Skillet

Alternative CCM rockers Skillet formed in Memphis, TN, around the nucleus of lead singer and bassist John Cooper, guitarist Ken Steorts, and drummer Trey McClurkin. Debuting in 1996 with a self-titled LP, the trio returned two years later with Hey You, I Love Your Soul. Invincible followed in early 2000, and the group contributed three tracks to the Ardent Worship: Skillet Live compilation that same year. With a new lineup of Cooper on bass and lead vocals, his wife Korey Cooper on guitar and keyboards, Ben Kasica on guitar, and Lori Peters on drums, Skillet released Alien Youth on Ardent Records in 2001, followed by Collide, also on Ardent, in 2003. The latter album was then picked up by Lava/Atlantic and reissued the following year with a bonus track. Collide went on to be the band's best-selling album to date (even earning them a Grammy nomination), and the band supported the record on tours with bands like Saliva and Shinedown. Skillet's next effort for the label, Comatose, appeared in fall 2006, followed by Awake in 2009. ~ Jason Ankeny & Steve Leggett, Rovi