Marilyn Manson goes punk rock

Marilyn Manson is making a "punk rock" album.

The shock rocker has produced records in a number of different genres through his career, from his gothic, industrial beginnings to glam and stadium rock, but now he plans to strip back his sound to include the rebellious spirit of punk.

The album also sees Marilyn reunite with bass and guitar player and songwriter Twiggy Ramirez - who played on the most popular Marilyn Manson albums, 'Antichrist Superstar' and 'Mechanical Animals' - but left the group in 2002, before returning as a touring member in 2008.

Twiggy told Spin.com: "It's kind of like a little more of a punk rock 'Mechanical Animals'. Without sounding too pretentious - I don't even know what that means!

"I don't want to speak for Manson, but it's definitely great. It's fantastic. It's our best record yet, I think. I mean, everyone always says that, but I think this is our best work so far."

Punk rock exploded out of Britain in 1976, shocking the establishment with its uncompromising attitude and nihilistic message.

Marilyn has also proved a particularly controversial character during his career, with his outrageous fashion styling and by proclaiming himself 'The God Of F**k'; though in the latter part of his career he has been focussed on other projects including visual art and film directing.

Twiggy said the album is "almost done" and that will hopefully be released next year. It will be the follow up to Marilyn's seventh album 'High end Of the Low'.