On a frosty November night in Stuttgart, the legendary LKA Longhorn was set ablaze by the genre-defying energy of SKINDRED, the Welsh pioneers of Reggae Metal. Touring Europe in support of their acclaimed album ‘Smile’ (which hit no. 2 on the UK charts) SKINDRED brought their signature fusion of metal, ska, hip-hop, and punk to a crowd hungry for heat and rhythm.

The evening kicked off with SICKRET, the Nu-Metal quartet from Switzerland. Despite delivering a tight and compelling set, their early start—well ahead of the official showtime—meant much of the audience missed their performance. It was an unfortunate scheduling misstep for a band that deserved a fuller house.

Next up, ALIEN ANT FARM took the stage and immediately dialed up the intensity. Known for their technical precision and infectious energy, the Californian four-piece— best known for their cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”—had the crowd bouncing in no time. Their set was a whirlwind of crunchy riffs and dynamic stage presence, perfectly priming the audience for what was to come.

Then came the main event. SKINDRED, fronted by the charismatic Benji Webbe, transformed the venue into a pulsating vortex of sound and movement. Flanked by Mikey Demus on guitar, Daniel Pugsley on bass, Arya Goggin on drums, and Dan Sturgess handling DJ and sampling duties, the band delivered a performance that was equal parts theatrical and visceral. Benji, ever the showman, commanded the crowd with effortless authority. Whether calling for circle pits, dance breaks, or synchronized jumping, the audience obeyed with fervor. His wardrobe changes and layered personality added flair to an already feverish atmosphere. The synergy between band and crowd was undeniable—this wasn’t just a concert, it was a communal eruption.

As the final notes rang out and the crowd roared in approval, it was clear: Skindred knows how to close a night with fire, even when the temperatures outside are freezing.