Skindred - AUSVERKAUFT

Presented by Radio BOB!, SLAM, Rock Hard and In München

Supports: Raging Speedhorn + Defying Decay

"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, in full-throttle mode for a living quarter-century, in 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," the eighth album from Skindred. The Welshmen produced together with Julian Emery, whose work with Nothing But Thieves proved his adeptness in dynamics and melodies. He fitted into this special sound between metal, punk and reggae and also had an ear for the melodies. "Smile" may not be released until August, but the force with which the album comes along is already evident from the single "Gimme That Boom": 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 earworm that deals with the selfish attitude of entitlement that is so prevalent in times when every need must be satisfied immediately. Most importantly, the track is a crusher as you'd expect from Skindred, with a fat riff, sharp beats from a crisply recorded drum kit and the aggressive toasting rap vocals that are so characteristic of Webbe. 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 December - just as you would expect from The 'Dred.