"Cleanse Fold and Manipulate" is the third studio album by the Canadian electro-industrial group Skinny Puppy. Released in 1987, the album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound and thematic approach, further establishing their unique style within the industrial music genre.
The album's tracks delve into dark, atmospheric textures, layered with aggressive electronic beats and distorted vocals, characteristic of Skinny Puppy's signature sound. "Cleanse Fold and Manipulate" includes standout tracks such as "Addiction", which was supported by a single release and became a staple in the band's live performances.
To promote the album, Skinny Puppy embarked on the Head Trauma tour, covering extensive ground across North America and Europe. The tour showcased the band's intense and theatrical live performances, enhancing their reputation as one of the most compelling acts in the industrial music scene.
In 1989, a live recording from the tour titled "Ain't it Dead Yet?" was released on video, capturing Skinny Puppy's energetic stage presence and further solidifying their fan base. The audio version of the concert was later released on CD in 1991, offering fans a visceral experience of the band's live performances during the "Cleanse Fold and Manipulate" era.
Overall, "Cleanse Fold and Manipulate" remains a pivotal album in Skinny Puppy's discography, demonstrating their mastery of dark electronic textures and cementing their influence on the industrial music landscape. The album's success and subsequent tours solidified Skinny Puppy's status as innovators in electronic music, paving the way for their continued experimentation and artistic evolution.
