ALBUM REVIEW: Skillet - Revolution

Remember Skillet? Bursting into the world of rock and metal in the mid-90s, they’ve had a successful career to put it mildly. Their stats are hugely impressive. 20 years signed to Atlantic Records saw the band from Memphis shift over 20 million units and their current streams are over 24 billion. Throw in Grammy nominations, Top five albums in the Billboard 200, and plenty of other accolades, and we are dealing with a bit of a monster (pardon the pun!) 

So why would a band as successful as Skillet decide that album number 12 would be something different. An independent release no less. Their first release since 2022’s Dominion, there’s a vibrancy to the band’s sound. Frontman and founder John Cooper explains. “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 ten tracks, but it was all we needed”. 

Now, I’ll admit that the band’s blend of styles isn’t my go-to genre. I’m usually into a little more crunch and dirt. Traditional classic metal, thrash, death, black and even deep progressive metal, but alternative mixed with nu metal definitely isn’t something I’d dive into with much enthusiasm. And whilst I’m not 100% sold on some of the tracks here, there’s enough to bring me back for repeated plays, and I’m sure that the band’s legions of fans will be ecstatic about this latest album. The themes that run through Revolution centre not on an uprising in the militaristic or political sense, but one of love, for each other and for your enemies. "It's a record saying, ‘We have to be willing to stand up for what we believe in—even if it might be unpopular in some circles, but hey, maybe we could have a revolution of love, you know, a revolution of understanding, of tolerance towards people that we don't agree with and come back to some human dignity and respecting people’s rights and where they're coming from. And so, it's kind of speaking to the division and the polarization that is happening, which I think is a good message and what the whole ‘revolution’ thing is all about”. 

Perhaps it’s unsurprising, given the band’s Christian heritage. There’s further reference to the band’s faith on the album cover, where Cooper holds a flag which has I Corinthians, 13:13 on it. If you look up that verse, you’ll see that it says “Hold onto these things: faith, hope, love. But the greatest is love”. The album opens with the bouncing anthem Showtime, which sees Cooper joined by wife Korey (rhythm guitar, keys, backing vocals, programming). Lead guitarist Seth Morrison and drummer / co-vocalist Jen Ledger. It’s a rallying call to arms, and one that you can see the arenas that the band will shortly be gracing when they support Black Stone Cherry bouncing from the front to back. 

First single Unpopular follows, a thick riff and Cooper’s distinctive smoky vocals leading into another fist pumping track. A song that has a message about the impact of divisiveness by those in power, driving us into differences, when most just want to be free. The album benefits from a crisp production, which brings a contemporary edge to the band’s sound, which to be fair, could be 30 years old or as modern as it is. All That Matters, the second release from the album follows a similar pattern, with a glorious hook and some fine lead work. Revolution is an album that you can dive deeply into, or just enjoy for what it is. A collection of songs that get the foot tapping and make you think. The defiance of Not Afraid isn’t my favourite, but it rocks along, aided by clever programming that add layers and depth to the song. It leads to the title track, possibly my favourite on the album, and one that creates a darker feel despite the overall upbeat theme of the record. 

 

Anthems are something that Skillet bring to the table in volume. Ash in the Wind combines a driving chorus with crashing riffs and a melody that once more underpins everything they do It’s a track that will be sung back to them by their fans on the forthcoming tour for sure. It’s only the penultimate track Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song) that really is a struggle. I’m sure the meaning is important but it’s one for me to skip. Aside from that, tracks like Fire Inside of Me work well, and I’m certain that the move to independence will not hinder the next chapter of a band who are clearly following their own pathway.

Revolution is released on 1st November

Find out more on the band's new app https://www.theskilletapp.com/

Skillet tour the UK with Black Stone Cherry in November. 

Review by Hutch