Skindred
Roots Rock Riot
5/5

Who It’s For: Dreads that like to mosh and metalheads that worship Jah
Sounds Like: Elephant Man meets Every Time I Die, Sizzla Meets Sevendust, Bounty Killer meets Bad Brains

Listen the fuck up. If you haven’t heard Skindred, you’re missing out on possibly the most original metal band of the last decade. This band is danceable energy mixed with pure rock fury and dynamic songwriting. These elements usually are at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but Wales’ Skindred bring it all together flawlessly. If you never thought you could dance at a metal show, Skindred is out to show you different.

Roots Rock Riot is the band’s 2nd major label offering and it has the band expanding on their unique sound. The dancehall is more danceable and the metal is heavier. Programmed loops make an appearance on the disc (see “State Of Emergency,” “Rude Boy For Life”) making you think that the song couldn’t possibly get heavy, then, well, surprise, guitarist Mikeydemus kicks in his high octane driving riffs at just the right time to remind you Skindred knows how to rock as well as sway, swerve, and swagger. Speaking of Mikeydemus, Roots Rock Riot marks the first official full-length album featuring him along with band drummer Dirty Arya. If anything has changed with the addition of new musicians, is that the album has just gotten heavier, but they have totally helped to preserve the sound of Skindred.

If you like just about every type of music under the sun, Skindred might be for you. Don’t expect mascara-laden pretty boys, tight jeans, etc. if you don’t like reggae, then you wont like Skindred. Although this band is heavy, they aren’t for the metal purists. If you have never heard Skindred or Dub War for that matter (the band Skindred came out of) then go into this listening with an open mind. Otherwise, if you want to try something new and fresh, grab Roots Rock Riot and be prepared to lose control, all while having fun.


Track Listing:

1. Roots Rock Riot
2. Trouble
3. Ratrace
4. State Of Emergency
5. Alright
6. Destroy The Dancefloor
7. Rude Boy For life
8. Killing Me
9. Spit Out The Poison
10. Cause Ah Riot
11. Ease Up
12. Choices And Decisions

- Michael Kopko