Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The band have always been purveyors of anthemic rock though their concentration on impacting the mainstream has seen their sound grow heavier in recent years and right from their first release back in 1996 Cross Rhythms have been playing their music and pointing out what an exceptionally skilled frontman and composer John Cooper is. 'Unleashed' is of course already another major hit. Switching the band's lyrical concerns to be less like bumper stickers and more like an attempt to create a connection with a hurting world, the band have always been evangelistic at heart and that work continues but in a way that yanks at the heart of young rock fans. OK, so the lyrics of "Famous" could have been written by Hillsong United, the majority of this is gutsy and inspiring. With a generation of kids under attack from forces that want to make them give up and give in, isn't it refreshing to have a positive message so radically delivered. But then, Skillet have never been an ordinary rock band! So many highlights here including the rollicking "Out Of Hell", the groovemungus "Back From The Dead" which will have crowds on their feet and even the quieter songs like "Stars" and "Watching For Comets" have a gorgeous lyricism. Here's an album that celebrates the reality that God never writes anyone off and wants to pour life into every soul. That's Skillet's mission and the sheer creativity and power of this album will hopefully turn plenty of lives around.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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