Rise

Rise" is Skillet's magnum opus. It's perhaps the best album that they will ever create. Musically it incorporates Skillet's entire body of work from the early electronic influences to the harder edge of "Collide" to the symphonic rock found on the most recent albums, yet all these elements work together to relentlessly push "Rise" into new places. The effect of everything hitting at once is visceral--tangible. Thankfully, I'm no longer the painfully strange middle schooler who latched onto the crying angst and loneliness found in Skillet albums like "Collide;" however, I believe I'm always going be asking questions like "How can evil like that exist in this world", or "What is my place" to "How on earth am I going to get through this day." These questions and answers have always been the core of John Cooper's writing; however "Rise" puts these messages into a logical progression and flow that makes them even more powerful. "Rise" is not a rock opera or concept album in the way many people are probably used to---probably because most of types of albums always seem so forced. However, it is in fact a concept album divided into three separate chapters. It's not so much a story as an emotional journey as seen through the perspective of a young teenager. The first act is about a kind of naive brashness and optimism ("Rise" to "Not Gonna Die"). The second act is really a horror and growing awareness of the world ("Circus for a Psycho" to "Madness in Me"), and the third act is about redemption and hope (everything after "MiM"). Now a casual listener could totally hear a few singles, and get a pretty good idea of the message of "Rise"--as well as thoroughly enjoy those singles--but I do strongly suggest listening at least twice to the entire album in progression for the full impact of the writing. Also, one need not be a Christian or even particularly religious to both be moved by this album as well as enjoy it for being a killer rock record. It's very telling that in 2012, only three "rock" bands achieved platinum status (if you're seriously counting Mumford and the Black Keys as rock bands along there with Skillet). That's not to say though that Skillet hides their Christianity in any way though. From quoting Bible verses to explicit Christ references, it's very clear that John's answers to the aforementioned questions are found in a deep and abiding trust in Christ. Musically, "Rise" is aggressive and loud. John Cooper is simply one of the most intense rock performers still active who is also out on the road for the majority of the year. You can hear his passion and skill honed by countless performances in the past 20 plus years he's been professionally creating music. The addition of Seth Morrison on lead guitar was almost certainly a factor in kicking up the edge in "Rise", as Seth lets loose with several mean riffs. John's wife Korey is always a solid presence, adding depth and complexity with both her backing vocals that blend so well with John as well as her skill on multiple instruments. Jen Ledger is still simply a wunderkind on the drums, able to flawlessly move from crashing thunderclaps to providing the fragile heartbeat to the music. She also has an expanded role on this album, sharing more lead vocal duties with John. It's extremely rare to have a rock band integrate two powerful female rock musicians as simply integral members of the band as opposed to just the lead singer or eye candy. Too often I feel like the male/female divide in rock is akin to the "separate but equal" philosophy, where the best of the best are usually in all one gender bands. It's great to see that turned on it's head with Skillet. Jen also provided the exquisite album artwork which so beautifully encapsulates the message of "Rise." I think everyone still sort of feels like a little kid sometimes, facing the world-- feeling like all you have is your slingshot and not sure if you can actually take down Goliath. "Rise" is no doubt one of if not the rock release of the year. It's unapologetic in it's message, yet any appreciator of rock music can find something to love about it. For fans of Seether, Three Days Grace, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Breaking Benjamin, and even bands like Paramore. ***Definitely recommend the deluxe version, as one of my favorite songs "Battle Cry" is a bonus track. Other song standouts: the very different for Skillet "My Religion" which has touches of almost rockabilly and "Salvation" where John and Jen trade vocals with lush orchestration.

It's a shame Amazon's star rating system only goes up to 5 because I gladly would've given this 10,15,heck just name a number.This is without a doubt Skillet's best work yet and that's saying something because I loved each of their last 3 albums before Rise.I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard this was going to be a "concept record",but it sure delivered far beyond my expectations.This tells a beautiful story from track 1-12.From this world is messed up let's do something about it on the title track Rise to being fed up with things and wanting change on Sick Of It.Then trying to find the good in things on Good To Be Alive.Then admitting it's a struggle to survive sometimes on Not Gonna Die which perfectly sums up everything Skillet does more awesomely than any other band on earth - impactful lyrics with booming drum and guitars and symphonic sounds added as well!Unbelievable song! Anyway the next few songs describe the things we all struggle with.From the pressures of other people on Circus For a Psycho to the background noise and distractions described on American Noise to the battle within against our own selves on Madness In Me these are the things we all fight against.What can the answer possibly be?The album builds to a crescendo with Salvation.The answer for all those things described in crying out to Jesus.Only he can save us from all this stuff.Salvation is a desperate cry to the only One who can save.He will always answer our cries any time we reach out... It's then the album takes a turn.Now saved the believer can feel God's all consuming fire as described on the great pseudo ballad Fire And Fury.The comes My Religion,an impactful description of a real relationship with God,not the empty religion church people often settle for.Then comes Hard To Find,an honest admission of the fact that life even as a believer is a struggle sometimes and we go through things we just don't understand.Still God is there and we can find strength even when faith is hard to find.Then finally the album closes with What I Believe,a powerful symphonic rock testimony.I may not be able to fix the problems I see.I'm only one person and I don't understand all the pain around me,or within me,but I still believe in God and that belief gives me hope.A perfect way to close an amazing story told throughout this album. In closing,everything about Rise is just amazing!John Cooper's powerful singing,Jen Ledger's drums and background vocals (She sings a lot more on this album - Also a huge plus!) Even the booming lead guitar of new guitarist Seth Morrison shines through,especially on track 5.I bought this on the day it came out,June 25, and have listened to it many times since.Ordered it for a Christmas present for a friend through Amazon and that gave me an excuse to write this lengthy review.This is my all time favorite cd by any artist ever!High praise I know,but it's true.Rise solidifies Skillet's spot as my favorite band in all of music!

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Un monstre ! Ce nouvel album de Skillet m'a littéralement scotché ! Les précédents étaient bien mais ne sortaient pas du lot des groupes évoluant dans ce style. Avec ce Rise Skillet fait un énorme bond en avant et place la barre très haut. Très pêchu dans sa première moitié, plus cool sur la fin Rise fait mouche dans tous les domaines. Des hits à foison, une production béton, des compos de grand classe, pas un seul morceau faible, de l'émotion sur les titres cools, et du mordant sur les autres, des petites trouvailles géniales comme l'enchainement sublime de Madness in me et Salvation, et bien sur une interprétation au top; mention spéciale à John L Cooper qui assure grave ! Une claque magistrale, égale à celle du 1er Evanescence il y a déjà bien longtemps ! un des albums de l'année à coup sur !

I love this album. Deluxe edition exceeded my expectations.

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