10 Grunge Albums That Deserve More Love
3. Skin Yard – 1000 Smiling Knuckles
Probably the biggest tragedy on this list, in terms of everything from record sales to personnel, all the way to the sad end of their story. Skin Yard's 1000 Smiling Knuckles happens to be there fourth and easily most prosperous album, channelling a sound akin to a cross between Butthole Surfers and White Zombie that additionally features a vocalist that almost mimics a young Ozzy Osbourne, the album had absolutely everything going for it. But, where did it go!?
The short answer is likely in most bargain bins at the average music retail shop circa 1992.
We won't lie and say that the album, or the band for that matter, broke any new ground or were overlooked due to being superseded by other popular bands around them when they should've been observed above the magnificence of the scenes best. What we will say, though, is that the eponymous 1000 Smiling Knuckles is a record that was unconscionably sent to an early grave before it even had a chance to take its first steps.
The album plays out like a fever dream from start to finish. Once it has a firm grip on the listener, it refuses to let go. As the band revel in the mayhem they exude from one song to the next, its almost comparative to a rollercoaster with no brakes. Relentlessly forcing you to stay invested in the experience.