Released
1990
Label
Nettwerk/Capitol
Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund
Visit
Last Edit/Update
23 March, 1998
Skinny Puppy
TORMENTOR
Track Listing
1. Tormentor (extended re-edit)
2. Bark
3. Nature's Revenge (dub)
Skinny
Puppy's first single release from their Too Dark Park album is a pretty
inoffensive affair to fans of the original versions of the two album tracks that have been
reworked for the single. In addition, Tormentor also features the song
"Bark," which did not appear on the album, and therefore makes the single
attractive to Skinny Puppy completionists.
The 'extended re-edit' of the title
track, really is nothing very much more than an extended offering of the song. This
version retains the feel and sound of the original, and sustains its flow for the duration
of its 7:38 minute length. Nice atmospheric intro/outros have been added, and extra
samples have been thrown in -- all positive additions to the original.
"Bark," of course is the
real treat of the single. The song falls at the aggressive end of Skinny Puppy's
repertoire, with strong percussion elements that constantly shoot off in new directions.
The song is also rich on manipulated effect sounds and samples, and Ogre delivers
a dynamic vocal performance, screaming his guts out throughout most of the piece.
Closing Tormentor is a
"dub"-version of "Nature's Revenge" -- a unique track to begin with,
with its almost ballad-like vocals, pronounced use of acoustic instruments, and
uncharacteristically subtle rhythms and synths. On this version the theme has been
accentuated, and has a more bassy sound, the acoustic guitar strummings carry even greater
weight than on the original, and Ogre delivers his vocals in a subdued, rasping
voice.
