The Gigraphy Review - Skindred, O2 Academy Leeds, 07/10/2023

When icons of the British metal scene Skindred announced not only a new album but also a new tour, we knew we had to get down there. Supported by the incredible Lake Malice and BLACKGOLD, Josh attended the show to capture all the acts in action and provide his thoughts on the event.

Lake Malice

This was my first time seeing Lake Malice live, and after the performance they gave it certainly won’t be my last. From the moment they took to the stage it was theirs, bouncing around the space with an infectious energy that quickly worked its way into the crowd. Even by the end of the first track, “Magic Square”, you would’ve thought they were the headline act and not the first opener.

Their blend of electronic and metal works wonders, and when paired with the sheer amount of stage presence brought by lead vocalist Alice Guala and guitarist Blake Cornwall, you’ve got a recipe for success. Even when joined by drummer Emily Ainger as they were here, it feels like there’s got to be more than three people involved. The backing tracks, drum beats, guitar and vocals are all incredibly powerful, but blend together so seamlessly, never appearing to overpower one another, and before you know it you’re bouncing along to a track you’ve never heard before.

Lake Malice have the music, stage presence and crowd working skills of an act that should be selling out venues like the O2 Academy, and I’d be very surprised if in the near future we don’t see that happening. They left that stage with a few new fans, including myself.

BLACKGOLD

While Lake Malice exploded onto the stage to announce themselves, the five piece act of BLACKGOLD slowly assembled in darkness until a torrent of red strobe unmasked them. This unmasking was figurative however, as the light revealed the band to all be donning distinctive masks that ranged from gothic gas mask to lead singer Spookz’s half black half gold face covering. Their atmosphere was impeccable, and as soon as they started to play you knew a high energy performance was inevitable.

You could be easily fooled when hearing BLACKGOLD play that you were listening to a Fever 333 track, and when considering their recording of “I Ain’t Going Out Like That” features the supergroup, it’s clear they wear their inspirations on their sleeve. Their mix of heavy, droning guitar with seamless transitions between rap and harsher vocals constantly have you on edge, and it’s impossible to not feel their intensity echo throughout the venue.

The performance was also filled with an unmistakable British angst, calling out injustice and tackling hard hitting topics both in their lyrics and between tracks, something that we can never see enough of. Towards the end of their set, they proclaim (and I’m paraphrasing here) “British music isn’t dead”, something which this whole show was an absolute testament to.

Skindred

Onto the main event, what hasn’t been said about these legends of the scene that hasn’t already? Celebrating the release of their latest album “Smile” which hit number 2 in the UK charts, this tour was always going to be a special one, and boy did it deliver.

Storming onto stage to the iconic “Imperial March”, something which I’m sure has become a Skindred staple at this point, lead vocalist Benji Webbe’s all-black trench coat glittered beneath the stage lights, before immediately getting into things with “Set Fazers”, a track from their latest outing. You immediately knew what this performance was going to be like, and it’s everything you’d expect from the band - extreme energy, expert crowd work, incredible tracks and a lot of fun.

I’ve seen Skindred a couple of times at Leeds Fest and Slam Dunk, but this was my first time seeing them at one of their own shows, and what an experience it was. When you have a sold out O2 Academy all waving their hands in unison to “That’s my Jam”, you know you’re in for a good night.

This leads me into how Skindred and specifically Benji are masters of getting the crowd riled up, encouraging fans to join in with everything from singing to waves and fist pumps to “Kill the Power”. This was also a band who clearly knew the area well, leading the “Yorkshire” chant that everyone who’s been to a gig in the area will know (and love, or hate depending on who you ask). Even when telling the story of his youth, Benji remained lighthearted, telling the crowd to give him a more enthusiastic “aww” when touching on the topic of the loss of his parents. This maintained the atmosphere of the show while still managing to talk about a sensitive subject before leading onto why their fans mean everything to them, and you really believe it here.

As the end of the show approached, it was the time every Skindred fan has been waiting for - the Newport Wave. Countless shirts rose into the air as Benji gave the demonstration, before the final track, “Warning”, sent them all spinning. Another example of a master of the stage at work and a showcase of just how iconic these guys are, turning something as simple as swinging a T-shirt above your head into an integral part of their live shows. People go and buy merch just so they have a top for this moment, so they too can be included in a glorious moment of everyone in the audience coming together.

Appropriately exiting the stage to Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does it Better”, the band took their time to leave, waving, bowing, and showing their love for the crowd as the night drew to an end. The gig was one of countless others that go to show that Skindred are one of the best bands to ever grace the scene, still deserving every bit of love and attention you can give. There's not a doubt in my mind that they will continue to deliver for as long as they can.

Skindred full gallery

Lake Malice full gallery

BLACKGOLD full gallery