Album – Revolution
Release Date – 1st November
Review by Linda McDermott
After nearly three decades, eleven albums, and thousands of shows worldwide, Memphis band Skillet, ‘play louder, fight harder, and sound more rebellious than ever.’ They are releasing their first independent album on the 1st November with a tour to promote it. Selling over 22 million units worldwide with over 24 billion global streams to date, SKILLET regularly attract 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, boasting “one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time” with the 5x-platinum “Monster.”
This album is a powerful collection of anthemic classic rock songs, each track delivering high energy and skill that makes it hard to choose favourites. The band showcases a polished and professional sound, reflecting years of honing their craft. With each song standing strong enough to be a single, the album feels like a nonstop hit parade, balancing hard-hitting riffs with well-crafted lyrics. It’s clear to me that Skillet have mastered their style, delivering an exceptional piece of work that will please their many fans.
The opening song ‘Showtime’ delivers that initial blow to a powerful rock album and signals to the listener what a treat they are about to hear, showtime indeed!
Next up is ‘Unpopular,’ the first song to be released from the album. It pulses with classic rock energy, driven by infectious beats that make you nod and tap along instinctively. Raw, gritty guitars and pounding drums lay the foundation, while bold vocals bring an undeniable presence, capturing the essence of the song, making you want to sing it loud.
‘All That Matters,’ opens with heartfelt lyrics that instantly set the tone, concentrating on life’s essentials: faith, family, and freedom. John’s clear voice draws you in, telling a story of unity and purpose. The chorus is upbeat and infectious, inviting everyone to sing along, creating an anthem of togetherness and pride. This songs chorus is an ear worm that is stuck in my head. Next up is ‘Not Afraid,’ the song is a powerful, anthem-like track that captures the spirit of the album, with soaring guitar riffs that push it forward and give it a contagious energy. The lyrics echo the album’s recurring theme of resilience and unity, inviting listeners to embrace life’s challenges together.
Track five is ‘Revolution’ and as the album continues it’s rousing energy, it delivers a powerful, pounding rhythm that showcases the band’s skill and passion. Its driving beats and layered riffs create an intense atmosphere, building on the album’s theme. ‘Ash in the Wind,’ the latest single to be released, seamlessly extends this, showcasing the band’s tight collaboration. ‘Fire Inside of Me,’ another song that has the potential to be a single and makes me think of Evanescence with the vocal dynamics.
By now I feel I know the band and their ethos as I play ‘Defector.’ It continues the album on its journey, with a beat and rhythm that carries the same raw, immersive tone.
‘Happy Wedding Day’ (Alex’s Song) is obviously a dedication and is a laidback song that takes a break from the rest of the album and slows the pace down letting you sit back and listen to the words. The album finishes off with a rousing song taking you back to where this album started. ‘Death Defier’ takes it up a few notches from the last song as it gathers you up into another emotionally charged track.
This album is a powerhouse of anthemic tracks tailor-made for Skillet fans and arena crowds everywhere. It has soaring choruses and unforgettable riffs, it is skilfully produced and packed with songs that are pure classic rock. I can even hear a couple that are primed for film soundtracks.
Videos
Ash in the Wind
All That Matters
Unpopular
They are –
Jen Ledger – Drums
John L. Cooper – Lead Vocals/Bass
Korey Cooper – Keyboards/Programming/Guitar
Seth Morrison – Lead Guitar
Tracks
1. Showtime
2. Unpopular
3. All That Matters
4. Not Afraid
5. Revolution
6. Ash In The Wind
Is yet another epic track that has you hooked in from the start
7. Fire Inside of Me
8. Defector
9. Happy Wedding Day
10. Death Defier
SKILLET has also launched a brand-new app https://www.theskilletapp.com/ which will give fans early access to tickets, exclusive content, message boards and more.
SKILLET UK shows
November
17th Cardiff Utilita Arena Cardiff
18th Birmingham Resorts World Arena
20th Glasgow OVO Hydro
22nd Manchester AO Arena
23rd London OVO Arena
To pre-order REVOLUTION on vinyl, CD and digital formats visit –https://skillet.komi.io/
Follow Skillet
Website / Facebook / X / Instagram / YouTube / Spotify / TikTok / Apple Music /
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