The Rise and Criticisms of Skinny Puppy

Love them or hate them, Skinny Puppy has been an undeniable force in modern alternative music since they first came onto the scene in 1982. They’ve been heavily criticized over the years for their use of samples and synthesizers mixed with aggressive riffs and drum beats - but no one can deny that they've created a unique sound. By blending elements of industrial, electropunk, metal, noise rock, and more into their experimental style, it's hard to find another band that has achieved such a diverse range of music. In this blog post we're going to take an up close look at Skinny Puppy and search for both criticisms & reasons why many people have come to love this iconic Canadian band over the years.

Love them or hate them, Skinny Puppy has been a force in modern alternative music for almost four decades. As a Canadian band, they initially started out making experimental music that blended industrial, electropunk, and noise rock music into a unique style. Over the years, the band has had its fair share of criticisms and controversies which has led to public outcry, lawsuits, and the burning of copies of its albums. Despite all of this, Skinny Puppy remained undeterred, continuing to pave the way for creatives in experimental genres and maintaining their place in music history.

To say that Skinny Puppy has had a colorful history is an understatement. Since their formation in 1982 in Vancouver, the band has been lauded for its unique sound that blends elements from different genres. At the music's core is a blend of industrial sounds and aggression melded with punk sensibilities, resulting in something both new and daring. However, the band is not without controversy. In 1988, they were accused of violating animal rights because samples of animal cruelty were included in their project. As imagined, the negative publicity was harsh, though Skinny Puppy denied any wrongdoing, stating the sounds came from real life.

In addition to animal rights controversies, the band has had disputes with record labels over album profits, resulting in lawsuits. However, Skinny Puppy hasn’t allowed such persecutions to stop them from releasing some of the most critically acclaimed albums in music history. Their songs usually touch societal issues like socio-political wars and capitalism. 2004 too saw them prosecuted for breach of contract by their former record label. The label had re-released their back catalogue with no profit sharing, leading to legal battles. However, all of this failed to stop fans from loving the band's music.

One reason people love Skinny Puppy is their ability to veer from musical conventions and expectations while still coming up with masterpieces. Skinny Puppy was one of the first bands to incorporate sampling into music, creating an entirely new genre. They’re also known for their intense shows, using a variety of visual elements that compliment the music in an otherworldly way. Their shows usually feature projections, strobe lights, special effects, and more, serving as a showcase for their art beyond music. Their music has also served as a source of inspiration for countless bands in the alternative and industrial music genres.

Skinny Puppy is a band that continues to stand the test of time through the years despite the controversies and criticisms they've faced. From their distinctive use of sampling and electronic sounds to their visually striking live performances, the band remains a driving force in experimental music. Their music may not be for everyone, but their influence in the music world cannot be denied. Despite all the negative press, Skinny Puppy’s trailblazing style has garnered fans from all around the world and has inspired many artists to create their own unique sounds. Love them or regard them with disdain, Skinny Puppy’s legacy has for the future.