First thing, there are 2 versions of this disc. The old one, and the new [Remastered] one. The way to tell is by the printing on the disc itself. If it's dull black with the songs listed, it's the old one. If it is shiny black with just "Skinny Puppy Rabies" at the bottom, you've got the [Remastered] version. That's the one Amazon sells.

Why such emphasis on [Remastered]? Well, usually that doesn't make much difference, but in this case it definitely DOES. The original release of Rabies suffered from PATHETIC production and mastering, and sounded like crap. I remember having to turn my stereo up to 9 just to hear the thing. Analog noise everywhere and some parts just weren't brought out enough at all... like the guitar on Tin Omen and all the synthesizers in Worlock, where the samples drowned out EVERYTHING. However, the [Remastered] version has NONE of these faults. The difference is unfrickinbelievable. I got it about 2 weeks ago and after one listen I threw the old one away. The production here rivals that of Too Dark Park and VIVIsectVI... Clear, intense sound, everything is accentuated just right, and nothing overpowers anything anymore. You can even hear (clearly!) the rumbling low synths behind the guitars in Fascist Jockitch.

Now, for the music... I don't know why everyone trashes this album, cuz EVERY industrial band did some metal experimenting here and there, why should SP be an exception? It wasn't a real turning point in their sound, considering that Too Dark Park came out the very next year. They were just experimenting. If you ask me, they went through this phase more gracefully than any other group... especially teaming up with Al Jourgensen... brilliant choice. His work on Tin Omen, Rodent and Fascist Jockitch was absolute genius. Also, there are still a few true-to-form Puppy songs here... including the almighty Worlock.

If you've got the old version, get this new one and you'll be literally shocked... and maybe then you won't be so disappointed with the album. Until next time...

I'm not a Skinny Puppy fanatic, but of the albums I've heard, "Rabies" is my favorite. Alot has been made of the production from Al Jourgenson, but the influence is subtle, and this is no Ministry. Most of this is excellent, but favorites are "Rodent", "Worlock", "Rivers", and of course "Tin Omen". Anybody new to the band would be best off with this album, "Too Dark Park", or obviously "The Singles Collection". This is simply an essential album from one of the essential industrial bands, and "Rabies" will have you foaming at the mouth.

...and I have to say, it's unbelievably good.

There is not a single bad track on this album. I can't believe I've lived so long without hearing the brilliance of Skinny Puppy music. Although i have to say that this is not music for everyone. Only those who consider themselves fans of industrial music should buy this cd. If you don't consider yourself a fan of industrial music, then pay this album no mind, because if you do buy it, you'll write some ignorant bad review of it.

Standout Tracks to me were:

"Fascist Jock Itch" - This is easily the most energetic song on the album. You can feel the energy surging into you as you listen to it.

"Worlock" - This song is just f***ing good. There is no way around that fact. Pleasant, yet at the same time extremely emotional. It also has a very deep message in its cryptic lyrics. This song now stands among my favorite songs of all time.

Ok..some puppy fans love this cd because it has guitars on it and some puppy fans hate it for the same reason. I usualy look down upon guitar usage on industrial cds, but when it's done right it sounds fantastic as FLA and Puppy have shown us. This cd is a classic in a SP's discography, partially due to the fact that Worlock is present(one of the best SP songs ever). But this cd has layers of "of a million souls and the power of the dead"..hehe. Every songs is a masterpiece of industrial werk. From the aggro assult of Faschist Jockitch, to the ambience of Rain and the outright weirdness and noise of Spahn Dirge( i got really dizzy when i 1st listened to that track). The lyrics, once again are fantastic, oral soundscapes have never sounded better and the samples are again, dead on, especially on Riverz.."a new way, what's this about a new way?!" SO get this cd already..i said get it!

i tell ya what anyone who loves skinny, realy must listen to this album. rabies is up there with too dark park for me actualy it goes above and beyond it ths is indeed the necter of the gods as music goes. with rich tones and bizzare samples from cars to feedback all put into one wonderful package . if u pass this one up you ought to cheack in to a mental ward thats all there is too it. i give it milkdog's 5 severed puppy heads (thats the best, and i'm milkdog)