Collide (Lava Records) (CD - 2003)

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).

John L. Cooper has finally hit his stride with Skillet. Collide is a disc that chugs along with guitars out front, screaming vocals, and a raw intensity that strips the band of its electronic nuances. Opting for a much more aggressive sound, the band leans on guitar riffs while synths are more tastefully added. Songs like "Forsaken" and "Savior" are perfect examples of unadulterated rock bliss. Even when the band veers away from the heaviness à la the well-placed orchestration on "Collide," the meat of the tune still ends up rocking out. With this disc, Skillet takes a firm stance toward honing a sound that is marketed to Generation X. With cuts to back it, they may have found the right vehicle to reach those ears. ~ Steven Douglas Losey

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. minimize