It’s Friday night, the weekend is finally here, and what better way to start it than by heading to the Olympia. Tonight, coming all the way from Newport, South Wales, Skindred bring their SMILE Tour to Liverpool in support of their eighth album, Smile.
Skindred are renowned for their unique blend of metal and reggae, as well as their exhilarating live performances, and tonight is no exception. With a host of support bands, it’s time for the night to begin.
First up tonight are Ward XVI. Ward XVI are more than just a band—behind each song lies a story that forms part of a larger narrative arc. Drawing inspiration from artists like Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Alter Bridge, their music has a truly unique sound.
From the start, Ward XVI make it clear that tonight’s performance is a spectacle. It’s more than just music; it’s theatrical. Few bands within the metal genre bring this level of showmanship, with the notable exception of Ice Nine Kills, who deliver high-octane, horror-filled performances. Whether inspired by this or not, Ward XVI’s songs tell a story they act out on stage, at one point disembowelling an actress before drinking from goblets of blood in true B-movie horror fashion. It may not be for everyone, but it’s engaging to watch and keeps early attendees entertained.
Next, we have metalcore up-and-comers Graphic Nature. Having won Best Breakthrough Album at the Heavy Music Awards, the band are making waves in the metal scene and are arguably the heaviest act on tonight’s line-up. Starting with Locked In, the crowd are immediately struck by the band’s aggressive and raw sound.
Beneath the thrashing guitars and pounding drums, however, lie lyrics rooted in personal experiences with mental health, neurodivergence, and other life challenges. Having released a new album earlier this year, the band use this opportunity to showcase their evolution within the genre and their growth as a group. There’s a noticeable confidence in their performance, which seems to intensify with each show. Musically, Graphic Nature deliver an electrifying set, incorporating a distinct drum and bass influence that adds extra energy to their music, reminiscent of early Slipknot, particularly Eyeless.
By mid-set, the majority of the crowd are clearly engaged, with a circle pit breaking out in the centre of the room. As their 30-minute set draws to a close, it feels like it’s gone by at breakneck speed, leaving the audience wishing for more. As the band leave the stage, Harvey thanks the crowd, and without a doubt, there are some new fans in the room tonight.
After a short break, it’s time to switch things up with four-piece pop-punk band As December Falls. Led by the energetic Bethany Curtis, the band quickly brings the room’s energy back up. As they power through their first song, Curtis showcases her stage presence, constantly moving across the stage as she dances and sings. The band members clearly share strong chemistry, interacting with each other throughout.
As December Falls deliver a fun, high-energy set filled with light-hearted pop-punk, fast riffs, and Bethany’s impressive vocal range. As the set nears its end, the energy in the room remains high, with the band closing on fan favourite Carousel. Musically, As December Falls share a similar sound to early Paramore. It’s been an entertaining set from start to finish and an ideal lead-in for what’s next.
The moment the crowd has been waiting for arrives. As AC/DC’s Thunderstruck blares from the speakers, the excitement in the room reaches fever pitch. The song ends, and a remix of the Imperial March from Star Wars begins as the members of Skindred take the stage one by one. Benji Webbe, however, is nowhere to be seen. The band play the opening riffs of Set Fazers and, as the vocals kick in, a spotlight illuminates a balcony where Benji makes a dramatic entrance. It’s a fantastic opening, and the crowd love it. After the first chorus, he makes his way down to the stage, where the real show begins.
By mid-set, Skindred have the crowd firmly in the palm of their hand. Benji is a charismatic frontman, frequently interacting with the audience, telling stories, and joking between songs. His vocal performance is outstanding as he belts out lyrics while leading the crowd in fist pumps and singalongs. Playing tracks from across their discography ensures no one in the crowd is left out. During L.O.V.E (Smile Please), the audience is a sea of arms waving from side to side, while songs like That’s My Jam have the entire room jumping.
Skindred may fall under the metal banner, but their fusion of rock, metal, and reggae makes for a non-stop party. Fully aware it’s a Friday night, they throw drum and bass elements into sections of their songs or as interludes. As they conclude an electrifying performance of Gimmie That Boom and exit the stage, the crowd, still buzzing, calls them back for an encore. They return with a spirited cover of Electric Avenue before closing the night with the highly anticipated Warning.
Warning is always a highlight of any Skindred show. It’s heavy and punchy, but what fans look forward to most is the infamous Newport Helicopter. After the second chorus, Benji instructs the crowd to take off an item of clothing and hold it above their heads. “On the count of four, I want you to swing it around above your head!” he calls, giving everyone ample time to prepare. On the count of four, the room erupts into a whirlwind of swinging T-shirts, jackets, bandanas, and other items. It’s a sight to behold and feels far more inclusive and fun than the typical mosh pit.
As the night comes to an end, the band thank the crowd for coming and acknowledge the supporting acts. The energy has been high throughout Skindred’s set, and as the crowd leaves the venue, there are smiles all around. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Will Robinson
