{"id":30788,"date":"2013-07-10T20:19:36","date_gmt":"2013-07-11T01:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=30788"},"modified":"2014-02-08T08:36:57","modified_gmt":"2014-02-08T13:36:57","slug":"skillet-rise-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2013\/skillet-rise-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Skillet | Rise<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Matt Karpe<\/span>
\n– Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"SkilletChristian hard rockers Skillet are back with a concept album for their ninth release Rise<\/em>, packed full of high energy and catchy anthems.<\/p>\n

Singer John Cooper revealed the theme for the album is based upon a normal American teenager growing up into a world full of the everyday dilemma\u2019s that we read about and see on TV, and lyrical themes show this in an inspirational light.<\/p>\n

The title track opens the album with an electronic intro before Cooper\u2019s raspy voice takes over on top of some thundering drumming from Jen Ledger, and grinding guitars from new member Seth Morrison and Cooper\u2019s wife Korey. A rousing chorus kicks in and features duet partner Ledger\u2019s beautiful voice, which is amazingly similar to ex-Flyleaf vocalist Lacey Sturm. The outro to \u201cRise\u201d is captivating as a choir sings whilst we hear recordings of police reports and various media stories regarding modern day issues in society.<\/p>\n

\u201cSick Of It\u201d begins with chaotic guitar riffs and pummeling drumming and the chorus is hugely melodic. You can see why this was chosen as the lead single because it is a perfect mainstream rock song.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Gonna Die\u201d is another explosive song full of energy and passion, and the addictive chorus makes it a definite highlight of Rise. The symphonic intro is good, and more strings are evident throughout as Ledger sings her heart out on the chorus, dueting with Cooper once again to great effect. <\/p>\n

\u201cCircus For A Psycho\u201d and \u201cMadness In Me\u201d are two more high tempo anthems in the typical Skillet mold, and they are sure to become fan favorites in future live shows.<\/p>\n

\u201cSalvation\u201d has Ledger singing the verses and her delicate voice is simply captivating. Cooper appears on the chorus before the two join together to end another great song.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I Believe\u201d ends Rise with a symphonic influenced rock number, with string arrangements and a piano undertone adding to the atmospherics. The guitars and drums are in full rocking order and the vocals are a duet once more.<\/p>\n

Rise<\/em> is an excellent release, only slightly let down by a couple of softer ballad-like songs which lack some bite. The duet vocals of John Cooper and Jen Ledger are fantastic on each track they perform together, with great chemistry highly evident. <\/p>\n

There is a good variation in pace which keeps everything fresh and dynamic and the hard rock songs are all capable of gaining mainstream chart success.<\/p>\n

Of course, being a Christian band, there are lyrics and references to religion, like on the swaggering \u201cMy Religion\u201d and \u201cHard To Find\u201d, but it isn\u2019t force fed into us and refrains from putting any pressure on the listener.
\nRise<\/em>, first and foremost, is a brilliant modern rock album, and Skillet are an inspiration to their fans. <\/p>\n

Who needs to go to church when you can listen to a Skillet sermon?<\/p>\n

Genre: Christian Hard Rock<\/p>\n

Band:
\nJohn Cooper- Vocals\/Bass
\nKorey Cooper- Guitar
\nSeth Morrison- Lead Guitar
\nJen Ledger- Drums\/Vocals<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tRise
\n2.\tSick Of It
\n3.\tGood To Be Alive
\n4.\tNot Gonna Die
\n5.\tCircus For A Psycho
\n6.\tAmerican Noise
\n7.\tMadness In Me
\n8.\tSalvation
\n9.\tFire And Fury
\n10.\tMy Religion
\n11.\tHard To Find
\n12.\tWhat I Believe<\/p>\n

Record Label: Atlantic Records<\/p>\n

Webpage: www.skillet.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven Rating: 8\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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