Bites and Remission
Skinny Puppy · 1987
69 min · 17 tracks · industrial music
A harrowing blend of industrial soundscapes and haunting vocals that confronts societal decay with raw intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Assimilate (R-23) — This track stands out for its aggressive energy and relentless beat, which encapsulate the band's critique of conformity and consumer culture. Its anthemic quality has made it a staple in live performances and resonates powerfully within the industrial genre.
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Smothered Hope — The track features a haunting vocal delivery layered over abrasive rhythms, capturing a sense of despair that permeates the album. Its exploration of psychological trauma showcases the band's ability to fuse personal anguish with broader social commentary.
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Glass Houses — With its unsettling atmosphere and evocative lyrics, this track highlights Skinny Puppy's knack for creating immersive soundscapes. The interplay between melody and dissonance exemplifies their innovative use of electronic textures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of harsh sounds and processed vocals creates a distinct industrial atmosphere, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a sound collage in 'Film' that sets an unsettling tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive beats and ambient interludes.
- Vocals are often layered and processed, creating a haunting effect that complements the industrial soundscapes throughout the record.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, such as 'Assimilate (R-23)' which shifts from a rhythmic pulse to chaotic noise, challenging listener expectations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamic listening experience
- confrontational themes of decay
- haunting soundscapes for reflection
- intense peaks and valleys
- immersive headphone exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Bites and Remission marked Skinny Puppy's third studio album during a period of rising prominence within the industrial music scene. Following their acclaimed debut, Too Dark Park, this album crystallized their unique sound, solidifying their status as pioneers in the electro-industrial genre. The band was increasingly recognized for their innovative approach to blending electronic elements with provocative themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Front Line Assembly· Nitzer Ebb
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Smothered Hope
A pivotal moment occurs when the lyrics shift to an accusatory tone, addressing betrayal directly without ambiguity.
This direct confrontation serves to deepen the emotional weight of the song while reflecting the pervasive distrust threaded throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Film 2:19
- 2 Smothered Hope 5:14
- 3 Glass Houses 3:21
- 4 Far Too Frail 3:43
- 5 Solvent 4:38
- 6 Sleeping Beast 6:01
- 7 Glass Out 3:25
- 8 Brap 1:11
- 9 Assimilate (R-23) 6:34
- 10 Deadlines 6:14
- 11 Blood on the Wall 2:57
- 12 Ice Breaker 3:14
- 13 Christianity 1:32
- 14 The Choke (Regrip) 6:11
- 15 Social Deception 2:58
- 16 Basement 3:28
- 17 Last Call 5:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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