Released by: Hear It Loud
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
Genre: Heavy Rock
Links: https://www.skillet.com/
Line Up:
John Cooper (lead vocals, bass)
Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals)
Jen Ledger (drums, co-lead vocals)
Seth Morrison (lead guitar)
Tracklist:
Showtime
Not Afraid.
Revolution.
Ash In the Wind.
Fire Inside of Me
Defector
Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song)
Death Defier
After a two-decade tenure with Atlantic Records, Skillet has embarked on a new chapter with the independent label Hear It Loud. Their latest album, [Album Title], showcases the band’s unwavering energy and distinctive sound.
The album’s opening track, “Showtime,” immediately sets the tone. It’s a powerful statement of intent, demonstrating Skillet’s ability to deliver hard-hitting rock music while maintaining their signature style. The vocal duo of John Cooper and Jen Ledger, who have been collaborating since 2008, continues to be a driving force behind the band’s success. Cooper’s gravelly vocals and Ledger’s soaring harmonies create a unique and captivating sound.
Skillet’s music goes beyond the typical American rock genre. Their lyrics often delve into meaningful topics that resonate with listeners, such as personal beliefs, social issues, and the fight for freedom. Songs like “Unpopular,” “All That Matters,” and “Not Afraid” reflect the band’s passion for these subjects.
If you’re a fan of powerful rock music with thought-provoking lyrics, Skillet’s new album is a must-listen. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch them live on their UK tour supporting Black Stone Cherry.
Score 9/10
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
Second Opinion – Reviewed by Dave Martin
For the last 16 years Skillet has been characterised by their trademark sound that fully leans into the contrast in vocals between Cooper’s gravely tones and the harmonies that are supplied by drummer Ledger. It was this contrast that first drew me in with tracks such as “Hero” and “Monster” from the album “Awake”. This album is no different in this regard and this is apparent from the first track “Showtime” where the interplay between the two vocalists is in full effect. Supported by a catchy guitar riff and the bands usual pushed tempo.
Second track “Unpopular” was the first track released in advance of the full album release at the start of November. The track is a fuzz infused rock classic that addresses the communal issue of belonging. When discussing the song vocalist Cooper explains “‘Unpopular’ is light-hearted, but there’s a clear message, so many people don’t have a place to belong. You used to know your neighbours. Our communities are online now, which contributes to the loneliness. You have powerful people telling you what reality is, what you should eat, what you should drive, and how you should live. They deem us ‘unpopular.’ In reality, we agree more than we disagree as a society. The majority of people just want to be free and they don’t really care whether or not you agree with them about everything.”
The band has never been afraid of addressing social concerns and this is no different in this release where the group’s lyrics discuss a variety of topics from war and fighting in “All that Matters” or social responsibility of supporting those with mental health issues in “Defector”.
Fourth track “Not afraid” has a slightly metal sound with Coopers vocals being heavier in sections than normal and an urgency to the message being felt due to the guitar and drum work. This is in contrast with tracks such as “Happy Wedding Day”. In a break from the more traditional Skillet style, “Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song)” is a raw, expressive acoustic number that is a variation on the rest of the album with an emotional story about parents’ relationship with their daughter and how time moves so quickly and children grow up too fast and the feel of regret of not cherishing the moment.
“Revolution” is the first album to be released by the group with their new label Hear it Loud having worked with Atlantic records for the previous 20 years. “We made records on the same label for 20 years, and it was a great experience,” explains Cooper. “Since this was the first independent record, it put some pep in my step, so to speak. We did exactly what we wanted to do. If I was on the road and felt inspired to write, I just did. In the past, we’d make a bunch of ideas and whittle everything down for the album. This time, we only wrote and recorded 10 tracks, but it was all we needed. Musically, there are a lot of flavours on the record. It’s got the arena songs, but it also has some tunes that are more nostalgic and throwback Skillet.”
Score 8/10
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