21 years into their creation and it’s quite possible that one of the forefathers of industrial music have created their best album to date. Not everyone will agree with that point of view, but for me ‘The Greater Wrong Of The Right’ amalgamates everything that is unique about Skinny Puppy, adds a slightly commercial slant and a pristine finish that is likely to completely absorb their hefty following whilst beckoning outsiders who may have found their music a little too inaccessible in the past.

The album kicks off with three blinding tracks. First, ‘I’mmortal’, which emits razorblade guitars and shimmering synths over and above an x-files backdrop. ‘Pro-test’ follows, with Nivek Ogre in fine form, delivering a blisteringly addictive rap atop more chainsaw guitars, and juddering drums and electronics, programmed to perfection. It’s easily one of the best songs they’ve ever written. ‘EmpTe’ is another excellent track, a real rollercoaster of peaks and dynamics with great vocals and superb drum programming, all seamlessly stitched together.

From here on the album takes a more theatrical turn, with Ogre providing a relentless vocal assault that is reminiscent of classic Puppy albums such as ‘Cleanse, Fold And Manipulate’, but forged together with crisp, ultra-clean programming that sees them embrace technology like never before. Witness the brilliance of ‘Ghostman’, which is Skinny Puppy meets Aphex Twin, without paying homage. ‘Past Present’ even has a crack at the sort of hard-edged, clubby EBM electro-pop produced by the likes of Apoptygma Berzerk or VNV Nation. A sideways swipe perhaps? Whatever, it flings them off the playing field altogether. ‘Use Less’ is another powerhouse track, which will make Fear Factory wonder why they bothered making a combeack, whilst ‘Goneja’ produces addictive, melodic dark electronica that invigorates again through Ogres vigorous vocal performance, expertly twisted, disseminated and reassembled via cEvin Key’s sparkling programming skills.

This Skinny Puppy album lets it be known exactly who is top dog on the hardcore electronic scene, and it works on a variety of levels. They’re not merely repeating their past, but forging ahead with new ideas and angles that will leave their competitors floundering. Meanwhile, their attitude, flair and angst remain as vibrant as ever. I won’t name names, but a few other big hitters could learn from this stunning, no-holds barred return to form. Due to the scarcity of their productions, If this is to be the last Skinny Puppy album, then what a way to finish.