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Comatose

Skillet | October 3rd, 2006

Skillet has never been confined to a single genre, and yet they always seem to produce great albums. Comatose, the band's seventh album, produced under Lava/Atlantic Records, shows off the alternative rock side of this talented quartet. It sounds more like a fusion of contemporary hard rock and metal with pop balladry, similar to the works of Evanescence, Creed, Jonah33, and Seventh Day Slumber. Those who enjoyed the raw rock styling of their previous albums may be in for a bit of a surprise with Comatose, which is filled with “big songs” from beginning to end. From a beautiful piano-driven ballad to the building of an orchestra, Skillet is full of surprises. This could easily be their most diverse project yet.

Comatose opens up with the burst of string-laced hard rock in “Rebirthing” and “The Last Night.” “Rebirthing” is simply about finding a new life in Christ. The musical score contains an amazing guitar solo and the harmonious voices of lead singer/bassist John Cooper along with his wife and keyboardist Korey Cooper. “The Last Night” is a monologue in which God speaks to young people who are suffering the kind of desperation that results in suicidal thoughts, cutting, and other self-destructive behaviors. Track three is the album's first ballad, “Yours to Hold.” This song contains beautiful acoustic elements and rich vocals that will grasp every listener's ear. It was written from the perspective of someone trying to encourage a hurting friend by letting them know that they're not alone in their struggles. The second verse portrays this message quite effectively: I see you walking by / Your hair always hiding your face / I wonder why you've been hurting / I wish I had some way to say / You're going through so much / Don't you know that I could be the one to hold you. Next in line is “Better than Drugs,” a hard-driven worshipful track that compares God's spiritual high to that of drugs and alcohol. The title track “Comatose” goes deep into what this album is all about. We need to “wake up” from our world-induced coma and actively serve God to further His kingdom.

“Those Nights” marks the biggest change in Skillet's sound portraying a more pop-punk feel with elements such as palm-muted guitar riffs, energetic piano pieces, and vocalized background “oh's,” commonly used by bands such as Relient K. The next track, “Falling Inside the Black,” is a cry for help from someone lost in a state of loneliness and depression. The lyrics are easy to relate to: Tonight I'm so alone / This sorrow takes a hold / ... / Don't leave me alone / I'm falling in the black, backed with creative synths, amazing guitar riffs, sprinklings of Korey's vocals, and hidden orchestral pieces definitely make this a powerful track. “Say Goodbye” is a beautiful piano-driven ballad with more of a grand presentation about not wanting to let a friendship or relationship go. Comatose draws to a close with the album's most unique track, “Looking for Angels.” The verses are spoken rather than sung, an all-new approach for Skillet, yet done very nicely.

While none of these songs address God by name, it's more than obvious who is being sung about. Comatose is a call to action for believers and a love letter to those going through difficult times. If the energetic guitars, booming bass, and lush synths don't captivate you, then perhaps the passionate vocals will. Jam-packed with encouraging words and extraordinary talent, Comatose is definitely a great buy.

Reviewed by Jenna Rothhaar on January 2nd, 2008

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