Skindred
Skindred | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Members | Benji Webbe (Vocals) Daniel Pugsley (Bass) Mikey Dee (Guitar) Dirty Arya (Drums) |
| Past members | Jeff Rose (Guitar) Martyn Ford (Drums) |
Skindred is a four-piece band from Newport, South Wales, UK. Their genre is a mix of metal, punk, hip hop and ragga known as Ragga-punk by the band and fans alike. The phrase "Ragga-punk" is also featured on some of their merchandise.
Band history
It was originally formed by the former members of Dub War. However, Benji, the lead singer, is the only previous member of Dub War left.
The band has featured in the video game Need For Speed Underground 2, with their song 'Nobody', as well as songs 'Pressure' and 'Bruises' included in the track list of the 2005 game Blitz the League. 'Pressure' was also shipped pre-loaded onto the hard drives of Xbox 360's. Their cover of The Beat's "Twist and Crawl" is featured on the soundtrack to the Disney film Sky High.
Their debut album 'Babylon' has been re-released several times on different record labels due to unsuccessful sales, although reviews have usually been very favourable of the band, especially as a live act. Thier live show has gained a reputation for having crazy, uncontrolled mosh pits that more or less resemble controlled riots. The latest re-release featured a bonus disk of extra material comprising of acoustic versions of their songs 'Start first', 'Pressure', 'Set it Off' and 'Nobody'. Also included on the main CD was a new song 'We want'. Recognition was gained when they supported both Soulfly and Pitchshifter on their 2006 UK tours and InMe at their gig at the Astoria, London, in 2005. The band have also toured in the USA with HIM, Sevendust and also with Papa Roach.
According to their MySpace, Skindred are currently working on their follow-up to Babylon, and it is expected later this year. They debuted a track from this album at UxFest in August 2006.
Trivia
- Singer Benji has sung in two Soulfly songs, the band supported Soulfly on their 2006 tour.
- Singer Benji helped the band KoRn by singing A.D.I.D.A.S. at the download festival 2006 in Jonathan Davis's absence.
- Their concerts have received 5/5 in Kerrang! magazine.
- The album Babylon received 8/10 in Metal Hammer magazine, where they are also noted for their concerts.
- In Guitar World magazine Bullet for my Valentine guitarist Matt Tuck cited Skindred as a band to watch.
- According to Webbe, the band tries to avoid national barrier. This is evident in his statement, "It's not where you're from, it's where you're at."
Discography
Singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Nobody | Babylon |
| 2004 | Pressure | Babylon |
| 2005 | Jungle Bells | Taste of Christmas (Various Artists) |