MARILYN MANSON's former guitarist JOHN 5 is set to surprise fans with his new band LOSER's debut album, because it doesn't contain any heavy metal songs.

John 5 is hopeful Loser, who release JUST LIKE YOU in June (05), will be accepted despite his abrupt change in direction. He tells MTV, "I like to play metal, but sometimes it's like doing the same thing over and over. It's good to have a little bit more variety, like eating different foods.

"And even if they're surprised, I hope people will like the band and recognise that hey, it's not metal, but these are really good songs." (GES/WNWCNM/SC)