Fan Casting Shadows in the Sound: The Dwayne Goettel Story

Shadows in the Sound takes us deep into the mind and life of Dwayne Goettel, one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in industrial music. Born into a quiet life in Edmonton, Goettel’s classical piano training and curiosity about sound would propel him into the underground scene where innovation meets rebellion. By 1986, he joined the pioneering band Skinny Puppy, stepping into the void left by the departure of Bill Leeb and bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in synthesizers, samplers, and sound manipulation. This film captures Goettel's journey from an unassuming young musician to the creative force behind some of the most distinctive sounds of the late '80s and early '90s. With cEvin Key, he expanded Skinny Puppy's sonic palette, pushing boundaries with experimental electronics and atmospheric samples. The film highlights their work on projects like The Tear Garden and Doubting Thomas, as well as Goettel's involvement in forming the group Download—each a testament to his restless pursuit of new frontiers.