Multi-platinum rock band Skillet have released their new six-song EP, After the Storm, with “Grave Stomper” serving as the project’s focus track. The independent release finds the band returning to a heavier sound while exploring deeply personal themes of betrayal, anger, depression, perseverance and hope.
Produced by David Cowell of Sleep Theory and Skillet’s own Korey Cooper, After the Storm marks a significant creative chapter for the band. The sessions took place in frontman John Cooper’s hometown of Memphis, where he had not recorded with Skillet since the band’s 2003 album Collide.
The EP draws from difficult personal experiences, with Cooper writing about periods of grief, emotional struggles and the process of finding strength to move forward.
“This EP is special to me,” says Cooper. “It reignites what Skillet was always meant to be—which is music that helps lift people out of dark times. I wrote these songs because I needed to be lifted out of my darkness.”
“Grave Stomper” Leads the New Release
“Grave Stomper” channels the EP’s themes of betrayal and perseverance into a defiant statement about refusing to be defined by other people’s accusations. The song’s lyrics describe the emotional toll of being targeted by lies and having the past repeatedly used against you. Rather than allowing that shame to take control, the narrator pushes back, determined to stand firm and break free from the weight of those experiences.
The song’s message reflects John Cooper’s own explanation of its inspiration. He describes writing it after experiencing slander, explaining that he knew the untrue words being directed at him did not have the power to define him. The track turns that experience into a declaration of resilience, with the narrator refusing to remain buried by the actions of others.
The new track follows the previously released singles “Scream” and “Lift Me Up.” According to the band’s announcement, “Scream” has already surpassed 12 million global streams.
Finding Hope After the Storm
The EP’s title track explores the struggle to find a way forward when emotional pain, doubt and past experiences become difficult to escape. Its lyrics paint a picture of someone feeling buried beneath the weight of their circumstances, struggling to make sense of what has happened while searching for a reason to keep going.
Despite the darkness running through the song, there is also a sense of perseverance. The narrator acknowledges the damage left behind but continues searching for direction and a way to recover. The repeated imagery of breaking apart and picking up the pieces reflects the difficult process of rebuilding after a painful experience.
That balance between suffering and hope connects directly to John Cooper’s description of the EP. While After the Storm deals with betrayal, anger and depression, its underlying message is about surviving those experiences and finding the strength to move forward. Together, the title track and “Grave Stomper” present two sides of that journey: confronting the forces that threaten to pull you down and trying to find your footing once the worst has passed.
Skillet’s Catalogue Continues to Grow
The new EP arrives during a strong period for Skillet, whose catalogue recently reached 30 million RIAA-certified units across 21 titles, including 11 newly awarded certifications.
Among the latest milestones, “Monster” has reached seven-times Platinum status, “Hero” has earned four-times Platinum certification, and “Awake and Alive” and “Feel Invincible” have each reached three-times Platinum.
“Monster” has also surpassed five billion global streams, according to the band’s announcement, further cementing its place among Skillet’s most successful recordings.
The release also follows a busy period of media appearances and interviews, with Skillet featured by outlets including Billboard, SPIN, Forbes, FOX News, CBN/The 700 Club and The Daily Wire. The September cover of CCM Magazine featured the full band and examined its continued success alongside the personal experiences behind After the Storm.
Still Screaming Tour Continues Across the United States
Skillet are also on the road for their Still Screaming Tour, with multiple dates already sold out, including shows in Long Island, Minneapolis, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio and Orlando.
The U.S. headline run follows the band’s European tour earlier in 2026, which attracted approximately 90,000 fans across 23 cities. The trek included sold-out performances and record-setting ticket sales at venues such as Zénith in Paris.
The current tour continues through November, combining songs from across Skillet’s nearly three-decade career with material from the new EP.
For upcoming dates and tickets, visit the tour dates and tickets page.
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