Union Black
Skindred · 2011
46 min · 12 tracks · heavy metal
A relentless fusion of metal and reggae influences, driving forward with intense energy and socially conscious lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Warning — This track exemplifies the band's signature mix of hard-hitting riffs and catchy choruses, capturing both their energetic style and social commentary.
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Living a Lie — With its powerful lyrics addressing themes of honesty and self-reflection, this track highlights the band's lyrical depth while maintaining an infectious groove.
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Bad Man Ah Bad Man — This anthem showcases Skindred's unique blend of reggae rhythms and heavy metal aggression, making it a standout party track that resonates with audiences.
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Get It Now — Blending melodic elements with heavy instrumentation, this track illustrates the band's versatility while delivering a compelling message about urgency and action.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Union Black showcases Skindred's unique blend of metal and reggae, maintaining energy while addressing social themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a high-energy tone, followed by a sequence of songs that maintain a fast tempo and aggressive instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature heavy use of syncopated rhythms and reggae-inspired guitar riffs, contrasting with the metal elements.
- The final track slows down significantly, providing a contrast to the preceding intensity and allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady energy for workout sessions
- rebellious spirit for road trips
- high-energy background for parties
- pulsing rhythms for dance floors
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek delicate, subtle listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Union Black is Skindred's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Shark Bites and Dog Fights. At this point, the band was solidifying their unique sound that blends heavy metal with ragga influences, further establishing their place in the alternative metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Reel Big Fish· P.O.D.· Hed PE
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Living a Lie
The verses confront falsehoods directly while shifting towards a more introspective tone in the chorus.
This shift not only creates emotional weight but also deepens the exploration of authenticity throughout the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Union Black 1:10
- 2 Warning 3:50
- 3 Cut Dem 3:51
- 4 Doom Riff 3:48
- 5 Living a Lie 4:26
- 6 Guntalk 4:01
- 7 Own You 3:32
- 8 Make Your Mark 3:41
- 9 Get It Now 4:58
- 10 Bad Man Ah Bad Man 3:30
- 11 Death to All Spies 5:05
- 12 Game Over 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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