Arguably one of the alt-metal scene's most diverse bands, Welsh four-piece Skindred's eclectic blend of rock, drum'n'bass, dancehall, and ska has remained something of an underground concern up until now, but with the likes of Pendulum and Chase & Status proving that the Download/Creamfields audiences are no longer mutually exclusive, their fourth album, Union Black, could be the one to give them their well-earned breakthrough. Produced by James Loughrey, the follow-up to 2009's Shark Bites & Dog Fights is undeniably their most ambitious to date, effortlessly genre-hopping from demented dubstep ("Cut Dem") to Tarantino-inspired thrash metal ("Death to All Spies") to blistering ragga-punk ("Make Your Mark"), while simultaneously dissecting contemporary "Broken Britain" through their socially conscious lyrics, a theme brilliantly encapsulated by the opening title track, which mangles the National Anthem in a manner which would make even Johnny Rotten balk. Despite tackling very modern-day issues, there's a definite turn of the century feel about many of its tracks, particularly lead single "Warning" which, thanks to guest vocals from Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix and an explosive chorus reminiscent of Limp Bizkit's "Rollin," harks back to the heyday of the nu-metal scene, and the punchy rap-rock of "Living a Lie," which recalls the abrasive grime of Dizzee Rascal's Mercury Prize-debut. But even with the force of nature that is frontman Benji Webbe, who impressively drifts from screamcore howler ("Doom Riff") to carefree Rastafarian ("Guntalk") with apparent ease, the album struggles to sustain its early thrilling momentum, with the likes of "Get It Now," "Bad Man Ah Bad Man," and "Game Over" all repeating the same raucous fist-pumping formula. Uncompromising throughout, Union Black may be an acquired taste, but in the absence of Asian Dub Foundation, it's the kind of revolutionary record that the U.K. currently needs. ¯ Jon O'Brien

Mar 2011

The hotly anticipated new album from ragga punk maestros Skindred, 'Union Black'. Already teasing fans with the brutal new single “Warning” featuring Papa Roach vocalist, Union Black is a call to arms, a war cry and an absolute belter of a rock record.

The album recorded at Britannia Row studios by So Solid Crew Producer James Loughrey carries a much more British Skindred sound to it drawing its influences not only from Metal , Rock, Reggae and Dancehall but also from Dub Step and other contemporary sources.

With poignant songs addressing topics such as Knife and Gun Crime. Tracks such as Cut Dem written about the stabbing of singer Benji Webbes son as well as other gritty songs inspired by their surroundings Skindred paint an alternative picture of modern multi cultural Britain. A Country which they are all still proud to be from.

Last week saw Skindred nominated for 2 awards in the Metal Hammer Golden Gods in the Best British Band and Best Live Band and the band were nominated by Kerrang Magazine readers too last year as being best Live act in a year where they did nt have a record out.

With at least a dozen magazines reviews hailing Skindred as possibly the Best Live UK act Union Black gives the band a platform to take their outstanding live performances a step further with a collection of some of the most edgey razor sharp songs and music around. If you are looking to buy an album that packs a punch as well as a tune. Look no further.