The Pale Emperor is the ninth studio album by Marilyn Manson. The album was issued in standard and deluxe editions on CD and double LP vinyl. The standard version of the album contains ten tracks; the deluxe edition includes three acoustic versions as bonus tracks. Produced by Manson and newcomer Tyler Bates, who Manson met through their mutual involvement in the TV series Californication, The Pale Emperor eschews the band's usual industrial rock style in favor of a sparser, blues rock-influenced sound. The album features drummer Gil Sharone, formerly of Stolen Babies and The Dillinger Escape Plan. It was the first album since his return to the band in 2008 to not include songwriting or performance contributions from bassist Twiggy, who was busy with his own projects. The album is dedicated to Manson's mother, who died of Alzheimer's disease during production.