Classic rock riffs, swirling drums, monstrous hooks, and undeniably catchy choruses … hints of old school progressive rock mixed in with modern alternative flourishes … touches of classical influence as swelling strings intersect with sonic adrenaline rushes. It's indeed a fusion unlike any other, marking the latest chapter in the continuous evolution of Skillet, whose moniker couldn't be more fitting for their explosive new Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/SRE Records release, Comatose. The project follows Skillet's 2004 Lava/Atlantic debut Collide, which launched the group into the mainstream with the single "Savior," and garnered the quartet a prestigious nomination at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in the "Best Rock Gospel Album" category. Collide went on to become their best-selling project to date, with over 200,000 units sold, while the band played some 200 dates a year—including tours with the likes of Three Days Grace, Saliva, Shinedown, and 12 Stones—in the process becoming one of the hardest working, heaviest rocking, boldly witnessing, and most broadly appealing acts of its generation. "We're proud of where we've been in the past, but I feel like this is our strongest record," says vocalist/bassist John Cooper of Comatose. Recorded at Chicago Recording Company (Smashing Pumpkins, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly), the album was co-produced by Brian Howes (from famed Canadian TVT band Closure and Hinder's hit debut) and the band's John Cooper, and mixed by maestros Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Hoobastank, Bon Jovi, P.O.D.) and David Bottrill (Tool, Staind). "There are so many different influences that it won't just be about rock audiences or metal audiences," notes Cooper. "I think there's something here for everybody." That's not to say that the group has watered down its message or cheapened its sound by a single cent, but rather stepped out on several limbs to continue its influence on the mainstream, while holding firmly to its faith-based roots. Pop in the project for a matter of seconds and it's obvious Skillet has raised the bar yet again, building off the refined musicianship found on Collide and taking it to even more jaw-dropping extremes. A case in point is first single, "Rebirthing," a complex but accessible amalgamation of piercing strings and humongous power chords calling all to come alive in Christ. In sharp contrast, but equally compelling are tracks like "The Last Night," "Say Goodbye" and "Yours To Hold," all oozing with ethereal orchestration and insanely infectious sing-a-long potential. |