Review
With Rise, Skillet takes their high-energy rock and spins it into an anthemic journey that’s as theatrical as it is raw. This album dives deep into themes of struggle, resilience, and redemption, wrapped in Skillet’s signature mix of hard-hitting riffs and soaring choruses. It’s not just an album—it’s an experience that feels like a call to arms, urging listeners to confront the darkness and find strength through it.
The title track, “Rise,” kicks things off with an explosive intensity, layering thick guitars with vocals that push you to the edge of catharsis. “Not Gonna Die” doubles down on that intensity, channeling a fierce determination with its powerhouse chorus that feels ready to shake the stadium. Skillet knows how to craft songs that hit right in the chest, pulling in orchestral elements on tracks like “American Noise” to add a cinematic depth that makes the highs even higher.
But it’s not all fire and brimstone—“Good to Be Alive” brings a lighter touch, balancing the album’s heavier moments with a hopeful outlook. The production is tight, every beat deliberate, every guitar riff purposeful. It’s polished, but not in a way that dulls the edge; if anything, it just amplifies the emotion behind each track.
In Rise, Skillet delivers a bold, unapologetic statement. It’s the kind of album that makes you want to stand up, shout, and face whatever comes your way. For fans of rock with heart, this one’s got all the fire. - Sophie