PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Skindred have to be one of the most cross-genred Heavy Metal bands when it comes down to influential sound. From Reggae, Dance, Drum & Bass, Hip-Hop / Ragga all the way to Heavy Metal, Skindred managed to have achieve a sound which resonates with many people and works fantastically. This is Skindred’s sixth studio release, which is due on general sale this Friday, 30th October, ahead of their Headline UK tour scheduled to begin next month.
The band embark on a ten-date UK tour, scheduled to begin on Wednesday 4th November in Southampton, with special guest appearances from Crossfaith, Hed P.E. and Yashin. The album is set for release the week before the tour, and is available to pre-order now through the Skindred Official Store, as well as numerous options (including the addition of a Pledge exclusive documentary DVD) through Pledgemusic. Three singles from the new album have already been shared by the band, plus a teaser for the full album.
Considering it’s been less than two years since Skindred’s previous album release, Kill The Power, many people may jump to the assumption that the bands progression has been rushed. Although the writing and recording process only took a little over three months, within this time, Skindred have managed to produce a superb mix of diversity, all of which still manage to provide the unique sound and attitude which allows the band to stand out from the crowd.
In a way, the advanced process seems to have aided in a clean and relatable flow from the previous album. Although it may not work for most bands, I think it’s fair to say that this technique can minimise the likelihood of over-analysing the requirements for an album, and help towards focusing on what matters and the natural sound the fans want to hear.
A number of the tracks deal with the same revealing topics associated with previously released media by the band, but reign a higher focal point towards positivity, strength and unity. Combine this with a furious riff and gnarly accented vocals, and you’d be ready to take on whatever shit the world wants to throw at you.
The title track ‘Volume’ comes across as a fully-fledged furious dance tune, which in a way could be perceived as a follow-on track to ‘Pressure’, from 2002’s album, Babylon. There are so many small details within each track which build towards the unique stylings of the band, that it’s pretty hard to flaw.
In addition to the strong rapid-fire songs we expect, there are some exceptional acoustic sections and breakdowns through the album, including the addition of three separate interludes between tracks that bring down the tempo and pace, while building towards the next track. Highlights have to be ‘Shut Ya Mouth’, with it’s seriously catchy bass line and aggressive tone, ‘Three Words’, which is an incredible acoustic number that beams positivity, and the previously released single, ‘Under Attack’, which it’s bound to be a Live performance favourite.
Overall, the combination of styles and diversity make the album fresh and unexpected, while still providing the gnarly accented sound we can only associate with Skindred. I’d consider this the best studio album release to-date, with insane potential.
Track Listing
1. Under Attack
2. Volume
3. Hit The Ground
4. Shut Ya Mouth
5. I
6. The Healing
7. Sound The Siren
8. Saying It Now
9. II
10. Straight Jacket
11. III
12. No Justice
13. Stand Up
14. Three Words
- £7.99
