SKINDRED

After Skindred announced an extensive German tour for the end of the year in April, fans in Leipzig and Berlin can now also look forward to it: The Welsh band has confirmed that it will also come to Leipzig's Täubchenthal on November 29 and to the Metropol in Berlin on December 10 as part of the winter tour. Tickets are on sale now. "I don't think anyone can just make the music that Skindred makes," says frontman Benji Webbe, "to make that music you have to have a life." The quartet, rounded out by guitarist Mikey Demus, bassist Daniel Pugsley and drummer Arya Goggin, has been living in full-throttle mode for a quarter-century, fueled by one key element: "When I look out into the crowd, whether it's in a small room or at a festival, one thing stands out to me: smiles." Welcome to "Smile," Skindred's eighth album. Produced the Welsh together with Julian Emery, whose work with Nothing ButThieves proved his adeptness in dynamics and melodies. He fit into this special sound between metal, punk and reggae and also had an ear for the melodies. "Smile" will not be released until August, but the single "Gimme That Boom" already shows the power of the album: Each of the four band members put their creative stamp on the song, so that it embodies the unique chemistry that has captivated fans for 25 years. The result is a piercing catchy tune that deals with the selfish attitude of entitlement that is so prevalent in times when every need must be satisfied immediately. Above all, the track is a breaker as you'd expect from Skindreder, with a fat riff, sharp beats from a banging drum kit and the aggressive toasting rap vocals that are so characteristic ofWebbe. Crossover in the best sense, then, and as always pumped through the speakers with high pressure. A perfect foretaste of "Smile" and a promise of energetic shows in November and December - just like you are used to from The 'Dred.Presented by Radio BOB!, SLAM, Rock Hard and FUZE - Supports: Raging Speedhorn Defying Decay