Skillet - Rise

So bought this today. From what I have gotten the chance to listen to, gotta say this thing is really good. Pretty heavy in most parts of the album. I honestly have nothing bad to say about it. It rocks and its Skillet.

I ordered it from Amazon today on CD.  I have the downloads too as it had that automatic download feature with it.  I've only heard three songs so far, but I like what I am hearing.

I do miss the old drummer.  The new one can sing nicely, but her drumming is rather uninspired.

When it comes to Skillet, just like Picachu, gotta collect em all. I'll be getting this one.

I talked to my brother about it yesterday. He's disappointed with the lack of solos. Then again, this is modern rock…

I picked up the deluxe edition when I was out shopping yesterday.  Haven't had a chance to listen to the music, but I watched most of the live dvd that came with it.  According to the "Making of Rise" section on the DVD they had written some 70 songs for the album before the actual recording.  John also stated that because of the guitar tones the album was going to sound heavier than the last few.

Will order "Rise" when I'm backt at the end of next week.

I've pretty much listened to this non-stop today. It is really really good. It does seem heavier then some of the songs off of Awake. The little guitar solo at the beginning of Circus For A Psycho is really good. I've read in reviews and after listening to it, the last 4 or 5 songs on the album could've fit nicely on the worship album. Their faith really shines thru lyrically on this album.

I am liking this, but does anyone else think that they need a better drummer? 

I loved the couple of guitar solos they threw in.  Nice touch!  Also, that shows that the new guitarist can handle any of the songs they've recorded previously.

I don't mind Jen. I think she is pretty good. I was really surprised by how much she was featured on this album vocally wise. Even taking over the lead vocals on Salvation. As far as drumming, I guess I don't pay much attention but I thought her drumming is pretty good on this album. And yea, Seth the new guitarist really sheds on this album, specifically Circus for a Psycho.

After a couple of listens I'm afraid I'm unimpressed. I don't see any real progression from what they've already done, and I've decided that John Cooper's voice is one of those that belongs in the "voice styles I don't like" thread. The production and mix is very good, and musically the band is as good as ever, but I don't think this album is necessarily better than Comotose or Awake, and none of the songs meet the "jam your fist in the air" attitude of Monster, although Freakshow comes close. (Freakshow is one of three bonus tracks available if you get the MP3's and is not available on the CD).

Edit: Slight retraction -- Circus for a Psycho is good, and rocks about as good a Monster did. Also, in my own experience if I am unimpressed with an artist's work at first it will usually grow on me, while CDs I initially think are awesome ... are.    What I'm saying is I might enjoy it more after a few more spins.

Sick of It has that "jam your fist in the air" type sound to it. I also thought that the music on "My Religion" was pretty cool. It's basically a different take on the song "Nothing but the blood of Jesus"

BearDad wrote:

(Freakshow is one of three bonus tracks available if you get the MP3's and is not available on the CD).

I have a CD version and it has all three of the bonus tracks.

Staybrite wrote:

BearDad wrote:

(Freakshow is one of three bonus tracks available if you get the MP3's and is not available on the CD).

I have a CD version and it has all three of the bonus tracks.  

Yeah, I have since learned that. My daughter is the one that bought the MP3s and told me the bonus tracks were not available on the CD. Grrr.

I finally listened to this and I have to say it isn't bad at all.  I think I might like it even better than the last one.  I have to confess that I think John's vocals are still the weakest link in the band, so I am happy they are still adding the female vocals to break up the vocal monotony.  
As for them breaking the mold they have created over their last three albums I don't think it's going to happen (at least right now).  The modern rock they are playing is very formulaic and I think it is working really well for them (sales wise).  I expect they are one of the more popular Christian recording artists out right now.  So I don't think they are going to expand their sound much and I certainly wouldn't expect many guitar solos from them since they are trying to appeal to the 15-30 crowd....and that crowd does't seem to like guitar solos like us older fans.

Ehhh, maybe I've to tell that I'm more a fan of John's vocals.
Now you see we all like the same album.
But have different thoughts about the vocals of Jen and John.

rockerVu2 wrote:

But have different thoughts about the vocals of Jen and John.

Yes but you aren't much of a fan of most bands with female lead singers, so that is to be expected.  I'm also willing to be I am in the minority and that most modern rock fans actually like John's voice.

I like John's voice. It sets him apart from most singers in bands like Skillet.

ChosenOne wrote:

I like John's voice. It sets him apart from most singers in bands like Skillet.

 I can definitely agree with that last part.  And I don't "hate" John's voice (If I did I wouldn't listen to the band at all).  I just think his voice isn't very dynamic (for lack of a better word) and it is quite obvious he has a very limited range.  For some reason I expect a little more from such a professional sounding band.

Quote :

I like John's voice. It sets him apart from most singers in bands like Skillet

I agree with you about the voice of John ChosenOne.
It's giving Skillet an own sound.































































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