpful. Musically they don't differ much from punk rock, as they are too much invested in the lyrics.

Very good album.

Favorites tracks: Yes, Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart, Archives of Pain, 4st 7lb, This Is Yesterday

A-

I'm trying to like this and see the power and emotion it draws in others, but to be honest I'm not getting there. Maybe the vocals grate on me a bit? Not sure but not there yet with this one - try again later

Giving it another listen and certainly becoming more enjoyable. She is Suffering, This Is Yesterday and Die In The Summertime all good - perhaps amongst the less frantic stuff