Musician Profile: Christian Band Skillet

There are bands all over that many of us don't know about. Sometimes it can be hard to find a band that has the sound that we like and appreciate. When we hear of a new band we tend to listen to them and decide, or ask friends for advice on what bands and singers they enjoy or we read about them in magazines, on-line or even find them on accident via websites like my-space. Skillet is one of Christian Rock's top bands. They are known for songs like "Falling Into The Back," "Whispers In The Dark." and many more. When you listen to their lyrics you may not think they are Christian, but secular. They have a great sound that is easy to "rock out too," I heard one song and I fell in love with their music.

When the band debuted in 1996 they consisted of John Cooper who is the lead vocals and bassist, Ken Steorts on guitar and Trey McClurkin on the drums. The debuted with their self-titled LP, and then followed up with Hey You, I Love Your Soul. Their second album they went for a more lighter alternative rock sound than the post-grunge approach.Before they recorded the third album, Ken left to spend more time with his family, and this is when John Cooper's wife joined permanently and Kevin Haaland took the place of Ken. With the changes of musicians came a new sound for this CD, it was more electronic than the first two CD's had been. Soon after Invincible was released Trey left the band ushering in Lori Peters on the drums.

Ardent Worship was their first worship album. Alien Youth is the first album that John Cooper took on the production duties. Before the release of Alien Youth, Haaland left the group and Ben Kasica came in on guitar. The title track is what launched them into headlining shows. Collide came out in 2003 which caught the attention of Lava records and the album was bought. There is also a shift in the musical sound on this CD as well. The band always keeps their fans expecting something different. Comatose was released in 2006, and spawn many hit singles including "Whispers In The Dark" which hit on the mainstream top 40 charts. After the release of Comatose Lori Peters retired from the band, but took the time to train new drummer: Jen Ledger.

This Memphis based band has had many top ranking albums. "Hey You, I Love Your Soul" hit #30 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Charts, then "Alien Youth" made it to #4 on the Top Contemporary Christian charts, and "Comatose" is their most successful album to date. Even though they are considered a Christian band, many of their songs are merging into the mainstream market. They have toured with mainstream bands like Saliva, Shinedown and Three Days Grace. They are also traveling with the Acquire The Fire team and their Here Comes Trouble tour.

Their music is powerful and says a lot within their lyrics. The background music is different and unique but also has a familiar sound to it. Each song sounds different with this band where as other bands may have songs that simply sound alike. In the Christian rock realm they are compared to Pillar and Kutless, as well as Switchfoot. The band has such chemistry which shows in their music, lyrics, and stage presence. Each album is different Alien Youth had a common theme between the songs whereas Collide does not. It helps keep audience interested in intrigued with what the band is trying to say. Collide and Comatose both received nominations for Grammy's.

The lyrics are ones that make you think and something you want to sing along with. John's vocals combined with Korey's add a unique aspect to their music. His voice is smooth, and is similar to that of Hinder's Austin Winkler. As soon as you hear the opening music to a Skillet, song there is no mistaking that it is one of their songs. They hope to lead people to Christ through their music even when their lyrics aren't explicitly Christian based. They make you want more of their songs, and many fans are anticipating their next album, which is in the works.

Skillet is one of my personal favorite bands. They have a unique sound that transcends both Christian rock and mainstream rock. We should listen to different bands to hear different sounds and lyrics. Even though a band is considered Christian rock that doesn't mean that they can't "rock" or that you wouldn't enjoy them if you enjoy bands like Hinder or Saliva. Try them out and see for yourself. If you like rock, you would enjoy Skillet. They will always keep you expecting more and wondering what their next album would sound like, I know I am.