Skillet’s June single “Monster” surged past 1 billion Spotify streams, becoming the first Christian song ever to hit that mark. The hard‑rock outfit is now gearing up for a new EP and a 30‑year celebration tour.
Skillet Marks 30 Years with New EP and ‘Still Screaming’ Tour
After three decades of blending metal and hard rock with Christian themes, Skillet continues to dominate both faith‑based and mainstream charts with hits like “Hero” and “Feel Invincible.”
Fronted by John Cooper, the band includes his wife Korey, drummer Jen Ledger and guitarist Seth Morrison. The Grammy‑nominated album “Comatose” turned 20 this year, and Skillet is set to launch its “Still Screaming” tour while releasing its first EP, which Cooper says was written from a raw place.
In a recent interview with The Daily Wire, Cooper explained that his music aims to glorify God by being authentic. “I believe music should glorify God, and to do that I must be as real as possible,” he said.
Cooper emphasized that he feels no pressure to conform to cultural trends. “I don’t care what people think; I care about what God thinks,” he asserted, noting his traditional view of the Bible.
The new single “Scream” tackles life’s difficult seasons rather than spiritual messages, reflecting the honesty found in many Psalms. “God already knows your thoughts, so it’s okay to be real with Him,” Cooper said.
He described “Scream” as a depiction of internal struggles such as mental health challenges, loneliness, anxiety and addiction, often expressed as a silent scream.
“Lift Me Up,” co‑written with Korey, serves as an anthem of endurance for listeners facing hardship, and Cooper notes that his songs have helped individuals break free from addiction and depression.
Cooper recalled a mother whose autistic son stopped having violent episodes after discovering Skillet on YouTube; the family credited the music for calming the teen for two years.
The track “Grave Stomper” draws inspiration from St. Athanasius’ “On the Incarnation,” linking the song’s confrontational tone to the biblical theme of Christ defeating death.
Cooper said the chorus of “After The Storm” – “Picking up the pieces after the storm, how am I still standing?” – captures his view of the Christian life: perseverance despite uncertainty, reliance on Christ’s grace.
“I am not a strong prayer warrior, but I try each day to honor God,” he admitted, offering encouragement to anyone feeling like a failure.
The article is part of Upstream, The Daily Wire’s new culture and lifestyle section, which promises real human insight and stories.
