2000s Rock Band Makes History as Signature Hit Surpasses 4 Billion Streams
The multi-platinum rock band Skillet has earned a new milestone in their extensive career as one of the 2000s' biggest names. Released in 2009, their signature track "Monster" has become the first to surpass four billion streams and earned a spot in Spotify's Billions Club.
The Christian rock band rose to fame in the 2000s alongside bands like Breaking Benjamin, Red, Evanescence, and many more. "Monster" was released as the second track of their ninth studio album, Awake, and became Skillet's breakthrough single. It landed at No. 4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Track charts and No.1 on the Christian Rock radio chart.
"Monster" became Skillet's most successful single of their career and the first to land them on the Alternative Songs chart. Not only was the song popular among fans, but it also became one of the most-played music videos on MTV during its run.
According to SongFacts, frontman John Cooper revealed in a 2013 interview that the track was inspired by Edward Norton's 2008 film The Incredible Hulk. He recalls a scene from the film where Tom Roth's character is injected with the chemicals and becomes Abomination. After being asked how he feels, he says, "Like a monster."
Cooper later elaborated further on the message behind "Monster," saying, "It's a song about being fake and putting on a face for people that's not the real you. But it's basically about the nature of sin and the nature of the divine, which is the duel nature we have as Christians. Everyday we have to strive to throw away the old and be that new person in Christ."
The frontman once revealed how the song had impacted a security guard who was working one of Skillet's concerts. The man was struggling with a heroin addiction and was inspired to enter rehab after listening to "Monster."
The track became a staple of the 2000s, having been used in various pop culture moments and in heavy rotation by the WWE. In 2016, the song had surpassed 2.6 million sales and was recognized as one of the biggest singles in the history of Christian music. Their new milestone of surpassing four billion streams comes on the heels of their sold-out European tour that ended in late May.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 7:47 AM.