When I came back from university in 1984 I was intrigued to discover that my sister had been seeking out Christian rock music, which soon gained the genre name of White Metal. One band interested me in particular, Stryper, as I was also heavily into Kiss in this period and was intrigued how another band was using imagery so prominently within their music. I bought their first two albums from America, but was not a huge fan of their third, ‘To Hell With The Devil’ and lost interest not long afterwards. Then 10 years ago they signed with Frontiers and this is their fifth album with them, so consequently I have heard more of their music in recent years than I have in decades. In March they came to New Zealand for the first time in aeons and I was fortunate enough to be there reviewing, and I was blown away by what was a wonderful performance from a rock band who have never strayed from their stance, and still give out New Testaments at their shows. That three of the original members, Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano), Robert Sweet (drums, percussion) and Oz Fox (guitar, vocals) are still there is nothing short of incredible as they enter their fifth decade as a band, while this is the third album for bassist Perry Richardson (who first found fame in Firehouse).
Here we have a band who know what they are about, have found their niche, and see no reason whatsoever to change it. They may not have the hunger and desire which came through in the first albums when they were so beloved of the glam scene, yet when it comes to music this is all about melodic hard rock with great hooks and the wonderful vocals of Michael Sweet. Not only does he have an ongoing project with George Lynch (Dokken), but he was also lead singer and guitarist with Boston for a period as well, not an easy gig at all. Their lyrics are still Christian, as that is what this band has always been about, they even took their name from a bible passage in Isaiah 53:5, “By His stripes we are healed”, which is still part of the band’s logo. Yes, the yellow and black striped attire is a gimmick, as is Robert’s kit being placed at a 90 degree angle to the norm so everyone can see him more easily, “the visual timekeeper”. But at the heart of this is solid music which is enjoyable the first time it is played, and one can easily relax into it even if the listener may not agree with the words being used. When Sweet screams in falsetto as he does on “No Rest for the Wicked” it is effortless, and so very easy indeed.
Is this something which will encourage new fans to listen to them? Not sure on that, as I still prefer the albums when they were out to prove something and the world was against them, but it is certainly something which will please those who have been following their career over the years. I only hope they come here again soon, Michael did promise.
Rating: 7/10
