(Atlantic) Skillet has announced the forthcoming release of their eagerly awaited new album. "Awake" which features the tracks "Hero" and "Monster" arrives in stores and at all online retailers on August 25th.The release of "AWAKE" will be preceded by the electrifying new single, "Monster." The track is slated to impact at Active Rock and Mainstream Rock outlets nationwide on July 14th, while a companion video is currently in pre-production.
One of America's hardest working live acts, Skillet will herald "AWAKE" with an exhaustive tour schedule, kicking off a full-scale headlining tour at Fort Wayne, Indiana's Embassy Theater on September 24th.
Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), "Awake" is available now for pre-order via the rock outfit's official website. A variety of packages are being offered, pairing the album with such bonuses as an exclusive Skillet t-shirt, an autographed VIP pass, and membership in Skillet's official fan club. All pre-orders of "AWAKE" come with an immediate download of "Hero."
In other news, Skillet frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes recently collected two BMI Music Awards for "The Last Night" and "The Older I Get," both featured on 2006's Grammy Award-nominated "COMATOSE."
"COMATOSE" proved Skillet's most popular work to date, with sales now approaching RIAA gold certification. The album followed the band's 2003 label debut, "COLLIDE," which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy Award nomination.
Founded in 1996, Skillet has earned ecstatic praise for their inspirational and intense approach to hard-edged alternative rock. Hit Parader celebrated Skillet for "(bringing) to mind the kind of slick, studio-savvy work that made vintage Aerosmith and Bon Jovi so much fun to listen to." "Skillet
continually push their musical muscle with soaring guitar work interspersed with their take on 80's hair-metal ballads," declared Mix.