Marilyn Manson

The Golden Age Of Grotesque

Mike Patton should be compensated

Review Score:

(4/10)
In a recent interview, Manson stated he would vote for George Bush because, in his opinion, creativity in art thrives more under conservative oppression than anywhere else. Whether you think his logic is inspiring or foolishly short-sighted, there's no denying that what the self proclaimed antichrist says and what he actually does are two very different things. Golden Age is not creative, artistic, or in any way bold or edgy. Don't presume that I have a grudge against Manson, because I don't. I thought Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals were great and, unlike alot of the more hardcore fans, I really liked Holywood.

The problem with Golden Age is that it lacks the intelligence and foreboding subtlety that so eloquently framed the band's real ear-blistering moments in the past. Lyrically, this album is painful to listen to. The lyrics are limited to tired sex themes and angst about as convincing as their writer's stage makeup. Furthermore, charismatic bassist Twiggy Ramirez, who probably had as much to do with the song writing as anyone in the band, has left the group to join A Perfect Circle, and this album suffers because of it. In fact, save your money by passing this up and get A perfect Circle's Thirteenth Step instead. Better yet, pick up Faith No More's masterpiece Angel Dust. Their song "Be Aggressive" appears on Golden Age. That's right, I'd be willing to bet my soul Manson took that song, recorded his voice over it, and called it "mOBSCENE". Everything about the songs are identical, even the cheerleader chrous. "Be agressive, be be aggressive" and "be obscene, be be obscene" are sung in exactly the same fahsion, to exactly the same beat. Despicable.

More Reviews: