Since Skillet last hit the studio for 2006's breakthrough project Comatose, the group's toured with the likes of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, followed by a solo headlining ranking within Pollstar's Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours for 2008. Along the way, the Grammy-nominated alternative outfit also scored three top 40 singles on Billboard's see more Mainstream Rock charts, earned a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards and released its first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack in support of the season called Comatose Comes Alive.

Aside from the commercial accolades, the Grammy-nominated modern rockers are rapidly approaching gold sales status, backed by both public adoration and critical praise, making the brand new Awake (Atlantic) the band's most anticipated album to date. Not only does Skillet continue in the tradition of bone crunching rockers and melodic power ballads that comprised the last trip to the studio, but there's a noticeable evolution sure to connect with longtime listeners and open the floodgates of its fan base even further than ever before.

Skillet's massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as Panheads") are sure to agree, though they'll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. Mixing socially conscious topics with deeply personal narratives and unabashedly hopeful expressions, Awake is just as emotional as it is provocative.

"We're living in crazy times right now between the news that seems to get crazier every day and all the uncertainly throughout society in general," concludes Cooper. "Sometimes it doesn't seem like there's hope, and sure you can choose to give up, but why not face it 'Awake and Alive'? Why let what's going on around you keep you down when there's so much hope that a new day can bring? Everything we sing about on this album is something someone can relate to, and if anything, the songs will let you know you're not alone.""