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{{Infobox album
| name       = The Golden Age of Grotesque
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]]
| cover      = Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque.png
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|2003|5|13}}
| recorded   = 2002–2003
| studio     = 
*Doppelherz Blood Treatment Facility, [[Los Angeles]]
*[[Ocean Way Recording|Ocean Way]], Hollywood
*The Mix Room, [[Burbank, California|Burbank]]
| genre      = {{hlist|[[Industrial rock]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/imarilyn-mansoni-the-golden-age-of-grotesque/LCKCM7MGMWWEUXC66X3TFTSK2Y/ | title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque | date=January 15, 2024 }}</ref>|[[industrial metal]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3324933/from-worst-to-best-marilyn-mansons-albums/5/ |title=[From Worst To Best] Marilyn Manson's Albums! #5: The Golden Age of Grotesque (2003) |website=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |author=Miska, Brad |date=December 19, 2014 |access-date=November 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032917/http://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3324933/from-worst-to-best-marilyn-mansons-albums/5/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref>|[[nu metal]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/may/09/popandrock.artsfeatures|title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=May 9, 2003 |last1=Petridis |first1=Alexis }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2003/05/07/marilyn-manson-the-golden-age-of-grotesque/|title=MARILYN MANSON – The Golden Age Of Grotesque - Metalexpress Radio|date=May 7, 2003 }}</ref>}}
| length     = {{duration|m=57|s=32}}
| label      = {{hlist|[[Nothing Records|Nothing]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}}
| producer   = {{hlist|[[Marilyn Manson]]|[[Tim Sköld]]}}
| prev_title = [[Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)]]
| prev_year  = 2000
| next_title = [[Lest We Forget: The Best Of]]
| next_year  = 2004
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = The Golden Age of Grotesque
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Mobscene]]
 | single1date = April 22, 2003
 | single2     = [[This Is the New Shit]]
 | single2date = September 1, 2003
}}
}}

'''''The Golden Age of Grotesque''''' is the fifth studio album by American [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]]. It was released on May 13, 2003, by [[Nothing Records|Nothing]] and [[Interscope Records]], and was their first album to feature former [[KMFDM]] member [[Tim Sköld]], who joined after longtime bassist [[Twiggy Ramirez]] amicably left the group over creative differences. It was also their final studio album to feature keyboardist [[Madonna Wayne Gacy]] and guitarist [[John 5 (guitarist)|John 5]], who would both acrimoniously quit before the release of the band's next studio album.

The record was produced by [[Marilyn Manson]] and Sköld, with co-production from [[Ben Grosse]]. Musically, it is less [[Heavy metal music|metallic]] than the band's earlier work, instead being more [[Electronic music|electronic]] and beat-driven. This was done to avoid creating music similar to hip-hop influenced forms of [[nu metal]], a then-predominant genre that the vocalist considered cliché. Despite this, the album's sound has been compared to the likes of several nu metal bands, notably [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] and [[Korn]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Marilyn Manson's 50 Greatest Achievements |magazine= [[Kerrang!]] |date= January 5, 2019 |access-date= January 10, 2019 |url= https://www.kerrang.com/features/marilyn-mansons-50-greatest-achievements/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/six-nu-metal-bands-you-shouldnt-be-ashamed-to-like/|title=Six Nu-metal bands you shouldn't be ashamed to like|date=November 22, 2013|work=[[LA Weekly]]}}</ref> Manson collaborated with artist [[Gottfried Helnwein]] to create several projects associated with the album, including ''Doppelherz'', a 25-minute [[surrealism|surrealist]] short film which was released on limited edition units of the record as a bonus DVD. ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' was also the title of the Manson's first art exhibition.

The album's lyrical content is relatively straightforward, and was inspired by the [[Swing music|swing]], [[burlesque]], [[cabaret]] and [[vaudeville]] movements of Germany's [[Weimar Republic]]-era, specifically [[1920s Berlin]]. In an [[extended metaphor]], Manson compares his own work to the ''[[Degenerate art|Entartete Kunst]]'' banned by the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi regime]] as he attempts to examine the mindset of [[lunatic]]s and children during times of crisis. Several songs incorporate elements commonly found in [[Playground song|playground chants]] and [[nursery rhyme]]s. "[[Mobscene]]" (stylized as "mOBSCENE") and "[[This Is the New Shit]]" were released as singles, and a controversial music video was released for "Saint" (stylized as "(s)AINT").

The record received mixed reviews from mainstream music critics: some praised its concept and production, while others criticized its lyrics and described the album as uneven. Despite this, it was a commercial success, selling over 400,000 copies in Europe on its first week to debut at number one on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[European Top 100 Albums]]. It also topped various national [[record chart]]s, including Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. It was certified gold in many of these territories. "Mobscene" was nominated in the [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance|Best Metal Performance]] category at the [[46th Annual Grammy Awards]] in 2004. The album was supported by the [[Grotesk Burlesk Tour]].

==Background and recording==
After the band completed work on what became their [[triptych]] of albums (2000's ''[[Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)]]'', 1998's ''[[Mechanical Animals]]'' and 1996's ''[[Antichrist Superstar]]''), the band was free to begin a fresh project.<ref name="Survival">{{cite web |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/marilyn-manson-survivial-of-the-filthiest.html |title=Marilyn Manson: Survival of the Filthiest |author=Revolver Staff |work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |publisher=[[NewBay Media]] |date=August 16, 2014 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729093208/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/marilyn-manson-survivial-of-the-filthiest.html |archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref> In late 2001, the [[Marilyn Manson|eponymous vocalist]] worked with composer [[Marco Beltrami]] and former [[KMFDM]] multi-instrumentalist [[Tim Sköld]] to create an [[Film score|original score]] for the 2002 film ''[[Resident Evil (film)|Resident Evil]]''. This was the second project on which Manson collaborated with Sköld, after the band's cover of "[[Tainted Love#Marilyn Manson version (2001)|Tainted Love]]",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451166/marilyn-manson-says-scoring-comes-naturally-for-him/ |title=Marilyn Manson Says Scoring Comes Naturally For Him |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=November 21, 2001 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610103325/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451166/marilyn-manson-says-scoring-comes-naturally-for-him/ |archive-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> which became an international hit when released as a single from the [[Not Another Teen Movie#Music|''Not Another Teen Movie'' OST]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hBEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14 |title=Missing Tracks Mean Fewer U.S. Album Sales |author=Promis, Jose |date=September 27, 2003 |access-date=July 17, 2017 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |volume=115 |issue=39 |page=14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801182801/https://books.google.com/books?id=hBEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14 |archive-date=August 1, 2017 }}</ref> The [[Resident Evil: Music from and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture|''Resident Evil'' OST]] was released in March 2002, and included a remix of "[[The Fight Song (Marilyn Manson song)|The Fight Song]]" created by [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] drummer [[Joey Jordison]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1452213/slipknot-manson-coal-chamber-wake-the-dead-with-resident-evil/ |title=Slipknot, Manson, Coal Chamber Wake The Dead With 'Resident Evil' |author=D'angelo, Joe |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=February 7, 2002 |access-date=July 17, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729092106/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452213/slipknot-manson-coal-chamber-wake-the-dead-with-resident-evil/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The [[Queen of the Damned: Music from the Motion Picture|soundtrack]] to ''[[Queen of the Damned]]'' was also released that month, which featured Manson performing [[lead vocalist|lead vocals]] on the [[Jonathan Davis]]-composed track "Redeemer".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451880/linkin-park-manson-disturbed-members-damned-by-korns-davis/ |title=Linkin Park, Manson, Disturbed Members 'Damned' By Korn's Davis |author=Moss, Corey |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=January 22, 2002 |access-date=July 17, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054923/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451880/linkin-park-manson-disturbed-members-damned-by-korns-davis/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> On May 29, Sköld became an official band member when [[Twiggy Ramirez]] amicably left the group, citing creative differences.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1454584/marilyn-manson-splits-with-bassist-twiggy-ramirez/ |title=Marilyn Manson Splits With Bassist Twiggy Ramirez |author=D'angelo, Joe |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=May 29, 2002 |access-date=October 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520015151/http://www.mtv.com/news/1454584/marilyn-manson-splits-with-bassist-twiggy-ramirez |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The album was produced by Manson, Sköld, and [[Ben Grosse]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/manson-bassist-ousted-20020530 |title=Manson Bassist Ousted |author=Saraceno, Christina |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=[[Wenner Media]] |date=May 30, 2002 |access-date=July 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054106/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/manson-bassist-ousted-20020530 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> It was recorded at [[Ocean Way Recording]] and the band's own Doppelherz Blood Treatment Facility in [[Los Angeles]], as well as Grosse's The Mix Room in [[Burbank, California]]. Most of the songwriting effort was shared between [[Tim Sköld]], [[John 5 (guitarist)|John 5]] and Manson,<ref name="Japan">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/the-golden-age-of-grotesque-japan-bonus-tracks-mr0001752822 |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque [Japan Bonus Tracks] - Marilyn Manson {{!}} Release Info |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> with the latter describing it as the most focused record in the band's discography.<ref name="DVD">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458391/marilyn-mansons-message-be-bad-look-good-buy-my-dvd/ |title=Marilyn Manson's Message: Be Bad, Look Good, Buy My DVD |author=D'angelo, Joe |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=October 28, 2002 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054640/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458391/marilyn-mansons-message-be-bad-look-good-buy-my-dvd/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> During the album's early stages of development, Manson indicated that both Jordison and Canadian musician [[Peaches (musician)|Peaches]] had contributed to material,<ref name="Sade">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451216/marilyn-manson-drawing-from-ministry-marquis-de-sade/ |title=Marilyn Manson Drawing From Ministry, Marquis De Sade |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=November 27, 2001 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520050215/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451216/marilyn-manson-drawing-from-ministry-marquis-de-sade/ |archive-date=May 20, 2017 }}</ref> although neither artist appears on the album.<ref name="Japan"/> Several songs on the record feature backing vocals by Andrew Baines of [[Tennessee]], a 16-year-old fan who had been diagnosed with a [[terminal illness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/marilyn-manson-shows-his-softer-side-66313.html |title=Marilyn Manson shows his softer side |work=[[Irish Examiner]] |publisher=[[Landmark Media Investments]] |date=August 31, 2002 |access-date=October 23, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024030756/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/marilyn-manson-shows-his-softer-side-66313.html |archive-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref> This collaboration had been facilitated by the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]], with Manson saying that he "wanted to make Andrew a permanent part of history, sealed up in distortion and megabytes of plastic."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/marilyn-manson-144-1380472 |title=Fan-Tastic! |author=NME Staff |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[Time Inc. UK]] |date=August 29, 2002 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827185733/http://www.nme.com/news/music/marilyn-manson-144-1380472 |archive-date=August 27, 2017 }}</ref>

{{Quote box
 |quote  = "We're in an era of music right now where heavy rock and aggressive things are very acceptable and very near approaching cliché. So it's important to keep pushing the boundary of how you make heavy music – and I want to continue to make really heavy music – but I want to do it in a way that isn't like everything else I hear when I turn on the radio."
 |author = — [[Marilyn Manson]] explaining the album's production aesthetic to [[MTV]].<ref name="Sade"/>
 |width  = 23%
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}}
"Para-Noir" contains a distinctive [[guitar solo]] from John 5, who performed it in one [[take]] using an unfamiliar, out-of-tune guitar whilst blindfolded.<ref name="Survival"/> "Ka-Boom Ka-Boom" was the final song composed for the record, and was written in response to criticism made by the head of the [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] division of [[Interscope Records]], who said that the album "had no kaboom".<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Lane, Daniel |date=May 2003 |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future]] |issue=221 |pages=55 |issn=0955-1190}}</ref> In a 2008 interview with a now-defunct [[fansite]], Manson claimed to have performed the majority of the [[keyboard instrument|keyboards]] and [[synthesizer]] on the album, and not the band's longtime keyboardist [[Madonna Wayne Gacy]]. According to Manson, Gacy displayed little interest in contributing creatively, and eventually detached himself from the rest of the group to such a degree that he refused to attend studio sessions when informed that recording was to begin in June 2002. As a result, Manson received musical composition credits for eleven of the fifteen tracks on the record, in addition to his usual lyrical credits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mansonusa.com:80/everyone_will_suffer_now/?page=8 |title=The Heirophant - Everyone Will Suffer Now |work=MansonUSA |date=January 12, 2008 |access-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115034747/http://www.mansonusa.com/everyone_will_suffer_now/?page=8 |archive-date=January 15, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Musically, the album is more [[Electronic music|electronic]] and beat-driven than preceding releases, with reviewers commenting that its sound is at times reminiscent of KMFDM. This has been attributed to Sköld,<ref name="COC">{{cite web |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=2-3061 |title=CoC: Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque : Review |author=Hoose, Xander |website=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] |date=June 3, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729055456/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=2-3061 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> who was a member of that band immediately prior to his arrival in Marilyn Manson.<ref name="Survival"/> It is also not as [[Heavy metal music|metallic]] as their earlier work, with Manson explaining to [[MTV]] that he wanted to create music which was dissimilar to the [[nu metal]] being played on radio at the time. He also noted the influence of early [[industrial rock]] acts such as [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]], [[Big Black]] and [[Nitzer Ebb]] on the material.<ref name="Sade"/> Early twentieth-century German composer [[Kurt Weill]] was also claimed as an influence, along with the [[lucid dream]]s Manson was having during the album's production, elaborating that he would "wake up and say, 'I want to write a song that sounds like a stampeding elephant' or 'I want to write a song that sounds like a burning piano'."<ref name="Lunatics">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471848/marilyn-manson-draws-from-dreams-lunatics-for-golden-age-of-grotesque/ |title=Marilyn Manson Draws From Dreams, Lunatics For Golden Age Of Grotesque |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |work=[[MTV]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=May 12, 2003 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610110050/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471848/marilyn-manson-draws-from-dreams-lunatics-for-golden-age-of-grotesque/ |archive-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref>

==Themes and artwork==
{{Quote box
 |quote  = "This record is broken down to the simplest, most important thing, and that's relationships — whether they're between people or between ideas. I use analogies of art and decadence. How things in Berlin in the '30s got to such a great point, and some of the greatest things were created, and it was crushed by evil, jealous, bitter conservative powers. And the same thing happened in America, several times and continuously, with art and with myself."
 |author = — Marilyn Manson explaining the motivation behind the album's premise to MTV.<ref name="StrongerUglier">{{cite news|last=Dangelo |first=Joe |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1457131/manson-says-hes-stronger-uglier-with-the-golden-age/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082836/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457131/manson-says-hes-stronger-uglier-with-the-golden-age/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |title= Manson Says He's Stronger, Uglier With The Golden Age |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |date=2002-08-22 |access-date=2017-12-03}}</ref>
 |width  = 23%
 |align  = right
}}
The vocalist would later describe the period surrounding ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' as being one of his most creative.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/marilyn-manson-the-villain-is-always-the-catalyst/ |title=Marilyn Manson: 'The Villain Is Always the Catalyst' |author=Hartmann, Graham |work=[[Loudwire]] |publisher=[[Townsquare Media]] |date=April 25, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054814/http://loudwire.com/marilyn-manson-the-villain-is-always-the-catalyst/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> He was inspired by then-girlfriend, [[burlesque]] [[performance artist]] [[Dita Von Teese]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/dita-von-teese-on-remaining-friends-with-marilyn-manson-he-encouraged-all-of-my-eccentricities-a6950411.html |title=Dita Von Teese on remaining friends with Marilyn Manson: 'He encouraged all of my eccentricities' |author=Saul, Heather |work=[[The Independent]] |date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510094803/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/dita-von-teese-on-remaining-friends-with-marilyn-manson-he-encouraged-all-of-my-eccentricities-a6950411.html |archive-date=May 10, 2016}}</ref> into exploring the decadent [[Swing music|swing]], burlesque, [[cabaret]] and [[vaudeville]] movements of Germany's [[Weimar Republic]]-era, specifically [[1920s Berlin]]. He explained to ''[[Kerrang!]]'' that the album's content was inspired by "the lengths that people [in pre-[[Nazi Germany]]] went to in order to live their lives to the fullest and to make their entertainment as imaginative and extreme as possible."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Paranoia, Jail Sentences, September 11 and Kittens? |author=Winwood, Ian |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |pages=24–29 |issue=896 |date=March 23, 2002 |issn=0262-6624}}</ref> He also found inspiration in the flamboyance of [[Dandy|Dandyism]], along with the [[cultural movement|cultural]] and [[art movement|artistic movements]] of [[Surrealism]] and [[Dadaism]],<ref name="Survival"/> the life of the [[Marquis de Sade]],<ref name="Sade"/> and the [[Grotesque|theater of the grotesque]].<ref name="DVD"/>

[[File:Marilyn Manson by Gottfried Helnwein Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Photograph by [[Gottfried Helnwein]] which accompanied Manson's essay to the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum]]. Helnwein later expressed dissatisfaction that this image was not selected as the album's cover.]]
Eschewing the lyrical depth and volume of symbolism found on ''Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)'' (2000), the album is relatively straightforward: its lyrical content primarily deals with relationships,<ref name="Siamese">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1470180/manson-wants-to-perform-with-siamese-twins-for-nude-crowds/ |title=Manson Wants To Perform With Siamese Twins For Nude Crowds |author=Moss, Corey |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=February 26, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729091342/http://www.mtv.com/news/1470180/manson-wants-to-perform-with-siamese-twins-for-nude-crowds/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> and, in an [[extended metaphor]], Manson compares his own often-criticized work to the ''[[Degenerate art|Entartete Kunst]]'' banned by the Nazi regime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://derstandard.at/1289559/Marilyn-Manson-ueber-Stimmung-in-USA-und-Entartete-Kunst |title=Marilyn Manson über Stimmung in USA und "Entartete Kunst" |language=de |trans-title=Marilyn Manson on the mood in the US and "Degenerate Art" |work=[[Der Standard]] |date=May 5, 2003 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701173847/http://derstandard.at/1289559/Marilyn-Manson-ueber-Stimmung-in-USA-und-Entartete-Kunst |archive-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref> The record utilizes the narrative mode of [[stream of consciousness]] as Manson attempts to examine the response of the human [[Psyche (psychology)|psyche]] during times of crisis, particularly focusing on the [[mindset]] of [[lunatic]]s and children. These were of particular interest to the vocalist, as "they don't follow the rules [of society]." Several songs incorporate elements commonly found in [[Playground song|playground chants]] and [[nursery rhyme]]s, which Manson would "pervert into something ugly and lurid."<ref name="Lunatics"/>

Manson began his long-term collaboration with Austrian-Irish artist [[Gottfried Helnwein]] in May 2002, collaborating on several projects associated with the album.<ref name="Reich">{{cite magazine |title=Reich 'n' Roll! Marilyn Manson Shocking New Images Revealed |author=Kerrang! News Staff |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |pages=12 |issue=941 |date=February 2003 |issn=0262-6624}}</ref> In addition to the album artwork, the pair created large-scale multi-media [[installation art]] pieces that would go on to be exhibited in various galleries throughout Europe and the United States.<ref name="Blabbermouth">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-the-golden-age-of-grotesque-cover-art-posted-online/ |title=Marilyn Manson: 'The Golden Age Of Grotesque' Cover Art Posted Online |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 19, 2003 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625144224/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-the-golden-age-of-grotesque-cover-art-posted-online/ |archive-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref> These were also displayed at the album's launch party at The Key Club in Los Angeles.<ref name="Dope">{{cite web |url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/a-dope-show-2136414 |title=A Dope Show |first=Lina |last=Lecaro |author-link=Lina Lecaro |work=[[LA Weekly]] |publisher=[[Voice Media Group]] |date=May 15, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017}}</ref> They also worked together on the music video to [[lead single]] "[[Mobscene]]" (stylized as "mOBSCENE"),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifitshipitshere.com/gottfried-helnweins-controversial-photos-of-marilyn-manson-available-as-prints/ |title=Gottfried Helnwein's Controversial Photos Of Marilyn Manson Available As Prints |author=Sweet, Laura |publisher=If It's Hip, It's Here |date=June 6, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729051026/http://www.ifitshipitshere.com/gottfried-helnweins-controversial-photos-of-marilyn-manson-available-as-prints/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> as well as images which accompanied Manson's essay for [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum]].<ref name="Reich"/> Helnwein later expressed disappointment that the latter was not selected as the album cover.<ref>{{cite web |last=Helnwein |first=Gottfried |url=http://www.helnwein.com/news/event_calendar/article_1122-ALBUM-COVERS-THAT-NEVER-WERE |title=Album Covers That Never Were |publisher=[[Gottfried Helnwein]] |date=September 1, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729055200/http://www.helnwein.com/news/event_calendar/article_1122-ALBUM-COVERS-THAT-NEVER-WERE |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> Many of the images found in the album artwork were inspired by illustrations found in Mel Gordon's 2000 book ''Voluptuous Panic: The Erotic World of Weimar Berlin''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://feralhouse.com/voluptuous-panic/ |title=Voluptuous Panic {{!}} Feral House |publisher=[[Feral House]] |access-date=July 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023101448/http://feralhouse.com/voluptuous-panic/ |archive-date=October 23, 2016 }}</ref> Concerned that Gordon might take issue with use of the book's material, Manson called Gordon, who said he could not imagine a greater compliment than a popular music album based on an academic book.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rusiriusradio.com/show-49-the-hipster-whores-of-weimar-germany-mel-gordon-pt-2/ |title=Show #49: The Hipster Whores of Weimar Germany: Mel Gordon pt. 2 |publisher=[[R. U. Sirius]] |date=June 20, 2006 |access-date=July 19, 2017}}</ref> ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' was also the title of Manson's first art exhibition, which took place in September 2002 at the [[Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions|Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Center]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1457704/marilyn-manson-brings-ass-stabbing-fun-to-fore-at-gallery-exhibit/ |title=Marilyn Manson Brings 'Ass-Stabbing Fun' To Fore At Gallery Exhibit |author=Moss, Corey |work=[[MTV News]] |date=September 20, 2002 |access-date=July 16, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054643/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457704/marilyn-manson-brings-ass-stabbing-fun-to-fore-at-gallery-exhibit/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref>

==Release and promotion==
{{see also|Grotesk Burlesk Tour}}
[[File:Golden Age of Grotesque logo.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Album logo]]
On February 18, 2003, Manson revealed the album's release date and track listing via the band's official website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-set-release-date-for-the-golden-age-of-grotesque/ |title=Marilyn Manson Set Release Date For 'The Golden Age Of Grotesque' |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=February 18, 2003 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729051537/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-set-release-date-for-the-golden-age-of-grotesque/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The album was preceded by the release of its lead single, "Mobscene", which was serviced to [[Mainstream rock|mainstream]] and [[Alternative Songs|alternative rock]] [[radio format]]s on April 21. Its music video was directed by Manson and Thomas Kloss.<ref name="Ringmaster">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471053/manson-plays-ringmaster-at-creepy-carnival-in-latest-video/ |title=Manson Plays Ringmaster At Creepy Carnival In Latest Video |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=April 4, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729091630/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471053/manson-plays-ringmaster-at-creepy-carnival-in-latest-video/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The single was backed by a remix of the song created by [[The Prodigy]] vocalist [[Keith Flint]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-prodigy-s-keith-flint-remixes-marilyn-manson-s-new-single/ |title=The Prodigy's Keith Flint Remixes Marilyn Manson's New Single |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 23, 2003 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053655/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-prodigy-s-keith-flint-remixes-marilyn-manson-s-new-single/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The song became one of the band's biggest worldwide hits, peaking in the top 20 of numerous national [[record chart]]s,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50 |title=Hits of the World |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Media Research]] |volume=115 |issue=20 |pages=50–51 |date=May 17, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=July 22, 2017 }}</ref> and at number one in Portugal.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45 |title=Hits of the World |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Media Research]] |volume=115 |issue=21 |pages=45 |date=May 24, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=July 22, 2017 }}</ref> It peaked at number 18 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock Chart]], making it their best-performing single on that chart since "[[The Dope Show]]" reached number 12 in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/309449/marilyn-manson/chart?f=376 |title=Marilyn Manson - Chart History - Mainstream Rock Songs |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |access-date=February 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701212650/http://www.billboard.com/artist/309449/marilyn-manson/chart?f=376 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The song was nominated in the [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance|Best Metal Performance]] category at the [[46th Annual Grammy Awards]] in 2004, losing out to [[Metallica]]'s "[[St. Anger (song)|St. Anger]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/20_artists_you_may_not_have_known_were_nominated_for_and_won_grammy_awards |title=20 artists you may not have known were nominated for (and won) Grammy Awards |author=Lee McKinstry |work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] |publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221034304/http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/20_artists_you_may_not_have_known_were_nominated_for_and_won_grammy_awards |archive-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref>

A series of unique launch parties titled "Grotesque Burlesque" took place in advance of the album's US release on May 13.<ref name="Blabbermouth"/> The first of these occurred in [[Berlin]] on April 4,<ref name="Ringmaster"/> followed by several more shows throughout Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/marilyn-manson-160-1368972 |title=Baby's Done A Remix! |author=NME Staff |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[Time Inc. UK]] |date=April 23, 2003 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729065707/http://www.nme.com/news/music/marilyn-manson-160-1368972 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The final event took place at The Key Club in Los Angeles on May 12. These shows featured large-scale artwork by Helnwein and Manson, a burlesque performance by Von Teese, and an acoustic set from Manson backed by two female pianists.<ref name="Dope"/> Limited edition copies of the album included a [[DVD]] entitled ''[[Doppelherz]]'' (''Double Heart''), a 25-minute [[surrealism|surrealist]] short film directed by Manson which featured [[art director|art direction]] by Helnwein.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/doppelherz/ |title=DOPPELHERZ {{!}} Film Threat |work=[[Film Threat]] |date=June 2, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053911/http://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/doppelherz/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The film's audio consists of a repeating loop of album opener "Thaeter", accompanied by a stream-of-consciousness [[Performance poetry|spoken-word]] recitation from Manson.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalreviews.com/reviews/album/1625 |title=Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque |work=Metal Reviews |date=June 16, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730034447/http://www.metalreviews.com/reviews/album/1625 |archive-date=July 30, 2017 }}</ref>

[[File:Grotesk.jpg|right|thumb|190px|Manson performing on the [[Grotesk Burlesk Tour]].]]
On May 16, the band performed both "Mobscene" and "[[This Is the New Shit]]" on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-to-appear-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/ |title=Marilyn Manson To Appear On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=May 9, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053939/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-to-appear-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The latter was released as the album's second single, and its music video was shot in [[Belgium]] on June 17 and featured over 100 fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-this-is-the-new-shit-video-shot-in-belgium/ |title=Marilyn Manson: 'This Is The New Shit' Video Shot In Belgium |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=July 3, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053750/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-this-is-the-new-shit-video-shot-in-belgium/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> A controversial music video was independently produced for the song "Saint" (stylized as "(s)AINT"). Directed by [[Asia Argento]] and containing scenes of violence, nudity, masturbation, drug-use and self-mutilation, Interscope considered it "too graphic" and refused to be associated with the project, although it was later included on international editions of the ''[[Lest We Forget: The Best Of]]'' bonus DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1491296/marilyn-manson-calls-lest-we-forget-a-farewell-compilation/ |title=Marilyn Manson Calls Lest We Forget 'A Farewell Compilation' |author=Montgomery, James |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=September 22, 2004 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053122/http://www.mtv.com/news/1491296/marilyn-manson-calls-lest-we-forget-a-farewell-compilation/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' referred to the video as "one of the most explicit music videos ever made",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/nsfw-its-the-18-most-explicit-music-videos-ever |title=NSFW! – It's The 18 Most Explicit Music Videos Ever |author=NME Staff |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[Time Inc. UK]] |date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731031732/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/nsfw-its-the-18-most-explicit-music-videos-ever |archive-date=July 31, 2016}}</ref> and both ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' and ''[[SF Weekly]]'' included it on their respective lists of the 'Most Controversial Music Videos'.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2011/06/07/top-10-controversial-music-videos/slide/marilyn-manson-saint/ |title='(S)aint' |author=Rosenfeld, Everett |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801095126/http://entertainment.time.com/2011/06/07/top-10-controversial-music-videos/slide/marilyn-manson-saint/ |archive-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2011/08/01/mtv-at-30-the-top-10-most-controversial-music-videos-nsfw?page=9 |title=MTV at 30: The Top 10 Most Controversial Music Videos (NSFW) |author=Schaffer, Dean |work=[[SF Weekly]] |publisher=San Francisco Media Co. |date=August 1, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The album was supported by the [[Grotesk Burlesk Tour]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/09/08/arnold-schwarzeneggers-gubernatorial-portrait-was-done-by-a-man-whos-photographed-marilyn-manson-for-his-tour |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial portrait was done by a man who's photographed Marilyn Manson for his tour |author=Schwarz, Hunter |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=September 8, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730001234/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/09/08/arnold-schwarzeneggers-gubernatorial-portrait-was-done-by-a-man-whos-photographed-marilyn-manson-for-his-tour/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 }}</ref> with Peaches performing as [[opening act]] on select dates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/27/popandrock1 |title=Marilyn Manson/Peaches, Manchester Arena |author=Simpson, Dave |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=November 27, 2003 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054207/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/27/popandrock1 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> It began with a series of headlining shows in Europe, followed by the band's stint as one of the headlining acts at the 2003 [[Ozzfest]].<ref name="Siamese"/> Much of the elaborate attire and clothing worn by the band on tour was tailored by French fashion designer [[Jean Paul Gaultier]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471565/for-the-record-quick-news-on-marilyn-manson-and-jean-paul-gaultier-bone-crusher-camron-pearl-jam-jimi-hendrix-more/ |title=For The Record: Quick News on Marilyn Manson and Jean Paul Gaultier |author=MTV News Staff |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=April 28, 2003 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505052930/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471565/for-the-record-quick-news-on-marilyn-manson-and-jean-paul-gaultier-bone-crusher-camron-pearl-jam-jimi-hendrix-more/ |archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref> The stage was designed to resemble that of classic vaudeville and burlesque stage shows of the 1930s. Two female dancers would be present on stage for most of the show, and would be dressed in either vintage burlesque costumes or military uniforms and [[garter]]s. They would also perform some live instrumentation, such as [[floor tom]]s during "Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag", and piano during "The Golden Age of Grotesque". They performed the latter whilst dressed to resemble [[conjoined twins]]. Manson would change his appearance numerous times throughout each show: he would wear elongated arms which he would swing in a marching manner as he walked along the stage, and would don [[blackface]] while wearing an [[Uniforms and insignia of the Schutzstaffel|Allgemeine SS-style]] peaked police cap or [[Mickey Mouse]] ears. The stage also utilized a series of elaborate platforms and pulpits, from atop of which he would quote random lines from ''Doppelherz'' between songs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2003/jun/08/features.review77 |title=Pop: It's OK, he won't bite... |author=Empire, Kitty |author-link=Kitty Empire |work=[[The Observer]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]] |date=June 8, 2003 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729052010/https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2003/jun/08/features.review77 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> The tour was set to end with five concerts featuring Marilyn Manson opening for [[Jane's Addiction]]. However, these shows were cancelled by the latter band, with [[Perry Farrell]] citing exhaustion as the reason.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/popculture/jane-s-addiction-scotches-tour-wbna3761613 |title=Jane's Addiction scotches tour |work=[[TODAY.com]] |date=December 19, 2003 |access-date=July 25, 2017}}</ref>

==Controversies==
On June 30, 2003, the mutilated body of fourteen-year old schoolgirl [[Murder of Jodi Jones|Jodi Jones]] was discovered in [[woodland]] near her home in [[Easthouses]], [[Scotland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/may/16/scotland.ukcrime |title=Luke Mitchell loses appeal in Jodi Jones murder |author=Glendinning, Lee |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920133523/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/may/16/scotland.ukcrime |archive-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> The injuries sustained by Jones closely resembled those of actress [[Elizabeth Short]], who was murdered in 1947 and was popularly referred to by media as the [[Black Dahlia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1480608/Jodi-Jones-death-similar-to-Hollywood-killing.html |title=Jodi Jones death 'similar to Hollywood killing' |author=Cramb, Auslan |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=January 7, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706190133/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1480608/Jodi-Jones-death-similar-to-Hollywood-killing.html |archive-date=July 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-convicted-of-jodi-murder-487597.html |title=Teenager convicted of Jodi murder &#124; Crime &#124; News |author=PA |work=[[The Independent]] |date=January 21, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829010106/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-convicted-of-jodi-murder-487597.html |archive-date=August 29, 2016}}</ref> Jones' boyfriend, then-fifteen year old Luke Mitchell, was arrested on suspicion of her murder ten months later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4187007.stm |title=UK &#124; Scotland &#124; Killer 'obsessed by occult' |work=[[BBC News]] |date=January 21, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919120240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4187007.stm |archive-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref> During a search of his home, detectives confiscated a copy of ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' containing the short film ''Doppelherz''.<ref name="NMEJodi">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/marilyn-manson/18833 |title=Marilyn Manson DVD Played In Murder Trial |author=Bychawski, Adam |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[Time Inc. UK]] |date=December 24, 2004 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828051429/http://www.nme.com/news/marilyn-manson/18833 |archive-date=August 28, 2016}}</ref> It was purchased two days after Jones' death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1481752/Jodi-killed-by-boyfriend-attracted-to-sex-drugs-and-Satan.html |title=Jodi killed by boyfriend attracted to sex, drugs and Satan |author=Peterkin, Tom |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=January 22, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706205247/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1481752/Jodi-killed-by-boyfriend-attracted-to-sex-drugs-and-Satan.html |archive-date=July 6, 2016}}</ref> A ten-minute excerpt from the film, as well as several paintings by Manson depicting the Black Dahlia's mutilated body, were presented as evidence during the trial.<ref name="NMEJodi" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/music/i-did-not-inspire-jodi-s-killer-says-rock-star-marilyn-manson-1-736017 |title=I did not inspire Jodi's killer, says rock star Marilyn Manson |work=[[The Scotsman]] |publisher=[[Johnston Press]] |date=February 14, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827200649/http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/music/i-did-not-inspire-jodi-s-killer-says-rock-star-marilyn-manson-1-736017 |archive-date=August 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Sydney">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Blame-Jodi-killers-upbringing-Manson/2005/02/13/1108229858731.html |title=Blame Jodi killer's upbringing: Manson |author=PA |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |date=February 14, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012224209/http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Blame-Jodi-killers-upbringing-Manson/2005/02/13/1108229858731.html |archive-date=October 12, 2016}}</ref>

Although Mitchell's defense attorney argued that Jones' injuries were inconsistent with those found in Manson's paintings,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/defense-lawyer-no-connection-between-murder-and-marilyn-manson-paintings/ |title=Defense Lawyer: No Connection Between Murder And Marilyn Manson Paintings |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=January 8, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917221005/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/defense-lawyer-no-connection-between-murder-and-marilyn-manson-paintings/ |archive-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> [[William Nimmo Smith, Lord Nimmo Smith|Lord Nimmo Smith]] said during sentencing that he did "not feel able to ignore the fact that there was a degree of resemblance between the injuries inflicted on Jodi and those shown in the Marilyn Manson paintings of Elizabeth Short that we saw. I think that you carried an image of the paintings in your memory when you killed Jodi."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/feb/12/ukcrime.kirstyscott |title=Jodi's killer to serve at least 20 years in jail &#124; UK news |author=Scott, Kirsty |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=February 12, 2005 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920115635/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/feb/12/ukcrime.kirstyscott |archive-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> Mitchell was found guilty of murder and sentenced to serve a minimum of twenty years in prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/news/east-central/243743-murderer-luke-mitchell-has-another-appeal-refused/ |title=Murderer Luke Mitchell has latest appeal over Jodi Jones conviction rejected |work=[[STV (TV channel)|STV]] |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820201727/http://stv.tv/news/east-central/243743-murderer-luke-mitchell-has-another-appeal-refused/ |archive-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref> Manson later dismissed claims that his work inspired the murder, arguing instead that "the education that parents give their children and the influences they receive" plays a more direct role in violent behavior, and criticised media who attempted to "[put] the blame elsewhere."<ref name="Sydney"/>

''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' is the final studio album to feature longtime keyboardist Madonna Wayne Gacy and guitarist John 5, who would both acrimoniously quit the group over the following years. John 5's relationship with Manson had soured over the course of the Grotesk Burlesk Tour. According to John, Manson spoke to him only once during the entire tour: "It was on my birthday and he turned to me and said, 'Happy birthday, [[faggot]]'—then walked away."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1486200/fired-marilyn-manson-guitarist-wonders-what-went-wrong/ |title=Fired Marilyn Manson Guitarist Wonders What Went Wrong |author=Wiederhorn, Jon |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=April 6, 2004 |access-date=May 4, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523074756/http://www.mtv.com/news/1486200/fired-marilyn-manson-guitarist-wonders-what-went-wrong/ |archive-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref> Manson also displayed hostility towards the guitarist on stage. During a performance of "[[The Beautiful People (song)|The Beautiful People]]" at the 2003 [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]] festival, Manson kicked and then shoved John, who appeared to respond in anger by throwing his guitar to the ground and raising his fists to Manson, before resuming the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rocknrollexperience.com/news/148/25/John-5-Interview/ |title=John 5 – Interview |author=Suehs, Bob |work=[[Rock N Roll Experience Magazine|Rock N Roll Experience]] |date=March 26, 2006 |access-date=May 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605141236/http://rocknrollexperience.com/news/148/25/John-5-Interview/ |archive-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> John 5 later revealed that the "fight" was staged, and a regular occurrence in the band's stage performance, but that night John 5 had "snapped" because his sister had recently died.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/john-5-reveals-reason-2003-onstage-fight-marilyn-manson/ |title=JOHN 5 REVEALS REASON FOR 2003 ONSTAGE FIGHT WITH MARILYN MANSON |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 13, 2022 |publisher=Loudwire |access-date=2022-05-08}}</ref> Gacy, who was also the band's last remaining original member – excluding Manson – quit shortly before the recording of the band's next studio album, ''[[Eat Me, Drink Me]]'' (2007).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/dec/07/popandrock8 |title=Marilyn Manson, Wembley Arena, London |author=Clarke, Betty |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=December 7, 2007 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054210/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/dec/07/popandrock8 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> He would later file a $20 million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson for unpaid "partnership proceeds",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-bandmate-sues-marilyn-manson/ |title=Ex-Bandmate Sues Marilyn Manson |work=[[CBS News]] |date=August 5, 2007 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729060913/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-bandmate-sues-marilyn-manson/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref> accusing the vocalist of spending money earned by the band on "sick and disturbing purchases of [[Nazi memorabilia]] and taxidermy, including the skeleton of a young Chinese girl."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/marilyn-manson-stephen-bier-bullet-in-head/ |title=Former Marilyn Manson Keyboardist Stephen Bier Says Manson Should 'Put a Bullet In His Head' |author=DiVita, Joe |work=[[Loudwire]] |publisher=[[Townsquare Media]] |date=February 1, 2016 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423180419/http://loudwire.com/marilyn-manson-stephen-bier-bullet-in-head/ |archive-date=April 23, 2016 }}</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings 
| MC = 60/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-golden-age-of-grotesque/marilyn-manson |title=Critic Reviews for The Golden Age Of Grotesque |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311005727/http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-golden-age-of-grotesque/marilyn-manson |archive-date=March 11, 2016 }}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="AM">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0000595958|pure_url=yes}} |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque – Marilyn Manson |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="AP">{{cite magazine |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque |magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |page=117 |date=July 2003 |issn=1065-1667}}</ref> 
| rev3 = ''[[Drowned in Sound]]''
| rev3Score = 7/10<ref name="DIS">{{cite web |url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3329/reviews/7009-marilyn-manson-the-golden-age-of-grotesque |title=Album Review: Marilyn Manson – The Golden Age Of Grotesque |author=Price, Dale |publisher=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=May 20, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729060923/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3329/reviews/7009-marilyn-manson-the-golden-age-of-grotesque |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[E! Online]]''
| rev4Score = B<ref name="Eonline">{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,2953,00.html |title=E! Online - Music - Marilyn Manson "The Golden Age of Grotesque" |author=E! Online Staff |work=[[E! Online]] |date=May 12, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030528005145/http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0%2C1107%2C2953%2C00.html |archive-date=May 28, 2003 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev5Score = B−<ref name="EW">{{cite web |url=http://ew.com/article/2003/05/16/golden-age-grotesque/ |title=The Golden Age Of Grotesque |author=Greer, Jim |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=May 16, 2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118081007/http://ew.com/article/2003/05/16/golden-age-grotesque/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 }}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/may/09/popandrock.artsfeatures |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=May 9, 2003 |access-date=December 16, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118041055/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/may/09/popandrock.artsfeatures |archive-date=January 18, 2017 }}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
| rev7Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Mojo">{{cite magazine |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque |magazine=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]] |page=100 |date=June 2003 |issn=1351-0193}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
| rev8Score = 3/10<ref name="PM">{{cite magazine |author=Hreha, Scott |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/mansonmarilyn-goldenage/ |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque |magazine=[[PopMatters]] |date=August 26, 2003 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053604/http://www.popmatters.com/review/mansonmarilyn-goldenage/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 }}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev9Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite magazine |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age of Grotesque |magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |page=103 |date=June 2003 |issn=0955-4955}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev10Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine |author=Walter, Barry |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-golden-age-of-grotesque-20030506 |title=Marilyn Manson: The Golden Age Of Grotesque |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=[[Wenner Media]] |date=May 6, 2003 |access-date=November 22, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911011131/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-golden-age-of-grotesque-20030506 |archive-date=September 11, 2012 }}</ref>
}}

The album was released to mixed reviews. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, it received an [[weighted mean|average]] score 60, based on 12 reviews, which indicates "generally mixed or average reviews".<ref name="MC"/> Although appearing on several publication's year-end lists for 2003,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/marilyn-manson-mn0000825251/biography |title=Marilyn Manson – Biography & History |author=Ankeny, Jason |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=June 9, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426172735/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/marilyn-manson-mn0000825251/biography |archive-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref> other critics considered this to be the band's weakest album, arguing that it lacked thoughtful lyrics when compared to its predecessors. It won ''[[Metal Edge]]''{{'}}s 2004 Readers' Choice Award for "Album of the Year".<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Metal Edge Staff |title=Readers' Choice Awards: The Results |pages=12–41 |magazine=[[Metal Edge]] |publisher=[[Zenbu Media]] |location=[[Los Angeles]], [[California]] |date=June 2004 |issn=1068-2872}}</ref>

Several publications praised the album's concept, and for being more humorous than the band's preceding albums. [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] said: "In an era when heavy rockers have no idea what happened in the '80s, much less the '30s, it's hard not to warm to this, even if his music isn't your own personal bag."<ref name="AM"/> Barry McCallum of [[Independent Online]] called the album "reckless and uninhibited—but it's not all that hard to imagine Manson letting go; he's had fun here."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/joburg/the-golden-age-of-grotesque---marilyn-manson-896988 |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque |work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] |date=June 4, 2003 |access-date=July 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729053844/http://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/joburg/the-golden-age-of-grotesque---marilyn-manson-896988 |archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref> [[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] also praised its concept, and went on to say that it might be one of the best albums in the band's discography.<ref name="COC"/> ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' and ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' each complimented the album's production,<ref name="AP"/><ref name="Q"/> while ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' highlighted the album's lyrical content and Manson's "diatribes on religion, sex and prejudice."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34 |title=Billboard {{!}} Reviews & Previews {{!}} Albums |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]] |author=Flick, Larry |page=34 |volume=115 |issue=21 |date=May 24, 2003 |access-date=July 28, 2017 |issn=0006-2510 }}</ref> [[Entertainment.ie]] called it an entertaining [[Pop music|pop]] album, and summarized that "the pop world would be a much more boring place without [Marilyn Manson]—and that's what really counts."<ref name="ie">{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.ie/album-review/Marilyn-Manson-The-Golden-Age-of-Grotesque/110770.htm |title=Music Review {{!}} Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque |work=[[entertainment.ie]] |date=May 20, 2003 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729064410/http://entertainment.ie/album-review/Marilyn-Manson-The-Golden-Age-of-Grotesque/110770.htm |archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref>

''[[PopMatters]]'' argued that while the album has several excellent songs, it is hindered by "inane" lyrics.<ref name="PM"/> [[BBC Music]] also criticized its lyrics,<ref>{{cite web |last=Chambers |first=Catherine |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/m6n8/ |title=BBC Music - Review of Marilyn Manson – The Golden Age Of Grotesque |publisher=[[BBC Music]] |date=May 29, 2003 |access-date=February 10, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212120136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/m6n8 |archive-date=February 12, 2011 }}</ref> while Chris Long of [[BBC Manchester]] argued that while Manson was capable of producing "the finest metal around", ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' demonstrated him "losing his touch".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/manchester |title=BBC - Manchester Music - Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque |author=Long, Chris |work=[[BBC Manchester]] |date=May 19, 2003 |access-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030822143208/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/music/2003/05/19/golden_age.shtml |archive-date=August 22, 2003 |url-status=live}}</ref> Barry Walters of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called the album uneven: praising its first half but criticizing the latter portion.<ref name="RS"/> A writer for ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now Toronto]]'' claimed that Manson was lapsing into [[self-parody]], and complained the album was not heavy enough.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/marilyn-manson-2003-05-15/ |title=Marilyn Manson - NOW Magazine |author=Perlich, Tim |work=[[Now (newspaper)|Now]] |date=May 15, 2003 |access-date=August 4, 2017}}</ref> Although [[E! Online]] praised the band for being inventive, they said the album would not win over any new fans.<ref name="Eonline"/> This sentiment was echoed by ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', who called it "inventive and powerful enough to merit intermittent attention, but ultimately crushed by the weight of its hoary pretensions."<ref name="EW"/>

==Commercial performance==
Industry forecasters predicted that ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' was on course to become the band's second number one album on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], following 1998's ''Mechanical Animals'', with estimated first-week sales of around 150,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10 |title=A Look Ahead {{!}} Manson Bids To Be 'Golden' Boy |author=Mayfield, Geoff |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Media Research]] |volume=115 |issue=21 |pages=10 |date=May 24, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=July 30, 2017 }}</ref> The album debuted at number one with first week sales of over 118,000 copies,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Martens |first=Todd |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70975/marilyn-manson-posts-grotesque-at-no-1 |title=Marilyn Manson Posts 'Grotesque' At No. 1 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 21, 2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129054003/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70975/marilyn-manson-posts-grotesque-at-no-1 |archive-date=January 29, 2013 }}</ref> at the time the lowest opening week total for a number one-debuting studio album since [[Nielsen SoundScan]] began tracking sales data in 1991.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA87 |title=Over The Counter {{!}} Of Moms And Manson |author=Mayfield, Geoff |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Media Research]] |volume=115 |issue=22 |pages=87 |date=May 31, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=July 30, 2017 }}</ref> This figure was just 1,000 copies more than the first week sales of ''Holy Wood'', which debuted at number thirteen in November 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/manson-golden-at-number-one-20030521 |title=Manson Golden at Number One |author=Dansby, Andrew |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=[[Jann Wenner|Wenner Media]] |date=May 21, 2003 |access-date=March 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320155738/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/manson-golden-at-number-one-20030521 |archive-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref> Sales of the album dipped to 45,000 copies on its second week, resulting in a positional drop on the ''Billboard'' 200 to number 21.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70875/staind-deftones-rock-billboard-album-chart |title=Staind, Deftones Rock Billboard Album Chart |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 28, 2003 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407132953/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70875/staind-deftones-rock-billboard-album-chart |archive-date=April 7, 2016 }}</ref> This broke the record previously held by [[Nine Inch Nails]]' 1999 album ''[[The Fragile]]'' for [[Billboard 200#Largest_drops_from_number_one|the largest drop from number one in the chart's history]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xg4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA86 |title='Fragile' Record Broken |author=Bronson, Fred |author-link=Fred Bronson |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Media Research]] |volume=115 |issue=23 |pages=86 |date=June 7, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=July 30, 2017 }}</ref> ''The Golden Age of Grotesque'' held this record until [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]]' ''[[Light Grenades]]'' dropped to number 37 in December 2006.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Hasty, Katie |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56457/ciara-eminem-stefani-overtake-the-billboard-200 |title=Ciara, Eminem, Stefani Overtake The Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 13, 2006 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322010847/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56457/ciara-eminem-stefani-overtake-the-billboard-200 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 }}</ref> As of November 2008, the album has sold 526,000 copies in the US, making it the lowest-selling number one-debuting studio album of 2003. This was the second year the band achieved this, after ''Mechanical Animals'' became the lowest-selling number one-debuting studio album of 1998.<ref name="yahoo">{{cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/20401/chart-watch-extra-what-a-turkey-the-25-worst-selling-1-albums/ |title=Chart Watch Extra: What A Turkey! The 25 Worst-Selling #1 Albums |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |date=November 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926053208/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/20401/chart-watch-extra-what-a-turkey-the-25-worst-selling-1-albums |archive-date=September 26, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> It also entered the [[Canadian Albums Chart]] at number one, selling 11,500 copies on its first week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=John |url=http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicMarilynManson/may21_chartstory-can.html |title=Marilyn Manson debuts at No. 1 |publisher=[[Jam!]] |date=May 21, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803140632/http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicMarilynManson/may21_chartstory-can.html |access-date=June 13, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2004 }}</ref>

The record was more successful internationally than the band's previous albums, particularly in Europe, where it sold over 400,000 copies during its first week to debut at number one on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[European Top 100 Albums]].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Sexton, Paul |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70899/kelly-timberlake-continue-uk-chart-reign |title=Kelly, Timberlake Continue U.K. Chart Reign |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 26, 2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118165145/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70899/kelly-timberlake-continue-uk-chart-reign |archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> It topped various national [[record chart]]s, namely Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland,<ref name="Eurochart">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA80 |title=Hits Of The World |date=May 31, 2003 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |issn=0006-2510 |volume=115 |issue=22 |pages=80–81 }}</ref> as well as the album chart of the [[Wallonia]] region of Belgium,<ref name="Wallonia"/> and the [[UK Rock & Metal Singles and Albums Charts|UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart]].<ref name="UKRock"/> It also peaked within the top five in France, Norway,<ref name="Norway"/> Portugal,<ref name="Portugal"/> Spain, Sweden,<ref name="Sweden"/> and the United Kingdom.<ref name="Eurochart"/> It attained gold certifications in several of these territories, including Austria (denoting 15,000 units),<ref name="IFPI AUT"/> Switzerland (20,000 units),<ref name="IFPI SWI"/> and France, Germany and the UK (100,000 copies each).<ref name="SNEP"/><ref name="BVMI"/><ref name="BPI"/> In [[Australasia]], the album peaked at number five in both Australia and Japan,<ref name="AUS"/><ref name="JapanChart"/> and was certified gold in both countries for sales in excess of 35,000 and 100,000 copies, respectively.<ref name="ARIA"/><ref name="Oricon"/> It also peaked at number 16 in New Zealand.<ref name="NZ"/>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| all_lyrics = [[Marilyn Manson]]
| title1 = Thaeter
| music1 = {{hlist|Manson|[[Madonna Wayne Gacy]]|[[Tim Sköld]]}}
| length1 = 1:14

| title2 = [[This Is the New Shit]]
| music2 = {{hlist|[[John 5 (guitarist)|John 5]]|Manson|Sköld}}
| length2 = 4:20

| title3 = [[Mobscene]]
| note3 = {{refn|group=note|"Mobscene" is stylized as "mOBSCENE".}}
| music3 = {{hlist|John 5|Manson}}
| length3 = 3:25

| title4 = Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag
| music4 = {{hlist|John 5|Sköld|Manson}}
| length4 = 4:11

| title5 = Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth
| music5 = {{hlist|John 5|Manson}}
| length5 = 3:34

| title6 = The Golden Age of Grotesque
| music6 = {{hlist|John 5|Manson}}
| length6 = 4:05

| title7 = Saint
| note7 = {{refn|group=note|"Saint" is stylized as "(s)AINT".}}
| music7 = {{hlist|John 5|Manson|Sköld}}
| length7 = 3:42

| title8 = Ka-Boom Ka-Boom
| music8 = {{hlist|John 5|Sköld}}
| length8 = 4:02

| title9 = Slutgarden
| music9 = {{hlist|John 5|Manson}}
| length9 = 4:06

| title10 = ♠
| note10 = {{refn|group=note|"♠" is listed as "Spade" on [[iTunes Store|iTunes]] and [[Spotify]].}}
| music10 = John 5
| length10 = 4:34

| title11 = Para-noir
| music11 = {{hlist|John 5|Sköld|Gacy|Manson}}
| length11 = 6:01

| title12 = The Bright Young Things
| music12 = John 5
| length12 = 4:19

| title13 = Better of Two Evils
| music13 = {{hlist|Manson|John 5|Sköld|Gacy}}
| length13 = 3:48

| title14 = Vodevil
| music14 = {{hlist|John 5|Sköld}}
| length14 = 4:39

| title15 = Obsequey (The Death of Art)
| music15 = {{hlist|Manson|Sköld}}
| length15 = 1:34

| total_length = 57:32
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = International bonus track
| total_length = 60:56
| title16 = [[Tainted Love#Marilyn Manson version (2001)|Tainted Love]]
| note16 = [[Gloria Jones]] cover; from ''[[Not Another Teen Movie]]''
| writer16 = [[Ed Cobb]]
| length16 = 3:24
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = Japanese & UK bonus track
| total_length = 63:37
| title17 = Baboon Rape Party
| writer17 = {{hlist|Manson|Sköld}}
| length17 = 2:41
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = Japanese bonus track
| total_length = 67:34
| title18 = Paranoiac
| writer18 = {{hlist|John 5|Gacy|Manson|Sköld}}
| length18 = 3:57
}}

{{track listing
| extra_column = Director
| headline = Bonus DVD
| title1 = Doppelherz
| extra1 = Manson
| length1 = 26:06
| total_length = 26:06
}}
;Notes
{{reflist|group=note}}

==Personnel==
Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''The Golden Age of Grotesque''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque |type=CD liner notes |others=[[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]] |publisher=[[Interscope Records]] |year=2003 |id=9800065}}</ref>

* [[Audio recording|Recorded]] at the Doppelherz Blood Treatment Facility and at [[Ocean Way Recording]] in [[Los Angeles]], with additional recording at The Mix Room in [[Burbank, California|Burbank]], California.
* [[Audio mixing|Mixed]] at The Mix Room by [[Ben Grosse]].
* [[Mastering (audio)|Mastered]] by Tom Baker at Precision Mastering, Los Angeles.

'''Marilyn Manson'''
*[[Marilyn Manson]] – [[Singing|vocals]], [[piano]], [[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s, [[Keyboard bass|synthesizer bass]], [[mellotron]], [[saxophone]], [[Electric guitar|guitar]]s, [[Drum roll|snare rolls]], [[Loop (music)|loops]], digital editing, [[arrangement]]s, [[Record producer|producer]], photography
*[[John 5 (guitarist)|John 5]] – guitars, piano, orchestration
*[[Tim Sköld]] – [[Bass guitar|bass]], guitars, [[accordion]], keyboards, synth bass, loops, drum programming, digital editing, producer
*[[Madonna Wayne Gacy]] –  keyboards, electronics, synthesizer
*[[Ginger Fish]] – [[Drum kit|drums]], rhythm direction

'''Production'''
*Chuck Bailey – [[Audio engineer|assistant engineer]]
*Andrew Baines – backing vocals
*Tom Baker – mastering
*Jon Blaine – hair stylist
*[[P. R. Brown]] – sleeve design
*Blumpy – digital editing
*Jeff Burns – assistant
*Ross Garfield – drum technician
*[[Ben Grosse]] – engineer, digital editing, producer, mixing
*[[Gottfried Helnwein]] – art direction
*Lily & Pat – vocals ("Mobscene" and "Para-noir")
*[[Perou]] – additional photography {{small|(inlay band photograph)}}
*Mark Williams – [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]]

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2003)
! scope="col"| Peak<br>position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|5|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="AUS"}}
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Heavy Rock & Metal Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue692.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030706140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20030707-0000/Issue692.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-07-06 |title=Heavy Rock & Metal – Week Commencing 26th May 2003 |journal=[[ARIA Charts]] |issue=692 |page=12 |date=May 26, 2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Austria|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|4|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="Wallonia"}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|rowheader=true|access-date=January 10, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Denmark|6|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|14|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
! scope="row"| [[European Top 100 Albums|European Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sexton |first=Paul |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70899/kelly-timberlake-continue-uk-chart-reign |title=Kelly, Timberlake Continue U.K. Chart Reign |magazine=Billboard |date=May 26, 2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118165145/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70899/kelly-timberlake-continue-uk-chart-reign |archive-date=January 18, 2017 }}</ref>
| 1
|-
{{album chart|Finland|8|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|France|2|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany|1|id=4498|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Greece|6|M|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=August 1, 2017|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030608232504/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart04.htm |title=Greek Albums Chart |publisher=[[IFPI Greece]] |date=June 8, 2003}}
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|28|year=2003|week=21|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland|7|year=2003|week=20|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums ([[Oricon Albums Chart|Oricon]])<ref name="JapanChart">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/164067/ranking/cd_album/ |script-title=ja:マリリン・マンソンのアルバム売り上げランキング |trans-title=Marilyn Manson album sales ranking |language=ja |publisher=[[Oricon]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629082425/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/164067/ranking/cd_album/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 5
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|16|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="NZ"}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|4|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="Norway"}}
|-
{{album chart|Poland|18|id=145|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|4|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="Portugal"}}
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|4|date=May 18, 2003|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
! scope="row"| Spanish Albums ([[Productores de Música de España|PROMUSICAE]])<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=Marilyn+Manson+Golden+Age+Grotesque&pg=PA80 |title=Hits of the World |magazine=Billboard |volume=115 |issue=22 |page=80 |date=May 31, 2003 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827185729/https://books.google.com/books?id=yQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA80&dq=Marilyn%20Manson%20Golden%20Age%20Grotesque |archive-date=August 27, 2017 }}</ref>
| 5
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|4|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="Sweden"}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|album=The Golden Age of Grotesque|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|UK|4|artist=Marilyn Manson|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|-
{{album chart|UKRock|1|date=20030518|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017|refname="UKRock"}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=Marilyn Manson|rowheader=true|access-date=January 11, 2017}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2003)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Heavy Rock & Metal Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-heavyrock-albums-2003.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Heavy Rock & Metal Albums 2003 |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217211253/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-heavyrock-albums-2003.htm |archive-date=February 17, 2017 }}</ref>
| 11
|-
! scope="row"| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2003 |title=Jahreshitparade Alben 2003 |language=de |publisher=austriancharts.at. Hung Medien |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113122438/http://www.austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2003 |archive-date=January 13, 2017 }}</ref>
| 44
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2003&cat=a |title=Rapports Annuels 2003 – Albums |language=fr |publisher=Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105023153/http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2003&cat=a |archive-date=November 5, 2012 }}</ref>
| 43
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2003|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2003|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref>
| 90
|-
! scope="row"| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2003 |title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts – 2003 |language=de |publisher=Offizielle Deutsche Charts. GfK Entertainment |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203084138/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2003 |archive-date=December 3, 2016 }}</ref>
| 39
|-
! scope="row"| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2003 |title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2007 |publisher=swisscharts.com. Hung Medien |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230000610/http://www.swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2003 |archive-date=December 30, 2016 }}</ref>
| 48
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2003.pdf |title=The Official UK Albums Chart |work=[[UKChartsPlus]] |page=4 |year=2003 |access-date=January 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060039/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2003.pdf |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref>
| 177
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|certyear=2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="ARIA"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|date=May 16, 2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="IFPI AUT"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Marylin Manson|title=The Golden of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|date=August 21, 2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="SNEP"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="BVMI"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=マリリン・マンソン|title=ザ・ゴールデン・エイジ・オブ・グロテスク|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|relmonth=5|certyear=2003|certmonth=5|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname=Oricon}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|award=Silver|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musica.clix.pt/top.html|title=Portuguese album certifications – Marilyn Manson – The Golden Age of Grotesque|website=Clix Música|publisher=[[Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa]]|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030703011356/http://musica.clix.pt/top.html|archive-date=July 3, 2003|access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Russia|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=June 6, 2016}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=South Korea ([[Gaon Music Chart|GAON]])|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|nocert=yes|salesamount=14,828|salesref=<ref name=SouthKoreasales>{{cite web|url=http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/pop_2003_1h.htm|title=자료제공:(사)한국음반산업협회/이 자료는당협회와 상의없이 가공,편집을금합니다.: 2003년 - POP 음반 판매량|publisher=[[Gaon Music Chart|Recording Industry Association of Korea]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060416084237/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/pop_2003_1h.htm|archive-date=April 16, 2006|access-date=January 16, 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="IFPI SWI"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|award=Gold|type=album|id=6959-2605-2|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|date=June 20, 2003|access-date=October 18, 2016|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States ([[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]])|artist=Marilyn Manson|title=The Golden Age of Grotesque|nocert=yes|type=album|relyear=2003|salesamount=526,000|salesref=<ref name="yahoo"/>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}

==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| Catalog #
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japan
| May 7, 2003
| {{hlist|[[Compact disc|CD]]|SHM-CD|[[Cassette tape|cassette]]|[[Music download|digital download]]}}
| [[Universal Music Japan]]
| UICS-9083
| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.universal-music.co.jp/marilyn-manson/products/uics-9083/ |title=ザ・ゴールデン・エイジ・オブ・グロテスク 【CD】
 |language=ja |trans-title=Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque [CD] |work=[[Universal Music Japan]] |access-date=August 4, 2017}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Germany
| rowspan="2"| May 12, 2003
| {{hlist|CD|cassette|digital download}}
| rowspan="3"| {{hlist|[[Nothing Records|Nothing]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}}
| rowspan="2"|800065–6
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/Golden-Age-Grotesque-Marilyn-Manson/dp/B000094HQ5 |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque - Marilyn Manson: Amazon.de |work=[[Amazon.com|Amazon.de]] |access-date=August 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428232756/http://www.amazon.de/Golden-Age-Grotesque-Marilyn-Manson/dp/B000094HQ5 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| | {{hlist|CD|[[Gramophone record|LP]]|cassette|digital download}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/tn0/Golden-Age-Grotesque-VINYL-Marilyn-Manson/B00009EPX3 |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque [VINYL] - Marilyn Manson: Amazon.co.uk |work=[[Amazon.com|Amazon.co.uk]] |access-date=August 4, 2017}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| North America
| May 13, 2003
| {{hlist|CD|digital download}}
| rowspan="2"|9800080–9
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Age-Grotesque-Marilyn-Manson/dp/B000092ZVW |title=The Golden Age of Grotesque - Marilyn Manson: Amazon.co.uk |work=[[Amazon.com]] |access-date=August 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321071150/http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Age-Grotesque-Marilyn-Manson/dp/B000092ZVW |archive-date=March 21, 2012 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Australia
| May 25, 2003
| {{hlist|CD|cassette|digital download}}
| Interscope
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/rock/the-golden-age-of-grotesque/513570/|title=JB Hi-Fi &#124; The Golden Age of Grotesque, Marilyn Manson |work=[[JB Hi-Fi]] |access-date=August 4, 2017}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
* [[List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2003]]
* [[List of European number-one hits of 2003]]
* [[List of number-one albums of 2003 (Canada)]]
* [[List of number-one hits of 2003 (Italy)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Marilyn Manson}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Golden Age of Grotesque, The}}
[[Category:2003 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Marilyn Manson]]
[[Category:Burlesque]]
[[Category:Glam rock albums by American artists]]
[[Category:Interscope Geffen A&M Records albums]]
[[Category:Interscope Records albums]]
[[Category:Marilyn Manson (band) albums]]
[[Category:Nothing Records albums]]
[[Category:Nu metal albums by American artists]]
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in music]]