Review of Dominion album by Skillet

Skillet

Dominion

Atlantic, Hear It Loud

January 14, 2022

Album Review By Annie Schlottman

Originally published on Boston Rock Radio website February 16th, 2022

The popular Christian hard rockDd band Skillet released its 11th studio album, Dominion, January 14th, 2022. This 12-track album by the Wisconsin quartet is a great mix of heavy-hitting bangers and meaningful ballads.  Listeners who know Skillet’s previous work will hear quite a bit of the familiar, along with some new elements that may surprise, including electronics, screams, and even some rap elements on the album’s final track.

The combination of vocals by lead singer and bassist, John Cooper, and drummer and backup singer Jen Ledger, are perfect, as usual. Guitarists Seth Morrison and Korey Cooper (John’s wife) contribute the heavy guitar riffs that this band is known for.  The ballads are beautiful and just about anyone can relate to the themes incorporated throughout.

According to the band, “This record is all about the celebration of freedom, a liberation from fear – to be who we want to be, say what we want to say, believe what we want to believe.  We hope the record makes you feel empowered, inspired, and ready to rock!”

The first track and first single released “Surviving The Game” builds up at the beginning and really gets the blood boiling.  You can tell right away that this song is going to be heavy. This song has a powerful message of not giving up amidst adversity. The track is featured in the new Rock Band video game.

Title track “Dominion” picks things back up with a fast pace that gets the adrenaline going, and is fueled by a fierce guitar solo.  This song has a message of rebelling against the forces of evil and standing with what is good and righteous.

“Beyond Incredible” starts out somewhat slow, but near the end of the first verse picks up quickly.  There are some of those aforementioned electronic elements in this track. Ledger’s vocals are a big part of this song in the pre-chorus, the bridge, and the outro. The main theme of this song is about the search for a miracle – finding something “incredible.”

The first ballad on the album,“Valley Of Death” is almost orchestral in nature. The beginning of the song is simply Cooper singing accompanied by piano.  Later in the song the guitars and drums kick in, along with Ledger’s vocals.  “Valley of Death” is a moving tune about mortality and taking inventory of your life. “Refuge” is another melodic ballad featuring strings and soft vocals by Cooper.  This is an inspiring song about trusting in a refuge in times of darkness.  I believe this refuge can be left up to interpretation – a higher power, a significant other, a friend, family members. 

To me, “Shout Your Freedom,” is the true anthem on this album.  It’s a fast-paced, fun song that encourages proclaiming victory for all to hear. This tune has almost more of a “power pop” element to it.

Dominion ends with a surprising wild card, “White Horse.”  This song has a big hip hop element to it – almost a form of rap rock.  This is one of the most unique songs I have ever heard from Skillet.   It might actually be the most “religious” song on the album.  It is written from the point of view of a follower of God fighting the battle – but not necessarily a physical battle, rather that of a prophet teaching a message of truth.

I must say as a big fan of Skillet, the more I listened to the album, the more impressed I was by the variety of the tracks, mixing the familiar with some new elements that will keep listeners intrigued.  Overall, I highly recommend this album for the mix of heavy, hard-hitting bangers and emotional ballads, as well as the inspirational messages incorporated throughout.

BAND John Cooper -- Lead Vocals/Bass Korey Cooper -- Rhythm Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals Jen Ledger -- Drums/Vocals Seth Morrison -- Lead Guitar

TRACK LISTING
Surviving The Game
Standing In The Storm
Dominion’
Valley Of Death
Beyond Incredible
Destiny
Refuge
Shout Your Freedom
Destroyer
Forever Or The End
Ignite
White Horse