MARILYN MANSON
THE GOLDEN AGE OF GROTESQUE

Inspired by 1930's Berlin and America and art movements such as, surrealism, Dada and expressionism. Marilyn Manson collaborated with Gottfried Helnwein and together they produced visuals which would define the new era. Focusing heavily on the history of art, which was labeled as degenrate art in Nazi Germany, which isn't a label Marilyn Manson is unfamiliar with as his entire body of work has been called that throughout the years by some. Manson's then partner Dita Von Teese who is very much 1930's themed in her work was also an inspiration, also even starring in the video for "MOBSCENE" and photographs for the album art.

Marilyn Manson turned his literal dreams and imaginations into songs, what happened inside his head no matter how extreme or surreal, it became the album and the era. He expressed in interviews how "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" really let him express himself in new ways, everything he wanted to do became a possibility. If it became a song, it did. If it wasn't able to become a song then he could make a video, show it on tour or put it into a painting which was shown during exhibitions.

Before the album was even released it was caught up in controversy with the artwork produced with Gottfried Helnwein. Marilyn Manson appears in a duality of images with ears reminiscent of that of Mickey Mouse, what could have been the album cover was objected to and banned from being used in the album artwork. Photography also by Helnwein of Marilyn Manson with guns and children were also banned from being used for either album covers or in the artwork.

Creating this album also saw a dramatic change in the band, Twiggy had departed and Tim Skold had stepped in to produce and collaborate not just in making the music but to perform Bass on tour.

Marilyn Manson embarked on a huge world tour taking his "Grotesk Burlesk" global and on stage he was able to display images that the album artwork couldn't allow, stage designs and extras allowed him to really deliver a highly theatrical artistic expressionist show that nobody would ever forget. Conjoined twins singing on stage, half dead girls dancing to a backdrop of a 1930's scenery. Elements of this would appear in the music videos for the singles and also the short art film "Doppelherz" Marilyn Manson would appear on stage with elongated arms, in the "MOBSCENE" video he had elongated legs to walk an elephant in the desert, reminiscent of something out of a Salvador Dali painting.

"Doppelherz" was released along with "The Golden Age Of Grotesque", a short film with extended instrumental music that appears also on the album but with Marilyn Manson speaking over the top and visuals that extend the album artwork further.

"MOBSCENE" was the first single to promote the album and the video is a visual feast of the Dada, surrealism and expressionism of "The Golden Age Of Grotesque", inspired by a wealth of artist, collaborating with artists and creating what Marilyn Manson pulled directly from his mind. This song and the video was the first taste of this era, a new direction for Marilyn Manson with incredible impact.

"This is The New shit" followed as the second single whilsT the band had already traveled half way around the world, the single continues the album themes. Filmed in Belguim and showcases a snippet of what the live show contained.

"(s)AINT" was the final song to promote the album, however due to how fast "Lest We Forget" the best of album was produced, it also became part of the promotion for that. The video directed by Asia Argento was immediately banned, select locations released censored versions. The UK released it entirely uncensored with "Lest We Forget", and also DVD's containing just this video were available as direct purchases through the official website to allow fans worldwide able to own it and view it.

Unlike previous albums this did not connect up to make any continued story through it. This album instead was an entire artistic piece, it's also more cinematic and the start of the future of Marilyn Manson. "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" also became an art exhibition and showcased a wealth of watercolor paintings that nobody had ever seen. His talent shocked fellow artists because he had never professionally exhibited or revealed how much artwork he had been creating.

Marilyn Manson and Gottfried Helnwein held join exhibitions, where Manson performed small shows along side them exhibiting artwork and promoting the album.

In comparison to the previous album and era "Holy Wood" and those before that, "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" was a drastic, dramatic and highly unexpected but fresh direction for Marilyn Manson. The album rated high on charts worldwide proving that this fresh new direction retained what everyone loves about Marilyn Manson but also elevated him to the next level.



WE'RE NOW CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF GROTESQUE,
JOIN US AS WE GO THROUGH THE ARCHIVES... ARE YOU MOTHERFUCKERS READY???