Rise cover

Rise

Skillet · 2013

61 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A powerful blend of hard rock and industrial elements, driven by anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Rise Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of resilience and empowerment, featuring a driving rhythm that sets a triumphant tone.
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    Sick of It — This track stands out with its raw energy and angst-filled lyrics that resonate with listeners feeling disillusioned by societal pressures.
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    Not Gonna Die — 'Not Gonna Die' balances heavy instrumentation with a message of hope and perseverance, making it an anthem for overcoming adversity.
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    American Noise — Exploring themes of societal chaos and disconnection, this track combines fierce guitar riffs with socially conscious lyrics, showcasing Skillet's lyrical depth.
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    Good to Be Alive — 'Good to Be Alive' radiates positivity and celebration of life, contrasting the darker tones found throughout the album while providing a needed uplift.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines anthemic rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship and thematic depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a gradual build-up, leading into a powerful anthem with layered vocals and heavy instrumentation.
  • Several tracks employ contrasting dynamics, such as 'Not Gonna Die,' which alternates between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
  • The last three tracks slow the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • explosive anthems for empowerment
  • steady energy for workout sessions
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • uplifting vibes for motivation
  • introspective moments amidst chaos

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, sounds
  • seek quick, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Rise solidified Skillet's reputation with a high Billboard debut and strong thematic content.
Themes
societal chaos· industrial resilience· disillusioned youth
Career context
Released on June 25, 2013, 'Rise' is Skillet's eighth studio album, following their successful crossover with 'Awake' in 2009. By this point, the band had solidified their position within the Christian rock and mainstream metal scenes, capitalizing on their growing popularity and expanding their sound into more industrial influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Red· Thousand Foot Krutch· Breaking Benjamin

Tracklist

  • 1 Rise Start here 4:20
  • 2 Sick of It 3:10
  • 3 Good to Be Alive 4:59
  • 4 Not Gonna Die 3:45
  • 5 Circus for a Psycho 4:31
  • 6 American Noise 4:09
  • 7 Madness in Me 4:17
  • 8 Salvation 3:45
  • 9 Fire and Fury 3:56
  • 10 My Religion 4:12
  • 11 Hard to Find 3:48
  • 12 What I Believe 3:20
  • 13 Battle Cry 3:45
  • 14 Everything Goes Black 4:26
  • 15 Freakshow 4:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata