Collide (Lava Records)

Performer: Skillet
Producer: Paul Ebersold; John Cooper; Kevin Kadish
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Skillet: John Cooper (vocals, bass); Ben Kasica (acoustic guitar); Korey Cooper (piano, keyboards, programming, samples); Lori Peters (drums). This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Skillet: John Cooper (vocals, bass guitar); Ben Kasica (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals); Korey Cooper (piano, keyboards, drum programming, sampler, background vocals); Lori Peters (drums, background vocals). Like contemporaries P.O.D. and Pillar, Skillet plays a bone-shaking, completely uncompromising brand of nu-metal that upon first glance offers very little indication of the group's evangelical Christian beliefs. Musically, the band plows some of the same ground as melodic neo-grunge groups such as Nickelback and Trapt, yet adds a conviction, raw energy, and experimental edge that takes its cue from earlier, more progressive bands such as Jane's Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, and Tool. Lead vocalist/bassist John Cooper's lyrics, though clearly faith-based, ironically represent some of the most chillingly direct and angst-driven songwriting this side of Nirvana. Backed by a mix of highly rhythmic de-tuned guitars, speed metal-style drum fills, and a plethora of spooky industrial-style samples, Cooper drives home his inspirational message with a tortured howl that equals any of his secular contemporaries.

Frontman John Cooper is the chief songwriter for this Tennessee-based Christian quartet. Since their formation in 1996, Cooper has channeled his love for metal, operatic progressive rock, and power ballads into a sound that incorporates orchestral elements, dual-gendered vocals, soaring choruses, and crushing riffs to illustrate his introspective lyrics about life, love, loss, and faith. In 2004, Lava/Atlantic reissued their independent release COLLIDE, and it was an immediate success on the Christian hard-rock circuit. And by the time of their follow-up, COMATOSE, two years later, they were sharing stages with mainstream acts like Saliva and Shinedown, breaking through on both college and commercial radio.

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