Skillet Frontman John Cooper Talks Faith, Mental Illness and ‘After the Storm’

For 20 years, Skillet has been singing, and screaming, about the Gospel. Frontman John Cooper has been the band’s driving presence throughout its entire history, and he hasn’t mellowed one bit.

But sometimes, all Cooper’s energy can flow in unhealthy directions.

After the Storm, Skillet’s new EP, is being called the band’s “most personal and emotionally vulnerable release in years.” The album delves into what Christian poet St. John of the Cross might’ve described as the “dark night of the soul,” when anger, fear and grief can feel overwhelming. 

Cooper understands the feeling. So do so many of his listeners. And, as someone who’s dealt with depression, so do I.

I had the pleasure of talking with Cooper about his upbringing, his music, his faith and his own struggles. It was a good chat, and you’ll not want to miss a second of it.