Thrashing around with Skindred

The name conjured up excruciating visions of Toby Anstis performing a rap accompanied by David Gest on the cowbell.

I began to wonder what I'd agreed to (December 2006).

The band took to the stage to a funked-up sample of Darth Vader's signature tune with added heavily-distorted, thrash-metal guitars and a roar of appreciation from the leather-clad crowd, who seemed far too chirpy to be Goths.

My expectations of a brain-shaking, face-melting metal fest were quickly quashed as a fast drum and bass beat and a dub-style bass kicked in behind the heavy guitar riffs.

Saying Skindred are loud is an understatement.

It's like saying the Cheeky Girls are a bit naff, or David Hasselhoff is a bit creepy.

In fact, if there'd been a seismometer to hand, Skindred's Concorde 2 gig would have topped the Richter scale, and certainly given Jurassic Park a run for its money.

Skindred's underground popularity stems from their ability to fuse classic rock and metal riffs with a more modern musical tack, including computer samples and jungle beats.

Surprisingly, this musical melange attracts fans of all genres, who, despite the scary tattoos and ZZ-Top facial hair, do not seem at all inclined to fight each other.

Both metal heads and dance fans whipped off their sweaty T-Shirts and moshed together in blissful (possibly booze-fuelled) unity.

Singer Benji Webbe's rapid Ragga-style vocals fused perfectly with the jungle and drum and bass backing tracks.

Switching with ease between rap and more melodic choruses, he promoted a peace-loving 'good-will-to-all-men' type message which was perfect for the festive period.

Less inclined for mainstream success than their nu-metal predecessors, the band have, at least, forged a niche for their dance-rock fusion.

They may reign supreme amongst similar bands, such as Hed PE and Mad Capsule Markets, but don't expect to see their metal mettle setting the charts alight just yet.