
NEW YORK, NY (By
Christina Kotsamanidis/ Atlantic Records)- Lava/Atlantic Records has announced the forthcoming release of "COMATOSE," the much-anticipated new album from Grammy Award-nominated rock outfit, Skillet. Due in stores on October 3rd, the album features the ascendant new single, "Whispers In The Dark," which comes in this week as the No 2 Most Added track at Active Rock radio outlets nationwide. The band has also proven an online sensation, with their MySpace page -- www.myspace.com/skilletmusic -- drawing more than 100,000 hits in less than two weeks following the posting of a sound clip of a new track from "COMATOSE."
Skillet will also be featured on a number of upcoming magazine covers, including the November/December issue of HM and the December issue of CCM.
Produced by Brian Howes (known as both a member of Closure and as producer of Hinder's hit debut) and John Copper (Skillet), and mixed by maestros Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Hoobastank, Bon Jovi, P.O.D.) and David Bottrill (Tool, Staind), "COMATOSE" marks a stunning new step in the band's continuing evolution. Tracks such as "Rebirthing" and "The Last Night" meld big riffs and classic prog-rock flourishes with undeniable choruses and a distinctly modern alternative sensibility.
Along with the album's remarkable musical strides, vocalist/bassist John Cooper's songwriting spans a vast range of topical territories, some of which follow socially conscious ideals, while others reflect his own life and personal struggles. "We're proud of where we've been in the past," Cooper says, "but I feel like this is our strongest record. There are so many different influences that it won't just be about rock audiences or metal audiences. I think there's something here for everybody."
"COMATOSE" follows Skillet's 2004 label debut, "COLLIDE," which included the Top 20 Active Rock radio smash, "Savior." Fueled by a fervent following -- known as "Panheads" -- the album proved the band's national breakthrough, with a prestigious Grammy Award nomination, and sales exceeding 200,000. Skillet also established themselves as one of the hardest working bands in modern rock, playing more than 200 dates a year, including both headline shows and tour dates with the likes of Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Saliva, and Finger Eleven.
Skillet will herald the release of "COMATOSE" with a series of live dates throughout the fall, including appearances on the annual SHOUTfest tour (see the band's official website, www.skillet.com, for details).
Skillet is: John Cooper - vocals, bass * Korey Cooper - keyboards * Ben Kasica - guitar * Lori Peters - drums.