Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Platinum selling, Grammy nominees Skillet release album number 12 in Revolution and it is everything that has made them the rock beasts we know and love.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy on vinyl and what a difference this makes through powerful speakers and the impact is immediate as opening track “Showtime” bursts forth. Its starts with the words ready, set, showtime and this is the gauntlet being smacked into your face for this album.
This is what we crave from Skillet, huge riffs, brutal drums and vocals from the pocket dynamo that is Jen Ledger. I will never forget watching her play at Download and seeing the drum riser shake from start to finish. This song is what Skillet are about…pure entertainment.
Next up is “Unpopular” and we have another massive anthem that this band has made their own. This was the first single and I am sure this instantly went to the top of their 10 million spotify listens per month. It hits the formula with ease.
“All That Matters” is the latest single and this is the backbone to this heavily Christian based band. Family, faith and freedom make up the lyrics but this is no throw away comment as they live this mantra. With husband and wife duo John and Korey Cooper at the helm they have driven values to a whole new level and if you have seen the band live you can feel it. A beautiful song that will grab you.
We go back to furious guitars again on ” Not Afraid”. Things are ramped up, the vocals take on a desperate appeal and the hectic nature of the track fires at you whilst John lets go of his angelic nature and lets the demon out. This is brutal perfection.
The title track is a reflection of this warped and twisted world we live in and Revolution is a call to arms and no I do not mean by angrily tapping on your keyboard people. I for one am happy to comply and join in as things are just upside down, so are you the hero to reply to the call?
“Ash in the Wind” is how your eardrums will feel as this track starts. The song is trying to break out from the vinyl it is encapsulated on. This is your inner voice let loose, it is every thought, every question inside clawing to get out and find an answer and the song is a perfect reflection of that internal demon and angel fighting for superiority whilst you feel helpless.
Like a continuation “Fire Inside me” follows up and conjures up the confusion already felt but this time the answer is clear. One of my favourite thing about Skillet is the vocal battles between John and Jen. They are always a highlight and here they are top drawer.Two powerful voices vying for your attention and building a song to love forever.
Like most Skillet tracks “Defector” is built on a struggle, a fight fought and a hand to hold onto. No matter how tough life is there will always be someone there to depend on if you look hard enough. Be it family, friend or faith there is always a way out.
Time to dig out the acoustic on “Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song)” and this is an amazing ballad with a Nickelback feel. This is personal and this is stunning. As the song plays you really feel the journey and if you have children you will feel this straight from the heart.
The album closes on “Death Defier”. I am glad I am listening to this at home as if this was in a car it could be very, very dangerous. The pedal might just get a little too heavy. This is a road burning monster, an adrenaline fuelled ride on the other side of legality. Your ears will be burning and your blood will be pumping through your veins. What a way to go out.
Once again Skillet prove why they are a huge band. When I think of their early offerings when they were a young, unsure band to the polished diamond they are now it is amazing. they write incredible songs, they are outstanding live and Revolution is another mighty step forward.
This band has a catalogue any band would sell their soul to the devil to achieve but the only way there is through talent, faith and plain hard work and Skillet are at the top of the pile through all of that.
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