Welsh alternative/ragga metal veterans Skindred are re-releasing their seminal second album Roots Rock Riot. Originally premiered thirteen years ago on 23 October 2007 via Bieler Bros. Records, the record featured their iconic singles ‘Rat Race‘, ‘Trouble‘ and ‘State of Emergency‘, and is still considered a favourite amongst fans and critics. The album is seeing its official re-release and first vinyl pressing on 26 February 2021.
The re-release will come out on various formats and limited merch bundles, and is set to include few previously unreleased tracks, alternative acoustic versions and other bonus material. All standard CDs, coloured vinyl and T-shirt packs are available to browse here and pre-order on Skindred’s official webstore.
We are proud and excited to announce the re-release of our second album Roots Rock Riot, including a first ever vinyl pressing. Preorder here: https://t.co/VNUCEiiOcN pic.twitter.com/M8VIMXc2YH
— Skindred (@Skindredmusic) January 15, 2021
Following their formation in Newport, Wales, in 1998 as the nu metal genre was gaining worldwide popularity, the quartet went to release their first studio record Babylon in 2002 via RCA, featuring the global hit ‘Nobody‘. Building on their explosive debut and riding the wave of their unique blend of popular nu metal and reggae/ragga influences, Skindred teamed up with versatile producer Matt Squire, known for his work with Panic! At The Disco, Sum 41, All Time Low, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, One Direction, and many more.
Mixed by Rick Will (also creditted for Babylon), the long-awaited follow-up Roots Rock Riot came out in 2007 and achieved quick success mainly in the US where it topped the Reggae Charts and reached #11 at the Top Heaseekers Chart. The standard version of the record span across 12 tracks, built on the lead singles ‘Rat Race‘ and ‘Trouble‘. Although falling behind Skindred’s all time classic ‘Nobody‘ and newer songs like ‘That’s My Jam‘ with streams and sales, ‘Rat Race‘ is comfortably sitting as one of the band’s most loved and widely recognised track.
The exclusive upcoming re-release, expected to land at the end of February 2021, will be the first ever vinyl pressing of the album and will include the tracks ‘It’s A Crime‘ (previously only featured on the Japanise edition) and ‘Struggle‘ (never officially released). The CD will also feature an acoustic version of ‘Destroy The Dance Floor‘. The LP comes in a limited 3-colour edition, as well as transparent orange and green version, all available at their store alongside a T-shirt.
Last September Skindred announced a full UK “Show Time Tour” with Swedish rockers Royal Republic for September and October 2021. If the global pandemic allow live performances to go back to normal schedule later this year, the Welsh ragga metal flagmen will start the tour on 23 September in Cambridge and stop at all major cities across England, Scotland and Wales before concluding on 31 October in Norwich. A full list of their UK tour dates as well as their planned Summer festival appearances can be found on their website with tickets still available
