SKINLAB’S ‘BOUND, GAGGED AND BLINDFOLDED’ REISSUED FOR RECORD STORE DAY 2025!
- Jason Hesley
- Apr 12
- 2 min read

This Saturday, Bay Area groove metal veterans SKINLAB groundbreaking debut album, ‘Bound, Gagged and Blindfolded,’ will be available for Record Store Day 2025. This expanded and colored vinyl edition includes an extra LP of the album in the demo/pre-production, in addition to new liner notes from singer/bassist Steev Esquivel and added photos.
Record Store Day began in 2008, and since many fans and retailers look forward to the annual event celebrating independent record stores and the numerous exclusive releases issued on the special day. This year RSD will be April 12th and M-Theory Audio is proud to represent again with another special vinyl reissue.
A limited edition (1500 on Tortured Soul) colored vinyl reissue of SKINLAB’s ‘Bound, Gagged and Blindfolded’ expanded to a double album including a full record of the album in demo/pre-production form plus the bonus track “Noah.” Additionally, in cooperation with the band, bassist/vocalist Steev Esquivel has provided detailed personal liner notes rekindling his memories of the era along with a batch of personal band photos.
Originally released in 1997, ‘Bound, Gagged and Blindfolded’ helped define SKINLAB’s punishing yet groove-laden sound, drawing comparisons to Machine Head, Sepultura, and Fear Factory. Produced by Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, Killswitch Engage) tracks like “When Pain Comes to Surface,” “Down” and “Paleface” showcased the band’s unrelenting heaviness, emotional intensity, and raw aggression, cementing their place in the late ‘90s metal underground. The record’s touring cycle included runs with Machine Head, Exodus, Napalm Death, Coal Chamber, Grip Inc. and more.
“We are delighted to announce the reissue of our debut album, ‘Bound, Gagged and Blindfolded,’” states Steev Esquivel. “At the time of its creation, we could not have anticipated its evolution into a cult classic metal album 25 years later. We are thrilled to share this reissue with the world!”
This special Record Store Day edition comes featuring remastered audio and revamped new packaging from original graphic designer Travis Smith (Opeth, Death, Overkill), the bonus track “Noah,” liner notes from frontman Steev and archival photos from the band’s collection on Tortured Soul colored vinyl (which looks really cool, and limited 1,500 copies worldwide). This is a must-have for longtime fans and vinyl collectors alike. With renewed interest in turn of the century metal releases and SKINLAB’s continued influence on modern heavy music, as evidenced by first single and new music video “Flesh Wounds” from a forthcoming new album, this ‘Bound, Gagged and Blindfolded’ reissue is a fitting tribute to a cult classic that still hits just as hard today.
Available exclusively at participating independent record stores on Record Store Day this Saturday, April 12, 2025 so check in with your local retailer and let them know you’re interested and on your wish list. Find stores and more information at recordstoreday.com
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