Evangelicals Now
<< November 2000 >>

Invincible

CD review

Skillet - Invincible
Alliance Music, £14.99
www.skillet.org

Christian music is often labelled as derivative, emulating the style of secular bands. Skillet though, are not afraid to innovate and their striking combination of electronica and hard modern rock sets them apart from the crowd. The techno-influenced beats, loops and the heavy guitar riffs of the opener, Best Kept Secret set the scene for the rest of the album.

You Take My Rights Away has the same power and pace and shows hints of the band's roots in grunge. Come On To The Future is trademark Skillet - infectious, hooky melodies and complex rhythms combined with challenging lyrics.

The mellower grooves of Rest provide some respite from the hectic rhythms of the opening tracks and as a song of worship, whets the appetite for a new worship recording to be released soon by the band.

Whereas songs on Skillet's previous album explored a spiritual theme in some depth, Invincible is more a set of spiritual anthems. The lyrics are simpler, each message more straightforward but avoiding the trap of sounding cliched. There's a loose lyrical theme of 'identity' throughout the album - who we are in Christ and what we can achieve through his power working in us. 'I'm invincible / I'm indestructible / Through the truth in my soul' (Invincible) 'You're the one that I need / The one who makes me complete / You're the one who is strong / When I am crying and weak' (The One)

So, you may ask, if this is such a good album why haven't I heard of it already? The simple answer is money. Skillet and many bands like them are on small Christian record labels who actively support their ethos and ministry but don't have the resources to promote the band world-wide. Signing up to a major secular label, although it may send fame and fortune would also leave them under the power of the marketing men with their purely commercial interests.

Disappointments? Only that the musical inventiveness of the start of the album doesn't quite follow through to the end. Overall though, another superb album from a band that none of your mates have heard of!

Jon Mason