VIVIsectVI cover

VIVIsectVI

Skinny Puppy · 1988

61 min · 13 tracks · industrial music

An unsettling blend of abrasive soundscapes and haunting vocals that critiques societal decay and political corruption.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    VX Gas Attack — This track serves as a chilling commentary on the use of chemical weapons, combining aggressive beats with unsettling samples that evoke a sense of urgency and alarm.
  • →
    Human Disease (S.K.U.M.M.) — The song's layered textures and haunting vocals create an atmosphere of despair, effectively conveying themes of dehumanization and societal neglect.
  • →
    Yes He Ran — This closing track encapsulates the album's themes of escape and resistance, featuring intricate production that highlights both chaos and beauty.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's aggressive soundscapes and critical themes create a distinctive experience within the industrial genre.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are often layered with effects, creating an unsettling atmosphere that complements the abrasive instrumentation.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt transitions and tempo shifts, which contribute to a sense of disorientation and urgency.
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
9/10

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

  • wave-like emotional intensity
  • visceral critique of society
  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • immersive headphone exploration
  • cathartic release through noise

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek lighthearted listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
VIVIsectVI was Skinny Puppy's fourth studio album, released during a period when the band was solidifying its reputation as pioneers of the industrial genre. Following the success of their previous album, Cleanse Fold and Manipulate (1987), this release showcased a more refined yet provocative sound, reflecting their growing political awareness and commitment to addressing pressing social issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Ministry· Front Line Assembly· Nitzer Ebb

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dogshit 3:55
  • 2 VX Gas Attack 5:36
  • 3 Harsh Stone White 4:29
  • 4 Human Disease (S.K.U.M.M.) 6:18
  • 5 Who’s Laughing Now? 5:28
  • 6 Testure 5:06
  • 7 State Aid 3:54
  • 8 Hospital Waste 4:37
  • 9 Fritter (Stella’s Home) 3:31
  • 10 Yes He Ran 6:28
  • 11 Punk in Park Zoo’s 2:30
  • 12 The Second Opinion 4:59
  • 13 Funguss 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata