AMAZON.com

May 14, 2003
Reviewer: A music fan from the Bible Belt
FOUR out of FIVE stars

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.

May 14, 2003
Reviewer: C. Davis from Bessemer, Alabama United States
FIVE out of FIVE 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.

May 15, 2003
Reviewer: ewebb_1 from NC, USA
FIVE out of FIVE stars

Once again Manson and company deliever a punch to the face album. I wouldn't go into detail about all the songs since you really just have to hear the cd on your own and see if you like it. One reason the band Marilyn Manson has been around so long is because they always come up with music that sounds very different from *insert band name here*. Marilyn Manson conveys emotion so well you can feel his angery and sadness.

May 15, 2003
Reviewer: Johnny Ramsey from Port Arthur, Texas United States
FIVE out of FIVE stars

Marilyn Manson, to some, is the very embodiment of Satan. With the echo of Anti-Christ Superstar, one could never expect such an uproar as with The Golden Age of Grotesque. This is one of the many sides of Marilyn Manson that should not be taken lightly. If you have any kind of respect for talent, art, and/or creativity, you should buy this album. You may be amazed.