Skillet's latest album 'Awake' proclaims hope
Critic's Corner
Kate Bissinger
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Culture
Unexpected for a group in their genre, is boisterously aggressive Christian rock band, Skillet. The band is promoting their seventh studio release, "Awake," on tour and will be making an appearance at the Mackenzie Area Dec. 3.
"Awake" is Skillet's first release since their widely successful "Comatose" record in 2006. This album bears the bold, full sound of rock music while still anchored in Christian morality.
John Cooper, front man for Skillet, said "Awake" surprises the listener because it is "in your face rock." He said its lyrics are darker and a lot more personal than the band's previous albums, making evident the growth of the band and the lyrical and musical quality of its record.
One song from "Awake" entitled, "Hero" jabs a strong hook into its listeners, but is quite repetitive, which can seem exhaustive after hearing it consecutively on a Christian hit-radio station. However, "Hero" does confront a few deeper issues plaguing the lives of many modern-day believers, proclaiming: "I'm just a step away. I'm just a breath away. Losing my faith today. Falling off the edge today."
Aggression magnified by hard drum hits and Cooper's strong vocals bursts forth in the shameless single, "Monster." This is probably the most forcefully dynamic song on the record. Its message is pretty clear: "I feel it deep within. It's just beneath the skin. I must confess that I feel like a monster. I hate what I've become. The nightmare's just begun. I must confess that I feel like a monster."
"'Monster' is so heavy and in your face," Cooper said. "I love it when the crowd sings along. It is the best part of being on stage."
Cooper said he credits the album's producer, Howard Benson, for the intensely sound, vocal strength in "Awake."
"[Benson] is known for his ability to magically make vocals sound good," Cooper said. "He really benefited the record. You want someone with good opinions, and he's made so many great albums. I learned a lot from him."
The "Awake" tour is a "family rock show" you can bring everyone to, Cooper said. He said he hopes the show will be able to take the audience members away from the troubles in their lives and give them a since of renewed energy and hopefulness to take with them when they leave the concert.
Cooper said he wants Skillet's audience to know that there is hope and that "life matters."
He said many fans have told him that Skillet's music has affected their lives and helped them through difficult times.
Cooper said, "The very best thing about being a songwriter is having fans tell you that a song of yours has changed their lives."
"Awake" is Skillet's first release since their widely successful "Comatose" record in 2006. This album bears the bold, full sound of rock music while still anchored in Christian morality.
John Cooper, front man for Skillet, said "Awake" surprises the listener because it is "in your face rock." He said its lyrics are darker and a lot more personal than the band's previous albums, making evident the growth of the band and the lyrical and musical quality of its record.
One song from "Awake" entitled, "Hero" jabs a strong hook into its listeners, but is quite repetitive, which can seem exhaustive after hearing it consecutively on a Christian hit-radio station. However, "Hero" does confront a few deeper issues plaguing the lives of many modern-day believers, proclaiming: "I'm just a step away. I'm just a breath away. Losing my faith today. Falling off the edge today."
Aggression magnified by hard drum hits and Cooper's strong vocals bursts forth in the shameless single, "Monster." This is probably the most forcefully dynamic song on the record. Its message is pretty clear: "I feel it deep within. It's just beneath the skin. I must confess that I feel like a monster. I hate what I've become. The nightmare's just begun. I must confess that I feel like a monster."
"'Monster' is so heavy and in your face," Cooper said. "I love it when the crowd sings along. It is the best part of being on stage."
Cooper said he credits the album's producer, Howard Benson, for the intensely sound, vocal strength in "Awake."
"[Benson] is known for his ability to magically make vocals sound good," Cooper said. "He really benefited the record. You want someone with good opinions, and he's made so many great albums. I learned a lot from him."
The "Awake" tour is a "family rock show" you can bring everyone to, Cooper said. He said he hopes the show will be able to take the audience members away from the troubles in their lives and give them a since of renewed energy and hopefulness to take with them when they leave the concert.
Cooper said he wants Skillet's audience to know that there is hope and that "life matters."
He said many fans have told him that Skillet's music has affected their lives and helped them through difficult times.
Cooper said, "The very best thing about being a songwriter is having fans tell you that a song of yours has changed their lives."
