Lava Records jumps into the fire with Skillet, the melodic, hard rock quartet who originally hail from Memphis, Tennessee. Previously signed to Ardent Records, Skillet has released a total of four albums, which have sold upwards of 400,000 units in the U.S. Skillet joins the Lava roster alongside Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Simple Plan. The band will release their new album entitled Collide on Lava Records on May 25th.

“We have been waiting for the door to open for a deal like this for about six years now, and this opportunity with LAVA is a definite answer to prayer,” comments Skillet lead singer John Cooper. “We truly desire to get the message and our music out to an audience that needs to hear a positive word in today's violent world. Lava has been awesome to work with so far, and even though we have only been partnering with them for a short while, I couldn't be any happier with how things are going between us. We look forward to what the future will bring!”

Already firmly established in the CBA marketplace, Skillet are ready to conquer rock and alternative radio, following in the footsteps of successful brethren such as P.O.D. The band, fronted by the husband and wife team of John Cooper (vocals/bass) and Korey Cooper (guitar/keyboard), combine elements of rock, metal and goth with pulsating, hook-filled melodies. Rounding out the band are 19-year-old guitarist Ben Kasica and powerhouse drummer Lori Peters. Together, Skillet has performed over 170 live dates in the last year alone in front of 500,000 people.

Ardent Records will continue marketing, promotion and sales of Collide to Christian media and retail outlets. Ardent president John Fry commented, "We are delighted that Skillet has been given this larger platform for their music and message. At the same time, we’re also thrilled with the success we’ve had in the CBA market with a #1 rock single for “Savior” and now “My Obsession” at #10 in only 4 weeks. Be assured that Skillet will continue to be fully engaged and supported in Christian music channels."

Skillet’s forthcoming Lava release Collide, produced by Paul Ebersold (Three Doors Down, Ridlin’ Kids) was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis. The disc features 11 blistering tracks including the driving first single “Savior” which was #2 most added at CMJ’s Loud Rock and Crucial Spins panel its first week out. The single went to Active Rock and Alternative on April 12th. Other notable tracks on Collide include the alkaline-soaked “Forsaken,” which features dark programming and heavy guitars, the anthemic scorcher “My Obsession,” and the album’s uplifting, powerful ballad “A Little More.” The album also features a newly-added track, the angst-filled opus “Open Wounds,” a likely candidate for the band’s second mainstream single.

Skillet is currently on tour now with 12 Stones and Pillar through May 6th. For up to date information, tour dates and more go to www.skillet.org.