Skillet ‘Halfway There’ in Writing Next Studio Album

Skillet have been one of rock's hottest bands in recent years and it looks like they're ready to continue that momentum by turning their focus to a new album. The band just checked in with Billboard to reveal the progress of their next disc.

The group won the Best Rock Album honor at the 3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards for Rise, so following up the disc may be a challenge. However, it's a challenge the band is now meeting head on. Frontman John Cooper tells Billboard that the group has between 15-18 songs in various stages of writing completion for their next album, but figures he's "only halfway there" when it comes to writing for the new disc.

"We're planning on recording this summer," says Cooper. "June will mark two years for Rise, and I would like to be releasing a record this year. So we're working toward that goal, and even if we don't, we'll release it early next year."

The vocalist says he and wife Korey Cooper have been working on song ideas and he's feeling really inspired at the moment: "I haven't been this excited about writing a record in, like, seven years or eight years, and it's just been kind of a joyous time actually." Cooper says that touring well into 2014 helped, adding that meeting people inspires him to write.

Though recording won't take place for a few months, the vocalist reveals that the band has already chosen to reunite with producer Brian Howse, who oversaw the group's 2006 effort Comatose.

And though a new album is in the works, the band is still balancing in some touring. The group is currently playing their Winter Jam trek, which wraps on March 29. To see their itinerary, click here. And to read Cooper's full interview with Billboard, click here.