Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Skinny Puppy was formed in 1982 in Vancouver, British Columbia, by cEvin Key (Kevin Crompton) and Nivek Ogre (Kevin Ogilvie). The band is known for its dark, complex, and layered soundscapes, combining elements of industrial, electronic, and experimental music. Over the years, Skinny Puppy released twelve studio albums, beginning with Bites in 1985 and ending with Weapon in 2013. Before Bites, the band released two EPs, Back & Forth and Remission, both in 1984. They also put out several live albums, including Ain’t It Dead Yet? (1989) and Bootlegged, Broke and in Solvent Seas (2012), as well as numerous compilations like Brap: Back and Forth Series 3 & 4 (1996) and The Singles Collect (1999).
The band’s core members have always been cEvin Key and Nivek Ogre, with various other musicians contributing over the years, including Dwayne Goettel, who joined in 1986 and was a significant influence until his death in 1995. Skinny Puppy’s production has frequently involved producer Dave Ogilvie, who helped shape their distinct sound. Despite facing various challenges, including internal conflicts and label issues, the band maintained a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Skinny Puppy never achieved mainstream chart-topping success, but several later studio albums reached the Billboard 200. Last Rights peaked at number 193, The Process reached number 102, The Greater Wrong of the Right reached number 176, Mythmaker reached number 200, hanDover reached number 168, and Weapon reached number 140. The Process remains their highest-charting studio album on the Billboard 200.
Following Weapon, Skinny Puppy continued to perform periodically. In 2023, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a farewell tour that it described as the end of its run as a group. The final leg concluded in December 2023.
SKINNY PUPPY EPs
Back & Forth (1984)
Released: 1984
Back & Forth was Skinny Puppy’s self-released debut EP. Recorded between November 1983 and January 1984, the cassette was produced by cEvin Key and issued in an extremely limited run. The material was later remastered and expanded for Back and Forth Series Two in 1992.
Original Cassette Track Listings:
- “Sleeping Beast” – 5:46
- “K-9” – 3:37
- “Quiet Solitude” – 4:45
- “The Pit” – 3:22
- “Dead of Winter” – 7:15
- “A.M./Meat Flavour” – 1:50
- “Edge of Insanity” – 1:30
Remission (1984)
Released: December 1984
Remission, Skinny Puppy’s second EP and first release for Nettwerk, introduced a wider audience to their pioneering industrial sound. Recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver, Canada, during 1984, the EP blends aggressive electronic beats with dark, haunting vocals. cEvin Key and Nivek Ogre, the core members of the band, crafted a unique sonic landscape that would become their signature style. The EP was produced by cEvin Key and Dave Ogilvie. Although it did not chart, Remission gained a cult following and set the stage for the band’s future success.
Original EP Track Listings:
Side A, Back:
- “Smothered Hope” – 5:14
- “Glass Houses” – 3:24
- “Far Too Frail” – 3:43
Side B, Forth:
- “Solvent” – 4:37
- “Sleeping Beast” – 6:01
- “Brap…” – 1:13
SKINNY PUPPY STUDIO ALBUMS
Bites (1985)
Released: August 1985
Bites, Skinny Puppy’s first full-length studio album, expanded upon the experimental electronic elements of Remission. Recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver, this album features a darker, more polished sound. The band, comprising cEvin Key, Nivek Ogre, and Bill Leeb, produced this album with Dave Ogilvie. Tracks like “Assimilate” and “The Choke” exemplify the band’s ability to blend abrasive industrial sounds with melodic undertones. While the album didn’t make a significant impact on the charts, it solidified Skinny Puppy’s position in the industrial music scene.
Expanded CD Track Listings:
- “Assimilate” – 6:56
- “Blood on the Wall” – 2:58
- “Dead Lines” – 6:13
- “Church” – 3:16
- “Icebreaker” – 3:14
- “Tomorrow” – 4:53
- “Dead Doll” – 2:28
- “Film” – 2:18
- “Love” – 1:51
- “The Choke” – 6:29
- “Social Deception” – 2:57
- “Christianity” – 1:32
- “Basement” – 3:25
- “Last Call” – 5:54
- “Falling” – 4:20
- “The Centre Bullet” – 9:42
- “One Day” – 4:20
Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse (1986)
Released: September 5, 1986
Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse marked a significant evolution in Skinny Puppy’s sound, incorporating more complex rhythms and darker themes. Recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver, the album was produced by cEvin Key and Dave Ogilvie. The track “Dig It” received airplay and made it onto MTV, helping the band gain more mainstream exposure. The album was also the first Skinny Puppy studio album to feature Dwayne Goettel.
CD Track Listings:
- “One Time One Place” – 5:41
- “God’s Gift (Maggot)” – 4:46
- “Three Blind Mice” – 3:08
- “Love” – 1:51
- “Stairs and Flowers” – 5:19
- “Antagonism” – 5:03
- “200 Years” – 4:45
- “Dig It” – 7:33
- “Burnt with Water” – 7:41
Cleanse Fold and Manipulate (1987)
Released: June 25, 1987
Cleanse Fold and Manipulate continued Skinny Puppy’s exploration of dark, electronic soundscapes. The album was recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver and produced by the band and Dave Ogilvie. This release features some of their most intense and politically charged music, with tracks like “Deep Down Trauma Hounds” and “Addiction.” The album further established Skinny Puppy as pioneers of the industrial genre.
CD Track Listings:
- “First Aid” – 4:29
- “Addiction” – 6:01
- “Shadow Cast” – 4:18
- “Draining Faces” – 5:12
- “The Mourn” – 2:41
- “Second Tooth” – 4:06
- “Tear or Beat” – 4:42
- “Deep Down Trauma Hounds” – 4:41
- “Anger” – 4:54
- “Epilogue” – 1:10
VIVIsectVI (1988)
Released: September 12, 1988
VIVIsectVI is one of Skinny Puppy’s most critically acclaimed albums, often regarded as their magnum opus. The album title is a play on words referring to vivisection, reflecting the album’s strong animal rights stance. Recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver and produced by cEvin Key and Dave Ogilvie, the album features a mix of harsh electronic beats and socially conscious lyrics. The album helped demonstrate the band’s growing popularity and influence.
Original Album Track Listings:
- “Dogshit” – 3:57
- “VX Gas Attack” – 5:36
- “Harsh Stone White” – 4:28
- “Human Disease (S.K.U.M.M.)” – 6:18
- “Who’s Laughing Now?” – 5:29
- “Testure” – 5:06
- “State Aid” – 3:54
- “Hospital Waste” – 4:37
- “Fritter (Stella’s Home)” – 3:31
Rabies (1989)
Released: November 1989
Rabies marked a collaboration between Skinny Puppy and Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, leading to a more guitar-heavy industrial sound. The album, recorded at Chicago Trax and Vancouver’s Mushroom Studios, showcases a blend of electronic beats with aggressive guitar riffs. Produced in part by Al Jourgensen, the album includes tracks like “Worlock” and “Tin Omen,” which became fan favorites.
Original Album Track Listings:
- “Rodent” – 5:48
- “Hexonxonx” – 5:24
- “Two Time Grime” – 5:38
- “Fascist Jock Itch” – 4:58
- “Worlock” – 5:30
- “Rain” – 1:26
- “Tin Omen” – 4:36
- “Rivers” – 4:48
- “Choralone” – 2:43
- “Amputate” – 3:14
Too Dark Park (1990)
Released: October 1990
Too Dark Park is an intense journey into Skinny Puppy’s dark, chaotic soundscapes. Recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver and produced by cEvin Key, Nivek Ogre, and Dave Ogilvie, the album is known for its dense, layered production and nightmarish themes. Tracks like “Tormentor” and “Nature’s Revenge” highlight the band’s ability to blend harsh industrial beats with intricate sound design.
CD Track Listings:
- “Convulsion” – 3:20
- “Tormentor” – 4:33
- “Spasmolytic” – 3:53
- “Rash Reflection” – 3:28
- “Nature’s Revenge” – 3:57
- “Shore Lined Poison” – 4:49
- “Grave Wisdom” – 3:45
- “T.F.W.O.” – 3:47
- “Morpheus Laughing” – 4:00
- “Reclamation” – 3:00
Last Rights (1992)
Released: March 1992
Last Rights is a complex and experimental album, pushing the boundaries of industrial music. The album was recorded at Mushroom Studios in Vancouver and produced by cEvin Key, Nivek Ogre, Dwayne Goettel, and Dave Ogilvie. Featuring dark, abstract soundscapes and intense lyrical themes, tracks like “Love in Vein” and “Killing Game” exemplify the band’s innovative approach. The album reached number 193 on the Billboard 200, becoming Skinny Puppy’s first studio album to enter that chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Love in Vein” – 5:35
- “Killing Game” – 3:48
- “Knowhere?” – 4:18
- “Mirror Saw” – 3:51
- “Inquisition” – 5:17
- “Scrapyard” – 3:54
- “Riverz End” – 6:40
- “Lust Chance” – 3:55
- “Circustance” – 4:36
- “Download” – 11:01
The Process (1996)
Released: February 27, 1996
The Process was a turbulent album for Skinny Puppy, marked by internal conflict and the death of Dwayne Goettel. Recorded at various locations, including Shangri-La in Malibu and Studio X in Seattle, the album reflects the band’s struggles with themes of dissolution and chaos. Its production involved the band along with producers including Dave Ogilvie and Martin Atkins. It features tracks like “Death” and “Candle.” Despite the challenges, the album reached number 102 on the Billboard 200, their highest charting position.
CD Track Listings:
- “Jahya” – 3:34
- “Death” – 3:56
- “Candle” – 4:58
- “Hardset Head” – 4:06
- “Cult” – 3:03
- “Process” – 5:02
- “Curcible” – 3:28
- “Blue Serge” – 5:13
- “Morter” – 4:39
- “Amnesia” – 4:20
- “Cellar Heat” – 0:49
The Greater Wrong of the Right (2004)
Released: May 25, 2004
The Greater Wrong of the Right marked Skinny Puppy’s return after a long hiatus. Recorded at Subconscious Studios and other locations, the album incorporates more modern electronic elements while retaining their signature dark sound. Produced by cEvin Key and Mark Walk, it features tracks like “Pro-test” and “EmpTe.” The album reached number 176 on the Billboard 200, signaling a successful comeback for the band.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’mmortal” – 4:16
- “Pro-test” – 5:28
- “EmpTe” – 4:11
- “Neuwerld” – 5:29
- “Ghostman” – 4:55
- “dOwnsizer” – 4:20
- “Past Present” – 6:27
- “Use Less” – 4:47
- “Goneja” – 5:24
- “DaddyuWarbash” – 3:18
Mythmaker (2007)
Released: January 30, 2007
Mythmaker continues Skinny Puppy’s exploration of dark, electronic music with a modern twist. The album was produced by cEvin Key, Mark Walk, and Ken Marshall. It features complex soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics, with standout tracks like “Magnifishit” and “Politikil.” The album reached number 200 on the Billboard 200, showing their enduring appeal.
CD Track Listings:
- “Magnifishit” – 4:31
- “Dal” – 4:46
- “Haze” – 5:29
- “Pedafly” – 5:38
- “Jaher” – 5:14
- “Politikil” – 4:22
- “Lestiduz” – 4:11
- “Pasturn” – 3:48
- “Ambiantz” – 4:28
- “Ugli” – 6:33
hanDover (2011)
Released: October 25, 2011
hanDover showcases Skinny Puppy’s continued innovation in electronic music. Recorded at Subconscious Studios in Hollywood, the album was produced by Skinny Puppy and developed over a lengthy recording period. Featuring tracks like “Wavy” and “Vyrisus,” the album blends haunting melodies with intricate electronic production. hanDover reached number 168 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the band’s sustained relevance.
CD Track Listings:
- “Ovirt” – 4:51
- “Cullorblind” – 5:47
- “Wavy” – 4:34
- “Ashas” – 3:29
- “Gambatte” – 3:25
- “Icktums” – 5:16
- “Point” – 3:38
- “Brownstone” – 3:28
- “Vyrisus” – 4:07
- “Village” – 4:09
- “Noisex” – 7:14
Weapon (2013)
Released: May 28, 2013
Weapon reflects Skinny Puppy’s critical view of modern technology, gun culture, and warfare. Produced by Skinny Puppy, the album incorporates sharp electronic beats and biting lyrics. Tracks like “wornin'” and “paragUn” highlight the band’s ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound. The album reached number 140 on the Billboard 200, making it their second-highest charting studio album in the United States.
Digital Track Listings:
- “wornin'” – 4:42
- “illisiT” – 3:57
- “saLvo” – 3:45
- “gLowbeL” – 3:15
- “solvent” – 4:37
- “paragUn” – 4:52
- “survivalisto” – 4:50
- “tsudanama” – 5:53
- “plasiCage” – 3:13
- “terminal” – 4:01
- “Overdose” – 2:09
Updated August 31, 2026.
Complete List Of Skinny Puppy Albums And Discography article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
