TWO of South Wales' most acclaimed bands are set to reap their just rewards. Skindred are set to enter the studio to record their debut album of ground breaking metal and raga crossover for RCA later this year while Pontypool's Kennedy Soundtrack have signed to a subsidiary of Sony and will, no doubt, be recording soon.

Both bands can be found in Newport Centre on Sunday, August 19, with support from Jeff Killed John, Tripcage and Dirt Era under the flag Nu Metal Max. Originally a metal show for the under-18s, Nu Metal Max has called on Cardiff's Coal Exchange and Bridgend Recreation Centre in August and can be found in Gwyn Hall, Neath, on Sunday, September 2.

The age restriction was lifted after the first two shows. The line-up for Neath is Skindred, Jeff Killed John, Srawl, Nozzle and From this Moment On. For Newport tickets (£5/6) dial (01633) 662666.