Marilyn Manson has been reincarnated as Rev. Manson

I had my first taste of Marilyn Manson when I listened to Apple Of Sodom on the Lost Highway Soundtrack. I have since then acquired every album of his, and have never been disappointed by them. "The Golden Age of Grotesque" is no exception. Manson has new sounds, a new band member, John 5, that actually brings something to the band, and most importantly, he doesn't just release old tracks and call them new. This isn't Holy Wood disc 2. This is not Anti-Christ disc 2. This is all new, and it is absolutely compelling.

Even though this album is completely new, it still has the classic Manson sounds. I would say that the sound effects on this album are reminiscent of Portrait in that they play on the mind. Sounds of carnivals, children, and I swear I even heard a theremin in there. Manson still sounds like he always did when he sings, sometimes dry and somber, sometimes livid and animated. "The New SH**" is perhaps one of the best songs on the album, with lyrics that can get stuck in anyones mind. You will find yourself singing this as you walk around your house, the store, etc. Truly memorable music.

The only problem I had with this song is mOBSECENE. This isn't a bad song, but does not give an accurate protrayal of the entire album. The cheerleaders in the back ground chanting "Be obscene, B-E obscene" is a little too mainstream for Manson, and is reminiscent of a Faith No More song I have since forgotten. This is defintely the albums weakness, if the album can be said to have one. If you like mOBSCENE, you will like the rest of the album. If you don't like mOBSCENE, you will absolutely love the album. It is good to see that at least one artist has enough integrity and respect for his audience that he doesn't throw together a quick album to fill up his bank account.

The DVD is something to behold. It doesn't make too much sense and plays out like a David Lynch movie, but it is something that draws you in. Supposedly, the monologue that goes with the somewhat disturbing music is Marilyn Manson's suicide note that he never left. Watch the DVD first.