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Skin Yard
Skin Yard
Skin Yard
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Skin Yard was an American grunge band from Seattle, Washington, that was active from 1985 to 1992.[1] The group never gained a mainstream audience but were an influence on several of their grunge contemporaries, including Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, and Green River.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The band was formed in January 1985 by Daniel House and Jack Endino, who were subsequently joined by Ben McMillan and Matt Cameron. Skin Yard played its first official concert on June 7, 1985, opening for the U-Men.[2] A few months later, Skin Yard contributed two songs to the now-renowned Deep Six compilation. In addition to featuring the first commercial recordings of Malfunkshun, Melvins, Soundgarden, and Skin Yard, this album was the first to showcase the early grunge sound. In 1987, Skin Yard released their self-titled debut album and their first single, "Gelatin Babies".

Shortly after these releases, drummer Matt Cameron left the band to join Soundgarden, after which the band went through a series of drummers. He was initially replaced by Steve Wied, and Greg Gilmore filled in. In the fall, Jason Finn joined but left after eight months for personal reasons. Scott McCullum filled the vacancy in May 1987 and he remained for two years, during which time the band recorded and released their second album, Hallowed Ground (1988). However, McCullum left and the band took a fourteen-month hiatus after a U.S. tour quoted as being "the tour from hell".

Skin Yard returned in 1990 with their third album, Fist Sized Chunks, and their final drummer, Barrett Martin. In 1991, as grunge was breaking into the mainstream, the band released their fourth album, 1000 Smiling Knuckles. That same year, original bassist Daniel House left the band to spend more time with his family. He was replaced by Pat Pedersen, who stayed with the band for the recording of their final album, Inside the Eye, which featured the single "Undertow". After the recording was completed, Skin Yard decided to disband, and the album was released shortly after.

Post-breakup

[edit]

Prior to the breakup, Ben McMillan and Scott McCullum had started the band Gruntruck as a side-project and continued to perform with the band after Skin Yard's demise. By the time Gruntruck disbanded, they had released two albums and one EP. Ben McMillan died from diabetes in 2008 at the age of 46.

Pat Pedersen and Barrett Martin worked with Jack Endino on his solo album Endino's Earthworm. Endino also released two other solo albums, Angle of Attack and Permanent Fatal Error. Endino has largely switched from working as a performer to working as a music producer. He produced several albums by the grunge bands Soundgarden (a band including original Skin Yard drummer Matt Cameron) and Mudhoney; more recently[when?] he has produced albums by artists such as Hot Hot Heat and ZEKE.

Daniel House, as owner and president of C/Z Records, continued to release records until 2001 when he released the Skin Yard rarities album, Start at the Top.

Barrett Martin joined Screaming Trees and drummed on their albums Sweet Oblivion and Dust. Screaming Trees went on hiatus and finally broke up in 2000. Martin has also toured with R.E.M. During the late 1990s, Martin formed the grunge supergroup Mad Season with Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley, Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, and bassist John Baker Saunders. Mad Season released one album before breaking up in 1999.

Jason Finn, who was replaced by McCullum in Skin Yard, went on to drum for the band Love Battery until 1995 and the band The Presidents of the United States of America until their breakup in 1998.

Legacy

[edit]

In 2017, Metal Injection ranked Skin Yard at number 8 on their list of "10 Heaviest Grunge Bands".[3]

Band members

[edit]

Original lineup

Later members

  • Steve Wied – drums (1986)
  • Greg Gilmore – drums (1986)
  • Jason Finn – drums (1986–1987)
  • Scott McCullum – drums (1987–1989)
  • Barrett Martin – drums (1990–1992)
  • Pat Pedersen – bass (1991–1992)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Year Label
Skin Yard 1987 C/Z Records
Hallowed Ground 1988 Toxic Shock Records
Fist Sized Chunks 1990 Cruz Records
1000 Smiling Knuckles 1991 Cruz Records
Inside the Eye 1993 Cruz Records
Start at the Top 2001 C/Z Records

Singles/EPs

[edit]
Year Title Album Label
1987 "Bleed" Skin Yard C/Z Records
1988 "Stranger" Hallowed Ground Toxic Shock Records
1989 "Start at the Top" Start at the Top Sub Pop
1991 "1000 Smiling Knuckles" 1000 Smiling Knuckles Cruz Records
1991 "Psychoriflepowerhypnotized" 1000 Smiling Knuckles Rave Records
1993 "Undertow" Inside the Eye Cruz Records

Compilation appearances

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Skin Yard

View on Grokipedia
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Skin Yard was an influential American band formed in , Washington, in January 1985 by bassist Daniel House and guitarist . The group quickly emerged as a pioneer in the nascent scene, characterized by its aggressive, heavy sound blending punk, metal, and influences. Featuring vocalist Ben McMillan and an evolving lineup of drummers—starting with from 1985 to 1986, followed by others including Scott McCullum and —Skin Yard contributed the track "Throb" to the seminal 1986 compilation album Deep Six, which introduced the world to several key early acts. Over their active period from 1985 to 1992, the band released five studio albums: their self-titled debut in 1987, Hallowed Ground in 1988, Fist Sized Chunks in 1990, 1000 Smiling Knuckles in 1991, and the final studio album Inside the Eye in 1993, along with singles. Though they remained largely underground, Skin Yard's impact extended beyond their recordings, with recent reissues like the 2024 Skin Yard Select ; drummer went on to join in 1986 and (1998–2025), while guitarist became a renowned producer, helming Nirvana's debut album in 1989. Vocalist Ben McMillan, who performed with the band until its dissolution, passed away in 2008.

History

Formation and early years

Skin Yard was formed in January 1985 in by bassist Daniel House and guitarist , who had previously collaborated in the band feeDBack and sought to create a heavier, more experimental sound following the disbandment of their prior projects. Initially conceived as a amid the burgeoning scene, the duo recruited drummer —whom House had met at the nightclub in 1983—after an initial tryout by another drummer did not fit their vision; Cameron's versatile style, drawn from his time in and the Jitters, completed the rhythm section. Vocalist Ben McMillan joined shortly thereafter in April 1985, after impressing the group by singing along during an impromptu basement jam session at House's home. This original lineup—House, Endino, McMillan, and Cameron—rehearsed in House's living room, focusing on improvisational pieces that blended heavy riffs with cerebral, dark themes. The band made its live debut on June 7, 1985, opening for at 's Hall (also known as 1.O.O.F. Hall), sharing the bill with acts like Girl Trouble and the F-Holes in a raw, non-traditional venue setting. Early performances often took place at basement parties and informal spots like Morningtown Pizza, helping the group build a presence in the proto-grunge underground before transitioning to more established clubs. Cameron's involvement also linked Skin Yard to the wider scene, as he soon after joined . In 1986, Skin Yard gained early exposure through its contribution of the track "Throb" to the seminal Deep Six compilation album, the inaugural release (CZ-001) from C/Z Records, which House helped manage after taking over from founder Chris Hanzsek to support local bands. Produced by Hanzsek and Tina Casale, these recordings featured McMillan on vocals, Endino on guitar, House on bass, and Cameron on drums, capturing the band's raw energy and marking a key document of Seattle's emerging heavy rock sound alongside acts like Soundgarden, Green River, and the Melvins. The band's self-titled debut album, recorded between 1985 and 1986 primarily at Endino's Reciprocal Recording using a mix of 12-track and 4-track setups, was released in January 1987 on (CZ-003), with House playing a pivotal role in the label's operations to ensure its distribution. Limited to approximately 1,400 copies on translucent "skin-tone" vinyl, the LP included tracks like "Skins in My Closet" and "Reptile," engineered by Endino with assistance from Bruce Jones and , and featured artwork painted by Beth Hendrickson. This release solidified Skin Yard's place in the mid-1980s DIY ethos, emphasizing independent production and community ties.

Mid-career developments

In the late , Skin Yard solidified their presence in the with the release of their debut full-length album, Skin Yard, in January 1987 on . The record showcased a blend of punk aggression and art-rock experimentation, featuring intricate arrangements and cerebral lyrics that distinguished it from the heavier sludge emerging in the local scene. Engineered by guitarist at Reciprocal Recording, the album included tracks like "Burn a Hole" and "Exit Inside," marking the band's first major studio effort with drummer on most cuts. Building on this foundation, Skin Yard issued their second album, Hallowed Ground, in September 1988 through Toxic Shock Records. The LP expanded into heavier, more abrasive territories with sludgy riffs and doomy atmospheres, as heard in the title track and "Breeding Ground," reflecting a shift toward the raw intensity defining early . Recorded again at Reciprocal with Endino at the helm, it featured new drummer Scott McCullum and emphasized the band's evolving sonic density. That same year, the single ""/"This Lonely Place" on Toxic Shock further highlighted this progression, with "" becoming a staple in their live sets. The band's activity intensified with the 1987 single "Bleed"/"Gelatin Babies" on , which supported regional touring and live performances across the Pacific Northwest, including shows at venues like in . By 1989, Skin Yard released the single "Start at the Top"/"Watch" on Records, signaling a move toward more structured aesthetics with tighter songcraft and driving rhythms. This period also saw increasing integration into the Seattle scene, with shared bills alongside acts like Green River in 1986 and emerging groups such as , fostering connections within the burgeoning community. The core lineup of vocalist Ben McMillan, Endino, bassist Daniel House, and rotating drummers remained stable, enabling consistent output.

Final years and breakup

In the late and early , Skin Yard navigated lineup instability while achieving their most polished output amid the burgeoning scene. The band released their third album, Fist Sized Chunks, in spring 1990 on Cruz Records, featuring drummer Scott McCullum, who had joined in 1987 following earlier short stints by Steve Wied, , and Jason Finn in 1986–1987. This period marked continued experimentation with heavy, riff-driven soundscapes, though the album received limited commercial attention compared to later works. The 1991 release of 1000 Smiling Knuckles represented Skin Yard's creative peak and most commercially successful effort, with sales boosted by its tight production and alignment with the mainstream breakthrough led by contemporaries like Nirvana. Recorded with new drummer , who had replaced McCullum in 1989, the album included singles "1000 Smiling Knuckles" and "Psychoriflepowerhypnotized," which highlighted the band's aggressive, hypnotic style. To promote it, Skin Yard undertook extensive U.S. national tours—their third such outing—and a European tour in fall 1991, sharing stages and producers with other acts amid the scene's rising visibility. Lineup shifts intensified as bassist Daniel House departed in March 1991 to focus on family priorities, citing the relentless touring schedule as a strain; he was replaced by Pat Pedersen. Drummer changes had stabilized with Martin, though the band briefly considered further adjustments like revisiting past members Jason Finn or McCullum amid the transitions. The group recorded their final album, Inside the Eye, in summer 1992 with Pedersen and Martin, but ceased activities shortly after due to collective burnout from years of independent grinding and shifting personal priorities. The album saw posthumous release in 1993 on Cruz Records.

Musical style and influences

Characteristics and evolution

Skin Yard's core sound blended elements of punk, heavy metal, , and , characterized by sludgy, riff-heavy guitar work, complex and groove-oriented rhythms from bass and , and atmospheric textures that created a raw, intense sonic identity. The band's instrumentation emphasized a heavy foundation, with bassist Daniel House providing pulsating, groove-driven lines that anchored the music, while drummers such as and later contributed intricate, propulsive patterns blending punk aggression with subtle influences. Guitarist Jack Endino's style focused on feedback-laden and savage riffs, often layering noisy, experimental textures to heighten the atmospheric quality. Vocalist Ben McMillan's delivery was a defining feature, featuring a Bowie-esque croon mixed with punk aggression on the 1987 self-titled debut that evoked an art-house vibe. By 1991's 1000 Smiling Knuckles, his style had evolved to a cleaner, less abrasive tone while maintaining raw emotional intensity, aligning with the band's heavier sound. The band's sound developed notably over their active years, with early albums like the 1987 debut and 1988's Hallowed Ground leaning experimental and art-rock oriented, featuring lethargy and less conventional structures amid the emerging scene. Later releases from 1990 to 1992 shifted toward heavier, riff-driven , as heard in Fist Sized Chunks and 1000 Smiling Knuckles, where darker, more powerful attitudes emerged, aligning with the genre's broader maturation. This progression reflected lineup changes, including drummers who brought varied rhythmic complexities, and a gradual intensification of metallic edges by the posthumous 1993 album Inside the Eye. Recent reissues, such as the 2024 Skin Yard Select of 7-inch singles, highlight this evolution through remastered tracks spanning the band's career. Production techniques, largely handled by Endino or the band themselves, underscored a raw, lo-fi aesthetic that captured the DIY ethos of 's underground, evolving from basic 8- and 12-track setups on early records to 16- and 24-track recordings that retained unpolished energy without commercial gloss.

Influences

Skin Yard's musical development drew from a diverse array of sources, blending heavy rock traditions with punk and sensibilities. Bassist Daniel House identified and as pivotal influences, emphasizing the band's incorporation of heaviness alongside a psychedelic component that set it apart in the . Guitarist further noted the profound impact of British bands like , , and Wire, which shaped the angular, dissonant qualities of Skin Yard's early sound amid the mid-1980s scene. The band's style reflected an eclectic palette, encompassing , , , , old-school , and heavy metal elements that informed their riff-driven aggression and experimental edge. House described Skin Yard as a "heavy art-band," highlighting its cerebral and adventurous approach, akin to contemporaries like , while evolving from textural experimentation to more defined heavy structures over time. Interactions within the proto-grunge Seattle ecosystem, including peers such as , Green River, and , further honed Skin Yard's raw and aggressive style through shared performances and collaborative releases. With House running , the band played a key role in disseminating these sounds via the seminal 1986 Deep Six compilation, which featured Skin Yard alongside those acts and predated the mainstream emergence of . This early involvement positioned Skin Yard as foundational contributors to the genre's raw, underground ethos.

Legacy

Impact on grunge and Seattle scene

Skin Yard played a pivotal role in shaping the proto- sound of the music scene during the mid-1980s, blending heavy metal influences with punk aggression to create a raw, distorted aesthetic that foreshadowed the genre's mainstream explosion. Their early releases, including the self-titled debut in and Hallowed Ground in , emphasized sludgy riffs and intense dynamics, helping to define the heavier end of what would become grunge. As a core act on , which took over in —the band not only released their own material but also supported the label's mission to document and promote 's underground talent, launching acts like the and that expanded the scene's reach. This DIY infrastructure fostered a collaborative environment, with C/Z's early compilations and 7-inches embodying the independent spirit that influenced the subsequent Records era. The band's deep involvement in the local ecosystem amplified their foundational contributions, as they frequently shared bills with emerging peers at venues like the Central Tavern and the , building a tight-knit community around shared aesthetics and anti-commercial values. Their track "Throb" on the landmark C/Z compilation Deep Six—featuring , the , Green River, , and the —served as an early snapshot of Seattle's heavy rock undercurrents, capturing the sludgy, feedback-laden style that critics later dubbed . This participation reinforced the scene's DIY ethos, emphasizing self-produced recordings and grassroots promotion over major-label aspirations, which laid the groundwork for grunge's cultural identity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Guitarist Jack Endino's parallel role as a producer further extended Skin Yard's indirect influence on 's evolution, as he engineered seminal recordings for key bands emerging from the same milieu. Endino produced Nirvana's debut album (1989), Soundgarden's EP (1987), and Mudhoney's (1988), applying techniques honed in Skin Yard's sessions—such as lo-fi and aggressive mixing—to help craft the genre's sonic template. This cross-pollination strengthened Seattle's interconnected network, where Skin Yard's emphasis on heaviness informed the heavier strains of grunge heard in contemporaries. In recognition of their contributions to 's heavier side, Metal Injection ranked Skin Yard eighth on its of the "10 Heaviest Grunge Bands," underscoring their niche but enduring significance despite limited commercial traction. Throughout the early 1990s grunge boom, however, the band remained firmly underground, overshadowed by more accessible peers like Nirvana and ; their metal-leaning intensity was seen as less aligned with the scene's punk-inflected image.

Posthumous recognition and reissues

Following the band's 1992 disbandment, Skin Yard's catalog saw its first significant posthumous reissue in 2001 with Start at the Top, a released by that gathered unreleased outtakes, rarities, and singles from various sessions spanning the group's active years. The limited-edition collection, pressed in a hand-numbered run of 700 copies, highlighted overlooked material and helped sustain interest among enthusiasts by showcasing the band's raw, experimental edge. The death of vocalist Ben McMillan on January 28, 2008, at age 46 from complications related to an eight-year battle with , profoundly influenced discussions of Skin Yard's legacy within the music community. McMillan's passing prompted a public memorial in that , drawing tributes from peers and underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in the heavier side of the early scene, while also prompting reflections on the health struggles faced by many in the era's underground musicians. In 2024, C/Z Records issued Skin Yard Select, a limited-edition box set of seven 7-inch vinyl singles (totaling 1,000 copies, with 800 on red vinyl and 200 on neon pink), compiling remastered tracks, alternate versions, remixes, and previously unreleased material like the 1985 demo "California" from the band's formative period through 1991. The release, which featured contributions from drummers Matt Cameron, Jason Finn, Scott McCullum, and Barrett Martin, was celebrated with a December 12 listening party, Q&A, and signing event at Easy Street Records in Seattle, attended by co-founders Daniel House and Jack Endino alongside other members. That year, House discussed the band's enduring relevance in interviews, noting in Decibel Magazine how Skin Yard's perception has "only gotten more relevant and grown over the decades" through its cerebral style and ties to Soundgarden, while emphasizing his continued stewardship of C/Z Records in a Goldmine feature that tied the reissue to the label's role in defining early grunge. By 2025, marking nearly 40 years since the band's 1985 formation, Skin Yard received further nods in retrospectives, including a feature in PopMatters' list of essential deep cuts from the era that praised McMillan's stream-of-consciousness delivery on tracks like "Skins in My Closet." House announced progress on an book, Words on Bone, slated for late-2025 release, which will compile interviews to further document the band's contributions amid scene anniversaries.

Band members

Original and core lineup

Skin Yard's original and core lineup formed in in early 1985, consisting of vocalist Ben McMillan, guitarist , bassist Daniel House, and drummer , who together defined the band's initial sound during its most stable period from 1985 to 1986. This quartet's chemistry, rooted in shared experiences, produced the band's self-titled debut album in 1987, blending heavy riffs with experimental edges. Ben McMillan served as from the band's in April 1985 through 1992 (died January 28, 2008), bringing a distinctive and versatile singing style that ranged from raw intensity to melodic hooks, enhancing Skin Yard's cerebral and aggressive tracks. His passionate delivery, often layered over dense instrumentation, contributed to the band's unique vocal presence in early recordings like "Can You Feel It?" from the debut album. Jack Endino, a co-founder alongside in January 1985, handled duties until 1992 and was instrumental in production, leveraging his expertise to record the band's early material using an 12-track setup at Reciprocal Recording. Endino's guitar work provided the edgy, riff-driven foundation, while his production skills shaped the raw, innovative sound that distinguished Skin Yard from contemporaries. Daniel House, the other co-founder, played bass from 1985 to 1991 and managed , which he assumed control of in 1985, using it to release the band's debut and support the scene. His rhythmic backbone, honed from prior bands like Feedback, anchored the core lineup's dynamic shifts and experimental leanings. Matt Cameron rounded out the original rhythm section on drums from 1985 to 1986, infusing jazz-influenced precision and musicality into Skin Yard's heavy grooves, as heard on tracks like "The Birds." Having previously collaborated with in Feedback, Cameron also suggested the band's name and performed on their first album before departing. Cameron later joined and , while McMillan formed , Endino continued as a prominent producer, and sustained .

Lineup changes and additional members

Skin Yard underwent significant personnel shifts starting in 1986, primarily in the drummer position, which contributed to the band's evolving sound and operational dynamics. After original drummer departed in June 1986 to join , the band cycled through several replacements. Steve Wied, later of Tad, and , later of , each handled two shows as interim drummers in mid-1986. Jason Finn, future member of the Presidents of the United States of America, then joined in the fall of 1986 and remained until spring 1987, appearing on tracks from the debut album. Scott McCullum assumed drumming duties in May 1987, serving through May 1989 and contributing to key releases like Hallowed Ground (1988). His heavier playing style marked a pivotal shift, transforming the band's early "artier" phase into a more aggressive, cohesive sound that defined their mid-period output. Barrett Martin, later of and Mad Season, joined in mid-1990 and stayed until the band's dissolution, drumming on later albums such as Fist Sized Chunks (1990) and Inside the Eye (1993), as well as providing stability for extensive touring. Jason Finn returned briefly for select 1990 sessions. In March 1991, longtime bassist Daniel House exited amid internal tensions, with Pat Pedersen—previously in Jack Endino's Endino's Earthworm—replacing him and debuting on Inside the Eye. Pedersen's arrival completed the rhythm section for the band's final phase. Occasional guest contributions from Seattle scene musicians enriched recordings, including guitarist Tom Niemeyer of on "Slow Runner" and experimental artist Helios Creed on "Gentle Collapse" from the 1990 album Fist Sized Chunks. These lineup changes fostered a fluid in the later years (1988–1992), enabling Skin Yard to sustain touring—such as their 1991 European jaunt—and album production despite turnover, with each member's distinct style influencing sonic evolution across five studio albums. The final touring configuration for the 1991 European tour featured Endino on guitar, Ben McMillan on vocals, Martin on drums, and Pedersen on bass.

Discography

Studio albums

Skin Yard's debut studio album, simply titled Skin Yard, was released in January 1987 on . Recorded on an 12-track machine and engineered by at Reciprocal Recording in , it marked the band's first full-length commercial release and featured drummer on most tracks. The band's second album, Hallowed Ground, followed in spring 1988 via Toxic Shock Records. Produced with a heavier sound compared to the debut, it was recorded on a half-inch 8-track Otari machine, also at Reciprocal Recording, with Scott McCullum replacing Cameron on drums. Fist Sized Chunks, the third studio album, came out in spring 1990 on Cruz Records. Recorded on a 16-track setup following a grueling tour that temporarily disbanded the group and amid lineup shifts including McCullum's continued role on , it emphasized aggressive, heavy riffs with a muddier production style. In autumn 1991, Skin Yard issued 1000 Smiling Knuckles on Cruz Records, an 11-track effort regarded by the band as their strongest in terms of songwriting and execution. This album aligned more closely with the emerging mainstream sound, featuring new drummer and recorded on a 24-track Otari machine. The final proper studio album, Inside the Eye, was recorded in on a 16-track setup but released posthumously in summer 1993 on Cruz Records, over a year after the band's breakup. It introduced bassist Pat Pedersen and shifted toward riff-driven compositions with less textural elements, while retaining Martin on drums.

Singles and EPs

Skin Yard released a series of singles and EPs primarily through independent labels, serving as early promotional vehicles for their emerging sound in the music scene. These shorter-format releases, often limited in pressing, captured the band's raw, heavy influences and helped build their underground following before full-length albums. The debut efforts in particular highlighted their punk and metal roots, with subsequent ones teasing album material or experimenting with live recordings. The band's first release, the "Bleed" 7" single in on , marked their entry into recorded music with two tracks: "Bleed" and "Gelatin Babies." Issued in summer on black vinyl, it featured "Bleed" as a later recording with drummer Jason Finn, incorporating a Floyd-esque break and somber elements, while "Gelatin Babies" was an unfinished piece originally intended for their debut album. This single established Skin Yard's intense, feedback-laden style and was pivotal in gaining traction among local tape-trading networks. Later that year, the "Stranger" 7" single appeared on Toxic Shock Records, with tracks "Stranger" and "This Lonely Place." Released in winter 1987 on black, orange, or pink vinyl (the latter a second pressing), it drew from material that would appear on their early work, showcasing brooding, atmospheric riffs. The single's distribution through punk-oriented channels like Toxic Shock helped expand their reach beyond Seattle. In 1989, Skin Yard issued the "Start at the Top" 7" on Sub Pop Records, pressed in 4,000 copies (400 on white vinyl), featuring "Start at the Top" and "Watch." Recorded after sessions for Fist Sized Chunks with drummer Scott McCullum, this fall release acted as a teaser for their evolving heavier sound, aligning with Sub Pop's role in promoting the burgeoning grunge aesthetic. The 1991 "1000 Smiling Knuckles" 10" single on Cruz Records included "1000 Smiling Knuckles" and the non-album track "," limited to 2,000 pink vinyl copies. Released in summer 1991, it promoted their concurrent efforts and aimed at radio play with its anthemic structure, reflecting the band's push toward broader accessibility. That same fall, Skin Yard collaborated on a split 7" with Loveslug on Rave Records, contributing the experimental track "PsychoRiflePowerHypnotized" alongside Loveslug's "Loser Bar." Issued on black and yellow vinyl with a European edition by Glitterhouse, the Skin Yard side was recorded live at KDVS radio, emphasizing their improvisational edge in a raw, unpolished format. Post-breakup, the "Undertow" EP emerged in on Cruz Records as a three-track release: "Inside the Eye," "Undertow," and a live version of "Drunk on ." Available on vinyl and , it drew from sessions for the unfinished Inside the Eye material, providing a final snapshot of the band's sound after their disbandment and serving as a posthumous promotional to their archived recordings.

Compilations and other releases

Skin Yard's debut recordings appeared on the seminal 1986 compilation Deep Six, released by C/Z Records as its inaugural title, where the band contributed the tracks "Throb" and "The Birds," recorded at Ironwood Studios. This album showcased early Seattle rock acts and played a key role in documenting the nascent grunge scene. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Skin Yard made appearances on various regional samplers and themed compilations, typically featuring one or two tracks each. Notable examples include "American Nightmare" on the 1988 C/Z Records collection Secretions: A Diverse Collection of Bands from the Northwest, which highlighted underground Seattle and Portland acts, and a cover of Black Sabbath's "Snowblind" (originally by Kiss) on the 1990 C/Z tribute album Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation, featuring punk and alternative interpretations by Pacific Northwest bands. In 2001, released Start at the Top, a rarities compilation compiling long-out-of-print singles, alternate takes, and previously unreleased outtakes from the band's vault, including tracks like "Start at the Top," "Watch," and "." The initial pressing was limited to 700 hand-numbered CDs, with a slightly expanded digital edition following. The band's most recent archival project, Skin Yard Select (2024, ), is a limited-edition box set of seven colored 7-inch vinyl singles containing 14 tracks curated by co-founders Daniel House and . Drawn primarily from the group's 1985–1991 studio era, it includes rarities such as the previously unreleased "California" (featuring original drummer ), alternate versions like "Living Pool," and remixes of "" and "Burning the Candle," representing all four drummers who performed with Skin Yard; only 1,000 copies were produced (800 on red vinyl, 200 on pink). The Perfect Lawn (Live 1991-1985) is a 16-track live compilation released digitally in 2012, featuring recordings from 1985 to 1991, including performances with drummers and Steve Wied. Post-2000, Skin Yard's material has been made available through digital reissues, including remastered editions of their core studio albums via platforms like and Amazon in 2012, and the 2012 digital release Fist Remixed, a reworking of the 1990 album Fist Sized Chunks using original multitrack tapes for enhanced clarity. Unofficial bootlegs of live performances have also circulated among collectors.

References

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  11. https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/skin-yard-bassist-on-7-inch-singles-set-for-collectors-defining-grunge-label-ownership-more/
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  34. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grunge-city-the-seattle-scene-250071/
  35. https://metalinjection.net/lists/10-heaviest-grunge-bands
  36. https://www.revolutioncomeandgone.com/articles/16/deep-sixed-first-grunge-compilation.php
  37. https://the-avocado.org/2020/07/08/artist-spotlight-skin-yard-gruntruck-or-where-drummers-come-from-part-1-of-3/
  38. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/producer-jack-endino-recalls-recording-nirvana-soundgarden-467485/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/1403384-Skin-Yard-Start-At-The-Top
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/1651867-Skin-Yard-Start-At-The-Top
  41. https://blabbermouth.net/news/gruntruck-skin-yard-singer-ben-mcmillan-loses-battle-with-diabetes
  42. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/memorial-for-late-skin-yard-singer/
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/32142441-Skin-Yard-Skin-Yard-Select
  44. https://everout.com/seattle/events/skin-yard-box-set-release-listening-party-with-q-a-and-signing/e193991/
  45. https://www.popmatters.com/10-best-grunge-era
  46. https://drummagazine.com/matt-cameron-back-to-the-garden/
  47. https://www.metallipromo.com/skinyard.html
  48. https://www.discogs.com/master/127326-Skin-Yard-Hallowed-Ground
  49. https://www.discogs.com/master/127324-Skin-Yard-Fist-Sized-Chunks
  50. https://www.discogs.com/master/127322-Skin-Yard-1000-Smiling-Knuckles
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/584524-Skin-Yard-Undertow
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/1967108-Various-Secretions
  53. https://www.discogs.com/master/180065-Various-Hard-To-Believe-A-Kiss-Covers-Compilation
  54. http://skin-yard.com/startatthetopdetail.htm
  55. http://www.skin-yard.com/skinyardselectdetail.htm
  56. https://www.theskyiscrape.com/2024/10/skin-yard-select.html
  57. https://www.skin-yard.com/perfectlawndetail.htm
  58. https://slicingupeyeballs.com/2012/05/21/skin-yard-reissues-remasters/
  59. https://www.skin-yard.com/fistremixed.htm
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