Welsh heavy metal band Skindred have shared a new single ahead of the release of their upcoming album Smile. “Unstoppable” is the fifth advance track from their eighth long-player, which is set to arrive on August 4th and celebrates the group’s 25th anniversary.
Following a huge summer of shows, which included performances at Glastonbury, Download, 2000 trees, and some highly acclaimed support slots at KISS’s final UK concerts, the band showcases the enduring power of their classic reggae-metal hybrid on a song that spreads a message of motivation and positivity. Lead vocalist Benji Webbe’s unique blend of spoken word and effortless belting coupled with some full-throttle metal riffage makes for a truly captivating listening experience that is sure to keep old fans invested, as well as appeal to a newer audience.
Guitarist Mikey Demus weighs in on the significance of “Unstoppable” and how it reflects the band’s ethos in the song’s press release:
“People have tried and failed to put us in a box we refuse to live in. Skindred has a determination and a tenacity to stay true to ourselves, and true to our fans. Skindred will not be ignored. We are Unstoppable!”
Frontman Benji Webbe adds: “We keep going and we keep pushing forward. In life, it’s about hearing that our music has encouraged people and got them through dark times. But even when we’re done and gone, people will still be listening to this music. That thought makes me smile.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Steve Clarke, features miniature versions of the band members, demonstrating their fun-loving attitude and proving they don’t take themselves too seriously.
Watch the video below:
Recorded in the midst of the pandemic, Skindred’s latest studio effort Smile is an album that deals with big themes and an even bigger melting pot of genres. Alongside Nothing But Thieves producer Julian Emery, the four-piece put their stylistic range to the test, exhibiting great adaptability and inventiveness with a track-list that boasts everything from rock and pop to dub and electro.
With five singles already released – including the hard-hitting “Gimme That Boom” and pop-reggae triumph of “L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)” – all the signs seem to suggest that Smile will be Skindred’s masterpiece.
In support of the new album, Skindred will be embarking on a UK and Ireland headline tour in autumn.
See below for dates:
06/10/2023 – Roadmender – Northampton
07/10 – O2 Academy – Leeds
13/10 – Junction – Cambridge
14/10 – Epic – Norwich
19/10 – Rock City – Nottingham
20/10 – NX – Newcastle
21/10 – The Garage – Glasgow
27/10 – Chalk – Brighton
28/10 – O2 Academy – Bristol
03/11 – Leadmill – Sheffield
04/11 – The Engine Shed – Lincoln
10/11 – Great Hall – Cardiff
11/11 – O2 Guildhall – Southampton
17/11 – Limelight 1 – Belfast
18/11 – Academy – Dublin
Get tickets here.
Pre-order Smile here.
