Did
anyone really think Marilyn Manson would just go away and
let Eminem take over as the America's captain controversy?
Not a chance. Guess who also is back? That's right, everyone's
favourite Antichrist Superstar. And to top matters off, not
only has the Arch Dandy Marilyn returned in full force, he
brought a ladies chorus line to make sure you get the message
loud and clear: Be Obscene BE BE Obscene. The Golden Age of
Grotesque, the fourth release from Marilyn Manson, is not
just an album but an artistic movement, or at least according
to front man Manson. The band known for its concept albums
has just shelled out the new shit and boy does it rock. This
time its Manson gone ghetto fabulous- fat bass lines, quick
rhyming lyrics and a mouth full of metal- with a dash of roaring
twenties for good measure. Sure he's lauded for his clever
lyrics - "You are the church, and I am the steeple/When we
fuck, we are all God's people" (slutgarden) - "I said no,
this isn't your song/We can't all get along/ It's too hard
to hold hands when your hands are fists" (Use Your Fist and
Not Your Mouth) - "I got an F and a C, and I got a K too/And
the only thing that's missing is a bitch like U" ((S)aint)
- but would you expect anything less from the man who took
on Christianity with Antichrist Superstar?
The
Golden Age of Grotesque, clever lyrics aside, is a musical
masterpiece. Longtime bassist Twiggy Ramirez parted ways with
the band, and subsequently Tim Skold (KMFDM, Shotgun Messiah)
jumped on board. Skold's industrial influence is quite apparent
and gives this album its rock edge while maintain the more
hip-hop-esque basslines and industrial drum beats. Throw in
a bit of swing for Dolly-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zagg, falsettos
in the Golden Age of Grotesque, crunchy guitars for This is
the New Shit and Vodevil, and you have a potpourri that fits
somewhere along the lines of Moulin Rouge on Acid. What's
more, Manson even takes time out of his day to fit in a love
song: "You drained my heart, and made a spade/There's still
traces of me in your veins" (spade).
Overall,
this is another magnum opus dished out by Marilyn Manson and
company. The soundscape is creative, varied and at the very
least makes you want to shake your ass. Manson serves as the
perfect ring master for this tuneful big top, laying his distinct
voice over the circus rhythms provided by fellow cronies Skold,
Pogo, and Ginger Fish. The choice is obvious. Go ahead and
buy Golden Age of Grotesque already, even if it is only to
hear Marilyn drawl Kaboom Kaboom, this album is worth ever
penny.
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