How many cds does the band have to release for you to realize every album is going to be different, stylistically, conceptually and aesthetically?

Portrait of an American Family was a candy-goth-industrial (almost pop-y) album. AntiChrist Superstar was the only truly dark gothic industrial album the band has released. Mechanical Animals was glam, 70s-era rock. Holywood was something close to Antichrist Superstar but not quite there. And now The Golden Age of Grotesque is a 1920's era American jazz and swing album with gothic industrial overtones.

You should be orgasmic that there are bands out there who have this kind of range and subtlety in their music. What do you listen to, Linkin Park, kids?

Who out there can go from disco-beats to gothic industrialism to swing three albums in a row? And make it sound good? Besides Marilyn Manson?

Older (real) fans of Manson will like this album for it's dark cynicism and impeccable songwriting. People who thought Marilyn Manson is a mindless hack with no musical ability whatsoever will find the songs on here catchy and entertaining. I have yet to get enough of "Doll-Dagga-Buzz-Buzz-Ziggety-Zag", and I'm not even a swing fan (or wasn't, maybe)!

This album will appear stale and non-technical--to anyone who won't listen to it. In point of fact, there is quite a lot going on with the music, particularly the guitars. I love the use of them as trombones and trumpets, really brings a big grin to my face.

I would go so far as to say this is Manson's best cd since Antichrist Superstar, tied maybe with Mechanical Animals. Which doesn't mean I think Holywood is bad (it is, in fact, one of my favorite cds that I own, below the aforementioned two only because it's his least original release).

Manson is unlike any other relatively-popular band out there in the mainstream. He's maintained his musical integrity, his focus and (at least my) admiration. I love the way he experiements with period music of the 20th century and incorporates it with industrial sounds to create his own unique interpretation of the style.

Anyone who can't see this should probably stick to the twelve-year-old lyrics, talent, concepts and general attitude of bands like Linkin Park. You're not wanted here.


The Golden Age of Grotesque   May 15, 2003
 15 out of 17 found this review helpful

This is a new Manson for a new era. This is definitly not a repeat of his past albums. This has been the first time in a long time that Manson has had to make an album that could stand on it's own. After finally completing the story he created with Anti-Christ Superstar and finished with 2002's Holy Wood, Manson has a chance to explore new musical ground as well as reinvent his image a bit. Manson explores 1930's Berlin-esque era in his lyrics and appearance. Throwbacks to the Swing dancing sensation, Nazism, and Dadaism are littered throughout the confrontational ("Use your fist and not your mouth")and cynical, sexually-doused lyrics in this CD, which fit well with the music. The music itself is the usual Manson-esque rock mixed with a large dose of synth and other effects, probably due to new bassist Tim Skold, which completely helps the album in almost all areas. These effects do a very good job of envoking pictures to accompany the music. Sometimes one can't help but picture Tim Burton claymation-esque characters marching along to anthems like the title track and the intro Thaeter. The also setup moods for such songs like "(s)aint" and "The Bright Young Things", both of which are sure to surprise the listener (but none like the track "Doll-Dagga Buzz Buzz Ziggety-Zagg", which is a loud galloping example of Manson-meets 30's era swing music. A treat for the ears, definitely).
Manson succeeds in making a frightful, rambunctious, powerful and wonderful album that can definitely stand on it's own. However, one must remember that Manson is not taking himself as seriously this time, but is still very clever with his lyrics (probably now more than ever). All in all, this is one of Manson's best, and definitely worth buying.


New Manson?   May 13, 2003
 12 out of 30 found this review helpful

The "suicide king's" new album is nothing like his previous ones, This album is by far the worst load of [junk] I have heard from Manson. Most of his songs from his other albums are incredible, however seeing as how he was quote un quote "going for a hip hop sound" this album has completely demolished all that is Manson. I am a very big fan of previous Albums such as Anti-christ Superstar
Mechanical Animals
Holywood
Etc. etc.
Manson has outdone himself this time, but not in the way any of us had hoped. He has completely tarnished his god forsaken nature and just obliterated his reputation with ONE album. its amazing that a multi-million superstar such as himself would actually release this low grade album on poor unsuspecting fans. I am more than by far disappointed with this lousy CD. Manson fans, my opinion is that you should stick to the older albums. Unless of course you need a 20$ frisby then by all means go out and by The Golden Age Of Grotesque.


the new direction   May 14, 2003
 11 out of 13 found this review helpful

Marilyn Manson has come back with a vengeance on this album! While not as heavy in regards to subject matter as his last albums (very few religious references, if any), the music snarls and roars heavier than ever before. Seemingly a heavy collaboration between Manson and Tim Skold, the album definitely benefits from the new presence in the band. As surprising as it was when Manson let Twiggy go, it is hard to imagine this album sounding the way it does without the presence of Skold. There are heavy techno influences throughout, making the album similar but still unlike any of Manson's previous efforts. It just may be the thing that pushes Manson back in the public eye. After the criminally under-rated and poorly recieved masterpiece Holy Wood, it would be nice to see people realize that Manson is now better than ever.

The dvd that comes with the cd is a 26 minute film called "Doppelherz" that Manson directed. It is exactly what you would expect an independent film directed by Manson to be: dark, scary, and hypnotic. I don't know how many times I'll watch it, but it is definitely a nice addition to this album.


High Replay Value Despite Some Flaws (4.5 stars)   June 6, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Marilyn Manson's new album "The Golden Age of Grotesque" isn't his strongest album, but it proves to be a really good listen. It has its weak points and flaws, but beyond that lies a really well-constructed album. Manson is always trying new things, which is one of the main qualities I like about his band; none of his CDs sound the same.

"The Golden Age of Grotesque" is a dark and angry album. It's heavy and melodic, and most of the songs flow nicely. This album isn't nearly as controversial or disturbing as his previous work, but I guess it'd get old real quick if he tried to be controversial on everything he does. It appears there's a lot of new guys in the band and they do a very excellent job.

The major weak point of the album is the lyrics. I think Manson is a much better writer than this when it comes to songs. He uses a lot of hip-hop jargon in some of his songs. Now, I don't have a problem with hip-hop influences, but it just doesn't fit well with Manson's stuff. Don't get the wrong idea and think that Manson has pulled a Fred Durst, because that is absolutely not the case. The lyrics are okay, I just think he could've come up with better ones.

All of the songs are good and it's one of those albums where you can listen to the whole thing without worrying about skipping tracks. My favorites are "this is the new [*]," "mOBSCENE," "use your fist and not your mouth," "(s)aint," "ka-boom, ka-boom," "para-noir," and "vodevil."

"The Golden Age of Grotesque" is a great effort from Manson, despite some of the album's weak points and flaws. If you're a fan of his earlier work, chances are you will enjoy this one as well. While it's not perfect, it is something that will be in my CD player for a long time.