ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Rock's Apocalyptic Logic: From Elvis to Marilyn Manson

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

The article examines the apocalyptic logic inherent in rock music, tracing a pattern of inversion where figures like Elvis Presley become angel-demons, destroyers of their own creations, messiahs and traitors. Rock has been experienced as a powerful vector connecting humanity with demonic forces, from the antics of Kiss and Alice Cooper to the theatrical performances of Marilyn Manson.

Key facts

  • Elvis Presley is described as an angel-demon, exterminator of what he created, messiah and traitor to his own cause.
  • Rock music has been experienced as a powerful vector connecting humanity with demonic forces.
  • Examples cited include Kiss, Alice Cooper, and Marilyn Manson.
  • The article is from artpress, published February 1, 2003.
  • The article is titled 'Logiques apocalyptiques du rock'.
  • The article is available as a PDF download.

Entities

Artists

  • Elvis Presley
  • Kiss
  • Alice Cooper
  • Marilyn Manson

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources