B-Mac Chat with John Cooper of Skillet

When it comes to Christian rock, the bands that come to mind are Stryper, August Burns Red, and For Today to name. However, out of all these groups, none of them have achieved international superstardom like Skillet. Armed with uplifting lyrics, heavy riffs, and head-banging chorus’, Skillet has gone on to being the most recognizable Christian hard rock group on the planet. After over 20 years together, they have just released their 10th studio album Unleashed, an album just as powerful as the previous, if not bigger. I recently had the opportunity to chat with the bassist/vocalist of Skillet, John Cooper.

Talking with him, Cooper gave me the full scoop into the world of Skillet. He told me that he wanted to create huge rock anthems that can not only bring a fan closer to God but can also appeal to someone with a different belief system. He explained what it was like working with 3 different producers and what each of them brought to the album. One particular producer was Kevin Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne, etc.), who produced my favorite track “Out of Hell” and it’s one of Cooper’s favorite songs off the album. He felt the whole experience been through with Skillet is so surreal, being that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the band. We also conversed on what it was like playing at Download this year and watching Iron Maiden from the sound console. I asked about how he felt about the passing of Lemmy (Motörhead) and his thoughts on former Christian Metal star Tim Lambesis’ (As I Lay Dying) current situation on being convicted of attempted murder and coming out as an atheist. What I particularly about this interview was when I introduced, he jokingly said that he should take me on the road as the group’s MC. Naturally, I accepted.

He was an awesome man to chat with. The thing was he didn’t talk to me like a rock star, but as a fan of metal telling me great stories. Not only did they play Download, but being true to their Christian roots, they will be playing at the Harvest Festival this year as well. It’s a Christian Ministry festival that includes guest speakers and artists. I can only expect great things from Cooper and Skillet. I will keep my eye out for when they stop by in my neck of the woods. I will be ready to cheer them on and MC them for the crowd. To John Cooper, I salute you. Horns up!!!