Skillet

by Jenny Bennett

Since Skillet's Fall 2006 release of Comatose, their seventh full-length album, a quarter of a million copies have sold – the biggest success for the band to date. To show their gratitude to the fans, a deluxe CD/DVD edition will be released this month. The full Comatose CD will be matched with new cover art, a brand new studio track Live Free or Let Me Die, five acoustic tracks (Rebirthing, Yours to Hold, The Older I Get, Whispers In The Dark and Say Goodbye), three music videos, a behind-the-scenes making of the record video, free desktop wallpaper and a free ringtone for Falling Inside the Black.

For those who don't know what to expect, one quality that makes this band unique is the orchestral and melodic elements that are fervently infused with their hard rock guitar riffs. My ear was not accustomed to hearing strings and piano, or perhaps most unique, the presence of female vocals when listening to this type of rock band, but I quickly adjusted to the change of pace, and when supplemented by uplifting (with an edge) lyrics, the music naturally sticks with you.

Let's define "uplifting with an edge". The band members have obviously had their share of difficult life experiences, which is partly what gives their message a deeper meaning and calls to mind the age-old spiritual question: why is there suffering? In its honesty, the album breaches the topic of overcoming suicidal thoughts in The Last Night, and the chorus does not fail to deliver the hope of salvation:

This is the last night you'll spend alone
Look me in the eyes so I know you know
I'm everywhere you want me to be.
The last night you'll spend alone,
I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go,
I'm everything you need me to be.

Comatose is also characterized by lyrics that are more clearly God-focused, as opposed to what could be interpreted as a generic message of love. Even amidst the heavy drum patterns, the album's title track qualifies as a true worship song (but again, with an edge):

I hate living without you
Dead wrong to ever doubt you
But my demons lay in waiting
Tempting me away
Oh how I adore you
Oh how I thirst for you
Oh how I need you

The message and the music are especially appropriate for teenagers and young adults because the band so expertly embodies the struggles and angst that can accompany growing up. And it does seem that Skillet has come into their own, musically and spiritually, right alongside their fans. Yet even with seven albums under their belt, I don't expect the young, accomplished group to be entering their golden years any time soon.

skillet.com
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