The opening salvo of the CD sets the stage for a rock opera, and I’m taken back to my second-ever Christian rock concert. With the bass beat thumping through my chest, I’m standing at the Icthus Festival main stage, and it’s the turn of the century. Then, it’s back to the DVD or the CD, take your pick: with Comatose Comes Alive, you can experience the Skillet explosion with or without pictures.
The self-titled “Comatose” leads into “Whispers In The Dark,” but “Collide” and “Forsaken” are actually from Collide. “The Older I Get” returns to the title album, and shows off the melodic talents of lead singer John Cooper. “The Last Night” (one of my favorites) precedes one of my least favorite Skillet songs, “Better Than Drugs.” The first could be Christ speaking to a teenager at the end of their rope, and it’s pretty awesome in every version I’ve heard.
Decyfer’s bassist makes a guest appearance on “Those Nights” as Cooper threatens that they all need to get louder, and soon, the crowd is bellowing along. The band is rolling and “Yours To Hold” can barely contain their enthusiasm, even as the instruments lay off a bit. One of their best, “Rebirthing,” precedes one of the heaviest, “My Obsession.” “Angels Fall Down” finally quiets the crowd…momentarily. It’s a harmonizing moment between Cooper and his wife, from their Live: Ardent Worship. It’s a worshipful moment that leads into “Savior” off of Collide, before closing with “Best Kept Secret” from 2000’s Invincible album. You didn’t really think that the band would go out quietly…did you?
For a teaser, go to http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1859735482
