Thirlwell released his first 7-inch single, "OKFM/Spite Your Face", in 1981, on his own Self-Immolation record label in his first incarnation as Foetus. Over the next few years, he would release two more singles, a 12" EP, and four full-length albums, "Deaf", "Ache", "Hole" and "Nail" (Some Bizzare Records) . After visiting the United States during a live stint with the Immaculate Consumptive (Lydia Lunch, Nick Cave and Marc Almond) Thirlwell settled in New York City, where he is still based. Since his move he has released several singles, fourteen EPs (including "Stinkfist", with fellow New York artist Lydia Lunch and Thurston Moore), and seventeen full-length albums.