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Skillet
Track List
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| Since Skillet last hit the studio for 2006’s breakthrough project Comatose, the group’s toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all... |
 Since Skillet last hit the studio for 2006’s breakthrough project Comatose, the group’s toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all followed by solo tours that ranked within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours for 2008. Along the way, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative outfit also scored six consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” and a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year. Along with a trio of singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards, and being chosen as Reader’s Poll favorites on several top ccm websites, they released their first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack “Comatose Comes Alive.” Thus, calling the last three years a whirlwind would certainly be an understatement.
Aside from the commercial accolades, the twice-Grammy-nominated rockers are rapidly approaching RIAA certification, backed by both public adoration and critical praise, making the brand new Awake (Atlantic/Ardent/INO) the band’s most anticipated album to date. Not only does Skillet continue in the tradition of bone crunching rockers and melodic power ballads that comprised the last trip to the studio, but there’s a noticeable evolution sure to connect with longtime listeners and open the floodgates of its mainstream fan base even further than ever before.
“We found Comatose scoring the most acceptance in terms of album sales, ticket sales and radio airplay out of any of our albums so far, so there’s certainly a continuation of that direction,” unveils singer/songwriter/bassist John Cooper of the current collection. “But we never want to make the same record twice and that’s why Awake keeps it fresh and surprising. We’ve built off several of the epic elements, orchestration, piano parts and male/female vocal trade offs on several songs, but there’s also a balance of straight up rock stuff and tunes that are a little bit stripped down in comparison.”
In addition to the increasingly cohesive chemistry by the famed front man, keyboardist/vocalist Korey Cooper, guitarist Ben Kasica and their new UK import, drummer/vocalist Jen Ledger, having all-star producer Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, P.O.D.,The All American Rejects) behind the boards helped the band reach its most compelling conclusion to date.
“He’s been a favorite producer of ours for quite a long time and we’ve talked about working with him in the past, but this time all the pieces finally fell into place,” affirms Cooper. “Howard is a broad stroke painter where he casts a vision, but then incorporates that into what a band is already all about. He really has a knack for the elements an audience enjoys the most, which often times are the vocals and the lyrics, and then he gives the band a chance to be themselves and be proud of the artistic output.”
And that’s the exact result on all accounts, as the foursome’s overwhelmingly satisfied with the entire sonic and spiritually-centered thematic palette throughout Awake, which is loaded with plenty of anthems in the making destined to be smash singles and concert sing-a-longs. Even though Skillet possesses undeniable accessibility to this latest batch of tunes, there are still plenty of sophisticated arrangements, unpredictable chord arrangements and mounds of musical integrity all across the board.
“It’s a turning of the page for us because this album is even more immediate than Comatose, but there’s also a noticeable maturity,” contends Cooper. “Some of the songs are complex, others are just really intense rockers and overall there’s a real sense that we’re opening a new chapter. There are definitely some classic rock elements on the record, some very melodic moments with orchestration and piano, along with a lot of today’s heavier rock influences as well. ”
Take for instance the hook heavy lead single “Hero,” a boldly delivered song about Christ giving us a reason to live; being the “Hero” who’s fighting for us in the midst of oppression and injustice. Other outpourings include the first Mainstream and Active Rock single “Monster,” the militant “It’s Not Me,” and the hopeful “Forgiven.” There are also a handful of gripping ballads and crossover songs like the loss-centered “Lucy,” the melodic “Don’t Wake Me” and “One Day Too Late.” “Never Surrender” came from a conversation with a fan about their eating disorder, and what is sure to become a live show favorite is the rocker “Awake & Alive.”
Skillet’s massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as “Panheads”) are sure to agree, though they’ll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. Mixing socially conscious topics with deeply personal narratives and unabashedly hopeful expressions, Awake is just as emotional as it is provocative.
“We’re living in crazy times right now between the news that seems to get crazier every day and all the uncertainly throughout society in general,” concludes Cooper. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s hope, and sure you can choose to give up, but why not face it ‘Awake and Alive’? Life is full of challenges, and sometimes when you look deep into yourself, you can feel weighed down by sin and the ‘Monster’ that lives inside us all. But the more you realize your need for Christ, the less you focus on that, and on Him instead. Why let what’s going on around you keep you down when there’s so much hope that a new day can bring? Everything we sing about on this album is something someone can relate to, and if anything, the songs will let you know you’re not alone.”
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11/18/2009 - Skillet's "Comatose" Certified Gold
NASHVILLE, TN...11/18/09.....As their “AWAKE & ALIVE” tour packs houses across the U.S., Atlantic/Ardent/INO rockers SKILLET’s 2006 release, “COMATOSE,” has been certified GOLD by the RIAA, while their latest effort, “AWAKE,” which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at No. 2, has surpassed 200,000 units in just 12 weeks. Likewise, “AWAKE” remains a top-ten charting Christian project, best-selling CD overall on Billboard’s Top 200, a top 30 best-seller on iTunes® Rock album chart, and boasts the No. 2 and No. 8 top Christian digital singles with “Monster” and “Hero” respectively.
**ACTIVE ROCK RADIO TOP 10, MTV2 and FUSE
-Along with album sales, mainstream Active Rock radio and video channels like MTV2 and FUSE are also propelling SKILLET:
**Active Rock radio has given Skillet a top 10 single with “Monster,” hitting No. 9 with a bullet on BDS this week and No. 10 with a bullet at MediaBase.
**MTV2: As their music video for “Monster” recently moved into MTV2’s ELITE 8, the band also hosted the network’s Rock the Deuce show and talked about their favorite videos and more. Rock the Deuce calls itself “the heaviest rock show in American history.” Catch clips from the show at: http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/446208/skillet-on-what-band-theyd-love-to-tour-with.jhtml#id=1623864
**FUSE
“Monster” is a hit on both the network’s Number One Rock Countdown show and Viewers Choice.
**TOUR SELLING OUT AND PACKING HOUSES COAST TO COAST:
**As their “Awake & Alive” Tour rolls across the U.S., the band has rocked sold out and capacity crowds in Chicago, Tulsa, Columbus, Boston, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Boise, Denver, Minneapolis, Des Moines and more.
**Skillet recently announced they will be touring with SHINEDOWN and PUDDLE OF MUDD in January and February 2010. For tour dates and updates go to: http://www.skillet.com or http://myspace.com/skilletmusic.
**HOT TOPIC stores nationwide will be carrying Skillet merchandise in time for the holiday season.
** Along with NBC’s use of “Hero” for Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, an exclusive video performance of “Monster” opening each week’s ACC College Football games with Raycom Sports, and WWE’s use of the song for NBC’s nationally televised 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania special and WWE’s new “Smackdown vs. Raw 2010” video, FOX recently picked up “Hero” to open the third game of the World Series. In addition, the popular soap opera “One Life To Live” has been using “Awake & Alive” in promos for the month of November.
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10/26/2009 - Chat with Skillet Live on Facebook October 27th 6pm Est
Calling all Skillet fans on Facebook! The band will be hosting a live chat session on October 27th via Facebook and partner UStream. Skillet will be answering questions and talking to fans starting 6:00 PM EST / 3:00 PM PST, so don't miss this chance to interact with the band as they celebrate the release of their latest album, Awake, featuring the radio hit single, "Monster," and the track "Hero." Visit their official Facebook page (Skillet LIVE section) for all the info, and grab the album now from iTunes .
Skillet is currently in the midst of their Awake and Alive Tour, with Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black. See their Myspace page for the full list of dates and ticket information.
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9/3/2009 - Skillet's "Awake" Debuts at #2 on Soundscan/Billboard 200
“AWAKE,” the acclaimed new album from Atlantic/Ardent/INO recording group Skillet, has made a blockbuster chart debut, entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #2, with sales of 67,611. The project also debuted at #1 on SoundScan’s overall Contemporary Christian sales chart.
The album is also shaping up as a digital phenomenon, with the Deluxe Version reaching the #1 spot on the iTunes Store’s “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock Chart” within 24 hours of its release. The “AWAKE” Deluxe Version is currently #3 on iTunes’ “Top Rock Albums” chart, while standing strong as a top 12 success on the overall sales ranking.
Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, Flyleaf), “AWAKE” is highlighted by the electrifying new singles, “Monster” and “Hero.” “Monster” is currently approaching the top 20 at Active Rock outlets nationwide, while a companion video is in post-production. In addition, the band’s performance of “Monster” will open as the official theme song each week during the upcoming ACC College Football season, as well as on the soundtrack to MTV’s new hit series, Bully Beatdown. NBC recently aired the song during The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania special, and “Monster,” along with “Hero,” will be a part of the upcoming video game, WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010.
What’s more, “Hero” (already #1 at Christian rock and currently #2 at CHR) is featured in the promotional campaign heralding the new season of NBC Sunday Night Football. A companion video for “Hero” is also in production, with a premiere date to be announced soon.
One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet will celebrate the breakthrough success of “AWAKE” with the 50-city “Awake & Alive Tour,” set to launch on September 24th at Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Embassy Theater (see below itinerary). The headline tour will then travel the country through early December. Skillet’s special guests on the “Awake & Alive” tour will be Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, and The Letter Black.
Skillet frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes recently collected two BMI Music Awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get,” both featured on 2006’s Grammy® Award-nominated “COMATOSE.” That album proved Skillet’s most popular work to date, with sales now approaching RIAA gold certification. “COMATOSE” followed the band’s 2003 label debut, “COLLIDE,” which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy® Award nomination.
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8/28/2009 - Skillet's "Monster" To Be Used in 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania
**As they near the close of an exciting street week, SKILLET’s active rock single “Monster” (currently #26 on the Active Rock BDS/Billboard chart and #28 on the Mediabase chart) will be used during the “25th Anniversary of WrestleMania – World Television Premiere” this Sunday, August 29th on NBC at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). This Special will feature all the action from the original April 5, 2009 Pay Per View broadcast, but condensed to one hour. Unforgettable performances will be highlighted from WWE Superstars including Triple H, Randy Orton, John Cena, Big Show, Edge, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy and many others.
**WWE programming reaches nearly 16 million people per week in the U.S., and is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide. "WWE Superstars" is the newest addition to WWEs line up, a one-hour show, which recently premiered on April 16th, 2009 and has been WGN America’s most-watched Thursday telecast every week since its premiere.
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8/26/2009 - Skillet Soars Into Street Week With #1 Album at iTunes, Radio Hits & Spectacular Reviews
*As their new album “AWAKE” (Atlantic/Ardent/INO) hits stores and digital domains all over the nation this week, SKILLET is psyched to know that digital consumers have responded immediately on iTunes®. In less than 24 hours it became the #1 (deluxe version) and #4 best-selling project on the overall iTunes® sales chart as well as it’s rock sales chart.
**Radio is also on board with “AWAKE,” as the first Christian CHR single, “Hero” continues its climb to the top at #2 this week, previously hitting #1 on the Christian Rock format earlier this month. In addition, Active Rock is making way for “Monster,” as the track, currently #26 on the Active Rock BDS/Billboard chart and #28 on the Mediabase chart, has been added to stations in key markets including Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Detroit and many more.
**SKILLET’s 50 city “AWAKE & ALIVE” fall tour, which will feature Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black, will launch on September 24th and rock across the country, landing in markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, and their hometown base of Chicago.
**”AWAKE” is also continuing to get media’s attention in a big way, currently on the cover of HM (attached), a ‘site takeover’ with CCMmagazine.com, numerous features, a skype interview on CBNNews.org , and spectacular reviews, including the following:
“… Skillet has once again outdone the competition.” – CCMmagazine.com
“The bottom line here is that Awake shows us all that Skillet is like a fine wine ... better and better with age. All 12 tracks come as close to excellent as you will find in today's musical landscape. This is a "must have" CD for any Christian rock fan and it's one that will be gracing my CD player for many years to come.” – About.com
“Skillet's music has a, 'Midas-like gold touch'” – CMSpin.com
“… this should be another Grammy nomination for Skillet.” – RockEyez.com
“… best Skillet record to date.” – Melodic.net
“Awake is Skillet’s action-adventure summer blockbuster....aggressive, splashy and entertaining.” – ChristianMusicToday.com (Christianity Today)
“… a new noticeable evolution of their music sure to connect with longtime panheads and open the floodgates to mainstream music rock fans who have never heard their music.” – StereoTruth.net
“It's been a long wait for an all-new Skillet CD, but the result is worth it. Skillet fans are sure to embrace Awake, another strong addition to the band's discography.” - Beyondtheturntable.net
“ Skillet is truly one of today’s most innovative, entertaining and inspiring modern rock bands.”
- Andy Argyrakis (freelancer writer with ChristianMusicToday.com, HearSay magazine, CCMmagazine.com and GospelMusicChannel.com)
“ .... thunderous, motivating, and will do its best to wake your heart up and sync it with its rhythms. The beats are pulsing in our brains, the truth is resonating in our hearts—we love this album!”
-YouthWalk magazine
“ .. this record easily stands out as the best work the band has done in years, possibly of their career. This is the one that will fully bring Skillet into the mainstream spotlight.”
-UndertheGunreviews.net
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 | Awake
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 | Comatose Comes Alive
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 | Comatose
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