Skinny Puppy – The Fillmore – Minneapolis MN – May 1st 2023

Fillmore Minneapolis and Live Nation present Skinny Puppy

From the moment Skinny Puppy took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The venue was transformed into a dark, immersive space where music and art converged in spectacular fashion. Lights flickered and danced to the beat, casting eerie shadows that added to the band’s enigmatic presence.

Ogre, the charismatic frontman, emerged amidst a backdrop of swirling images and pulsating rhythms. His stage presence was mesmerizing, as he prowled and contorted, channeling the intensity of Skinny Puppy’s music through every movement and expression. His vocals ranged from haunting whispers to primal screams, captivating the audience with their emotional depth and raw power.

Accompanying Ogre were Evin Key and the band’s live collaborators, who seamlessly blended electronic beats, industrial noise, and atmospheric textures. The result was a sonic tapestry that engulfed the senses, inviting listeners into a world both dystopian and strangely beautiful.

The setlist spanned Skinny Puppy’s illustrious career, featuring iconic tracks like “Assimilate,” “Dig It,” “Smothered Hope,” and “Worlock.” Each song was a sonic journey, marked by intricate layers of sound and provocative lyrics that challenged conventions and provoked thought.

Visual artistry played a crucial role in enhancing the experience. Massive screens projected a mix of abstract images, unsettling footage, and provocative animations, creating a multimedia spectacle that intensified the emotional impact of the music. The combination of sight and sound created a hypnotic allure that held the audience spellbound throughout the performance.

The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, dancing and thrashing to the relentless beats, fully immersed in the dark, industrial soundscape that Skinny Puppy masterfully crafted. It was a communal experience where fans found solace and connection in the music’s intensity and complexity.

As the night progressed, Skinny Puppy’s performance reached its crescendo with an encore that left the audience exhilarated yet yearning for more. The final moments resonated long after the last note faded, a testament to the band’s enduring influence and the impact of their live shows.

If you missed out on Skinny Puppy’s electrifying performance at The Fillmore, don’t despair. Keep an eye out for their next tour dates. Their live shows are not just concerts but transformative experiences that defy expectations and redefine what it means to experience music live. Embrace the darkness, embrace the innovation—Skinny Puppy awaits to take you on a journey unlike any other.

Review by Tracy Hansen and photos by Sophiea Owen