Be Careful, Skillet Is Hot! – Music Madness Magazine

The Christian metal band Skillet graced the stage of Stamford, Connecticut’s Palace Theater and the night was electrifying. The theater was not a venue where one would expect to see a metal show. The Palace first opened in 1927 and it has retained the beauty and grandeur of yesteryear. The show at the 1,580 capacity venue was a seated affair but that didn’t keep the loyal fans from taking spots along the stage once Skillet hit the stage.

The band Ledger warmed up the crowd prior to Skillet taking the stage. Ledger is fronted by Skillet’s drummer Jen Ledger who has a dynamic vocal range. Because she has taken on a larger vocal role with Skillet, it’s natural that she showcases herself. She really shines when she’s front and center. Her sparkling stage presence draws folks into her music. She honed her song writing skills under the tutelage of the well seasoned song writers in Skillet which gives her music a strong edginess. Ledger’s set was short but thoroughly enjoyed by all who arrived early enough to see it. Jen Ledger and her band certainly has what it takes to be a force in the music industry!

Skillet has been performing their hard hitting music since they formed in Memphis in 1996. Singer / bassist John Cooper is the sole remaining original member of the band. His wife Korey has the second longest run while covering rhythm guitar and keyboard duties. Seth Morrison handles the lead guitar spot with solid performances and as mentioned, Jen Ledger keeps time on the drums. Skillet has released ten albums over the last twenty three years and are presently touring in support of their latest release, “Victorious” which came out in August of this year.

What sets Skillet apart from most metal bands is that their music has a message of faith. That doesn’t soften their delivery by any means. Skillet’s music is as hard driving as any metal band out there. Their live shows prove it. Cooper’s lead vocals roar as the band tears through their songs. The feel of the music is infectious. Adrenaline flows from the band to the crowd in raging torrents. Having seen the band perform at the well attended Impact Music Festival, I can attest to the fact that the size of the crowd matters not. Large crowd or small, Skillet gives it their all and the crowd responds!

A Skillet show is a visual as well as musical experience. One never knows where to look while the band is on stage. John and Korey Cooper are constantly in motion. John constantly roams the entire stage while Korey thrashes about her section of the stage with great abandon. Ledger’s hair flail’s about wildly as she attacks her kit while Morrison remains the stoic one on stage comparatively speaking. Cryo jets stream thick white fog into the air giving the appearance that the band is surrounded by clouds as it settles to the stage. Lifts raise Korey and Seth as they play to the crowd below and John prowls about. Where does one look?!?

Skillet is known for its crazy touring schedule. Their intense work ethic garnered them a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2010 by Songkick.com. Do yourself a favor and see where they are playing and get there! To see where they are playing next, click here for tour dates….. Skillet On Tour.