Skillet’s John Cooper Teases 2026 Music With Prog & Metal Influences

Enoch E. Okon
Dec 15, 2025
2 min read

*Skillet. This image was generated using artificial intelligence for visual illustration.*

Skillet frontman and bassist John Cooper has revealed that the band’s next wave of music will explore heavier metal tones and progressive rock elements, marking a noticeable shift in their creative direction as they move closer to a major career milestone.

In a recent interview, Cooper confirmed that new Skillet material is already in development, with a projected release window set for 2026. The timing is significant, as it will roughly coincide with 30 years since the band released its self-titled debut album, a moment Cooper says the group wants to acknowledge in a meaningful way.

Rather than focusing on a single anniversary event, the band is prioritizing the music itself.

According to Cooper, the goal is to deliver songs that feel fresh, powerful, and exciting, while still staying true to Skillet’s identity. He noted that a few tracks are already written and that the creative process is leaning toward a more aggressive sound.

Cooper also pointed to the band’s recent Christmas release as a clue to where things are heading. The track allowed Skillet to experiment with lower guitar tunings and more intense metal elements, something the band hasn’t emphasized heavily on studio albums since earlier in their career. These experiments, he explained, are helping shape the direction of the new material.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQBG9n_ZFSU

Additionally, Cooper mentioned that fans who attend Skillet’s live shows may already recognize subtle progressive influences in their performances. While these elements have traditionally been more prominent on stage than on record, the band is now considering bringing some of that prog-inspired energy into the studio.

As Skillet prepares for its next chapter, Cooper made it clear that the band has no intention of slowing down. Instead, they are aiming to release music that reflects both their longevity and their willingness to evolve — blending familiar hooks with heavier, more experimental rock and metal textures.