Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

Manson continues to impress with his subtlety

Eric | Mechanicsburg PA | 06/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who calls themselves a fan of Marilyn Manson should be ashamed of themselves when they criticize the band for the "new direction" they're taking.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

sparky | Bessemer, Alabama United States | 05/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

High Replay Value Despite Some Flaws (4.5 stars)

Michael Crane | Orland Park, IL USA | 06/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

The Golden Age of Marilyn Manson

Jordan | Kelowna, BC Canada | 06/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I base this review on the evolution and creativity of Marilyn Manson and NOT in comparison to his past efforts. I thought, after hearing mOBSCENE, that TGAOG was going to be your typical boring commercialized album. But this album Shocked me the first time I listened to it, as Manson has successfully done for me with every other album he has released! If you are a Manson fan and you have an open mind about creativity and new directions, then this album is for you. Heavy-retro riffs mixed with a funky rhythmic hip hop feel is what gives this album individuality. Not to mention the explicit nature of Manson's lyrics staying strong and solid through this entire record!This Is The New Sh** --> 10/10, that's right, I don't think anybody could do a song like this any better. Retro-like hip hop rhythms with a heavy industrial chorus. When you hear this you KNOW that Manson is serious about what direction he is taking this album. But I can see how this is a 50/50 song. Either you like it or you dont, and it could very well sum up your decision with the rest of the album.mOBSCENE --> 7/10, this song screams SINGLE, as it should. But the heavy industrial feel and familiar Manson lyrics make up for the repetitiveness of this downright party-atmospheric song!Dolla-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag --> 9/10, this song has great lyrics and catchy rhythms n riffs! It reminds me of old-school Manson (Portrait, Antichrist). It fits nicely with the rest of the album and it's as if Manson is glancing over his shoulder and honoring the great sound he had starting out!Use Your Fist And Not Your Mouth --> 10/10, this song just sounds great everytime I listen to it. It's heavy, it's rhythmic, but the lyrics are what really stand out in this masterpiece. To me, this song shows off just how well these guys can put their ideas together and keep the industrial metal world alive.The Golden Age of Grotesque --> 9/10, this song really brings the listener into the concept of Manson's art and admiration for expression in the early 1900's. I think this one will put a smile on the faces of true Manson fans.(s)AINT --> 8/10, this could possibly be a single; it keeps the flow of the album with that retro-industrial feel, but I can't say any more than this song is a great Manson tune.Ka Boom Ka Boom --> 8/10, at first this song gives you the impression that it's going to be repetitive and boring, but then it quickly switches into a nice smooth funky flow and leads up to a rockin' 'bling bling' chorus.Slutgarden --> 10/10, this song is absolutely groovin' in every aspect - I think the evolution of Manson's music is really shown off here in this track. It kind of has a Mechanical Animals feel to it, but it's heavier.Spade --> 11/10, there is nothing wrong with this song. This is definetely an evolved Manson sound - it's that song on the album that seeps with a dark industrial sound and is accented beautifully by the metallic industrial chorus. Manson wisely omits screaming in this song. I kind of have a feeling this song could go acoustic as well.Para-noir --> 9/10, this song is the one that brings you into a swirling mass of dark rave-like sounds. It flows very nicely with Manson's voice, and the drums and distorted guitar are pieced in almost perfectly. Reminds me somewhat of older Nine Inch Nails material.The Bright Young Things --> 10/10, this song, lyric-wise, gives me the sense that it's a continuation of 'The Fight Song'. This is definetely another 'show off' song to show just how together Manson and the boys are with their composition. Killer guitars, solid rock drums and that good ol' background distortion make this track a favorite of mine. Definetely going to be a riot when they play this one live!Better Of Two Evils --> 8/10, it's about time Manson came out with a song like this one! The lyrics shine the most, but not without the rockin' industrial music that successfully blends distorted guitars with a solid hiphop beat!Vodevil --> 10/10, an automatic favorite. I couldn't think of a better closing track for this album. The band really comes together in this one, music-wise and lyric-wise. This is a great rhythmic song that explodes into an authentic heavy chorus. Very nice connection between bass and drums here. I find that when this song ends it just makes me want to skip to the very first song and listen to the whole album all over again!"

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 05/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Praise: Manson is a master of nihilistic and sardonic masterpieces and "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" is just that, a masterwork. Not since 1998's "Mechanical Animals" has Manson sounded this good. Tracks like "This Is The New S**t", "mOBSCENE", "Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag", "Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth", "The Golden Age Of Grotesque", "(s)AINT", "Ka-boom Ka-boom" and "Slutgarden" make a powerhouse assault of industrial pop hits. Manson, like Nine Inch Nails, knows how to make the right blend of alternative and pop--dark, menacing, heavy rock anthems. This cd is a great improvement over 2000's "Holywood" which lacked any memorable tracks.Criticism: Like all Manson cds, there is some fodder such as "Spade", "Para-noir" and "The Bright Young Things" are sub-par in comparison to the other ten tracks, but this is only a minor glitch in an otherwise perfect cd. The dvd "Doppleherz", however, is a total waste. Manson espouses poetic irrelevance over a heavily edited, cut-and-paste job 26 minute film. Boring, contrived and self-indulgent to say the least (thankfully it was free).Conclusion: Manson turns out a winner this time out, nearly ascending to the greatness of "Antichrist Superstar" and equalling "Mechanical Animals". The negative reviewers must not be true Manson fans because this is certainly one of his better cds."

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