Skindred

Skindred is a Welsh alternative metal band from Newport, United Kingdom, active since 1998. The group combines metal, reggae, hip-hop, nu metal and rap rock, and is often described as a ragga metal act.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms after vocalist Benji Webbe’s previous group, Dub War, ends. Webbe is joined by Jeff Rose, Martin Ford and bassist Daniel Pugsley, with Rose and Ford both having played in Dub War. The original line-up is a four-piece, and the band’s early material draws on Webbe’s earlier work, including his one-off side project Mass Mental?, which features Robert Trujillo.

Albums and development

Skindred’s debut album, Babylon, comes out in 2002 and gains some attention in parts of Europe and the US metal underground. After label difficulties and changes in the line-up, with Rose and Ford leaving in late 2002, Webbe continues with guitarist Mikey Demus and drummer Arya Goggin. Babylon is then re-released in 2004 with new cover art and additional newly recorded material.

The band later tours with acts including Sevendust, Nonpoint and Papa Roach. Its studio albums include Roots Rock Riot, Shark Bites and Dog Fights, Union Black, Kill the Power, Volume, Big Tings and Smile.

Line-up

Across its history, Skindred includes Benji Webbe, Mikey Demus, Martyn Ford, Jeff Rose, Arya Goggin and Daniel Pugsley.

Singles

The band’s singles include “Nobody”, “Pressure”, “RatRace”, “Trouble”, “Electric Avenue”, “Stand For Something”, “Warning” featuring Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, “Cut Dem”, “Game Over” and “Ninja”.