What makes Remission by Skinny Puppy notable?

Remission is notable for its raw sound and experimental approach, which would go on to influence countless artists within the industrial and electronic music scenes. The album received critical acclaim upon release, establishing Skinny Puppy as pioneers of a new genre that blended performance art with music, ultimately shaping the development of industrial rock. Released in December 1984, Remission was Skinny Puppy's debut album, introducing their distinct sound to the industrial music scene. At this time, the band was still emerging as a significant act within the burgeoning electro-industrial genre, following a series of live performances that had begun to build their reputation.

Who is Remission for?

Remission works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and builds.

How many songs are on Remission?

Remission has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Remission

Skinny Puppy · 1984

39 min · 11 tracks · industrial music

A visceral blend of harsh electronics and unsettling atmospheres that redefine the boundaries of industrial music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smothered Hope — Opening with a haunting vocal delivery layered over distorted samples, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of darkness and despair. Its complex sonic structure exemplifies the innovative sound that defines Skinny Puppy's aesthetic.
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Incision — This track showcases aggressive beats interspersed with unsettling soundscapes, illustrating the band's ability to fuse rhythm with chaos. The stark contrasts throughout create an immersive experience that captures the essence of their industrial roots.
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Solvent — With its eerie atmosphere and intricate layering of sounds, Solvent highlights Skinny Puppy's knack for creating tension through audio manipulation. The song’s dynamic shifts serve as both a sonic and emotional reflection of the album's themes.

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

Remission showcases a raw, experimental sound that helped define industrial music's early landscape.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a cacophony of distorted sounds and samples, setting a chaotic tone that persists throughout the EP.
Each song features abrupt transitions, often shifting from harsh electronic noise to quieter, more atmospheric sections.
Vocals are heavily processed and layered, frequently blending with the instrumentation rather than standing out as separate elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 and builds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in December 1984, Remission was Skinny Puppy's debut album, introducing their distinct sound to the industrial music scene. At this time, the band was still emerging as a significant act within the burgeoning electro-industrial genre, following a series of live performances that had begun to build their reputation.
Stylistic neighbors: Ministry· Front Line Assembly· Nitzer Ebb