Marilyn Manson is becoming an ace at reinvention. With his latest, The Golden Age of Grotesque, he has moved the pieces around and has come up with another approach to his brand of rock n roll. Of course, he hasn’t forsaken his usual fiery rhetoric. But he has created a new style of communicating his words which translates into keeping the neon lights bright and the name a household utterance. No one is better at it than Marilyn Manson in this space and in this time.

Alice Cooper's stage persona underwent moderate changes but kept the overall concept of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Eventually, the public tired of his act and moved on. But that’s another age and another story. I use it only to accentuate the forward thinking actions of the man whom we call Marilyn Manson. He realized the need to remain fresh in a musical clime of instant change. It didn’t come without its toll, however, as Twiggy Ramirez, a longtime member finally decided enough was enough.

It didn’t hurt Marilyn Manson, the band. They’ve created another album of strong and very intriguing material that suggests that Marilyn doesn’t anticipate quitting. And he shouldn’t have the thought in his mind. Marilyn has many detractors and enemies that would love nothing better than to see him hang up his props and go home. But despite all that distraction, Marilyn Manson still remains focused on his makeover.

The Golden Age of Grotesque is a hybrid of tried and tested personas and proven show material. This time he has built a transmogrification that brings in all the best elements of his past efforts. The results are pretty dynamic. Utilizing the quality of his Antichrist Superstar songs style and incorporating the darkness of Holywood while mixing in the stylish decadent rockstar of Mechanical Animals, Manson has pushed his talent further than he ever has before. He seemingly does it effortlessly.

The disc contain 15 songs of quality showmanship that redefines music dispensing. With all the usual flair of Marilyn Manson's musicality, they kick it off with a perfect beginning, "This is the New Shit". A memorable line of 'babble babble bitch bitch rebel rebel party party' laden rap really sets the tone for the entire album. It's quickly followed by "mOBSCENE" that utilizes a chorus of girls to add theatricality. The songs of Golden Age are built on the cabaret of rock and brings in a new and adventurous means of playing music.

The music takes on sinister tones with a 'push over the edge' "Slutgarden" that is as shocking as it is like a bad train wreck...you can't turn away. So builds the album. It may be as much a winner as his earlier work. I admit to missing the pure adrenaline and beauty of "Beautiful People" and the bleakness of "The Nobodies" but this work is pure Marilyn Manson and thus earns its place in the annals of rock n roll.

Now a word about his imagery. One look at his artwork will reveal his penchant and skill in all things dark. And no one...let me say again, no one is his equal. So Rob Zombie went off and made a horror film. The video for "The Nobodies" is as unsettling and disturbing a film as any that I have saw in recent memory. Marilyn should explore that arena as that type of depiction is fast becoming the choice art of our filmed horror. Marilyn would rule!!

Despite what many people say, Marilyn Manson is very essential to rock. I look forward to every release.

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Marilyn Manson

The Golden Age of Grotesque

Released: May 13, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 57:40
Tracks:15
Produced by:Marilyn Manson and
Tim Skold
Engineered by:Marilyn Manson and
Tim Skold
Mastered by:Tom Baker at Precision Mastering
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: nothing records
Website:
www.marilynmanson.com

Thaeter
This is the New Shit
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
Slutgarden
Spade
Para-noir
The Bright Young Things
Better of Two Evils
Vodevil
Obsequey (The Death of Art)