Rabies cover

Rabies

Skinny Puppy · 1989

60 min · 11 tracks · industrial music

A dark, pulsating blend of industrial rhythms and haunting vocals that challenges the boundaries of electronic music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fascist Jock Itch — This track stands out for its confrontational lyrics and aggressive sound, reflecting societal tensions while encapsulating the band's critique of authority.
  • →
    Worlock — A haunting composition that combines ethereal vocals with heavy beats, representing the darker side of human experience and showcasing the band's signature style.
  • →
    Rodent — With its experimental structure and unsettling sounds, this track exemplifies Skinny Puppy's innovative approach to industrial music and sets a tone of unease throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive rhythms with haunting vocals, creating a distinctive sound that challenges listeners.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a relentless tempo with heavy electronic beats, while the fourth track introduces a stark shift in dynamics with aggressive vocals.
  • Several tracks feature layered samples and distorted vocal effects that create a disorienting atmosphere, particularly in 'Fascist Jock Itch' and 'Worlock'.
  • The album closes with 'Spahn Dirge', a live track that contrasts sharply with the studio recordings, adding an unpredictable element to the overall experience.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing fluctuations
  • dark, contemplative atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1989, Rabies is Skinny Puppy's fourth studio album, coming after their critically acclaimed record, Cleanse Fold and Manipulate. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their influence in the electro-industrial scene, pushing boundaries with their provocative themes and aggressive soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Ministry· Front Line Assembly· Nitzer Ebb

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Fascist Jock Itch

    The verses build towards an explosive chorus where language shifts to a more confrontational tone, directly addressing societal issues.

    This shift in tone from descriptive to accusatory emphasizes the urgency of the message, reinforcing the song's commentary on oppression.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rodent 5:49
  • 2 Hexonxonx 5:25
  • 3 Two Time Grime 5:39
  • 4 Fascist Jock Itch 4:57
  • 5 Worlock 5:30
  • 6 Rain 1:26
  • 7 Tin Omen 4:37
  • 8 Rivers 4:49
  • 9 Choralone 3:02
  • 10 Amputate 3:15
  • 11 Spahn Dirge (live) 16:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata