Stryper is a band that needs no introduction. Originally formed in 1983 as Roxx Regime, it continues to be at the forefront of the heavy metal scene with their unapologetic, Christian faith-based lyrics and unique looks and stage presentation. Led by vocalist and guitar player Michael Sweet, the quartet, which also includes his brother Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and former FireHouse bassist Perry Richardson, is about to embark on their 40th Anniversary tour, showing no signs of wanting to slow down or retire anytime soon.
As if announcing a big anniversary tour after wrapping a successful series of acoustic dates wasn’t enough, the iconic band is about to release their newest and already 15th studio album, When We Were Kings, through Frontiers Music on September 13th.
The album opens with End of Days, the first single release for this cycle. A drum fill gets things going and soon heavy riffs hit you with the energy that the band is known for. Apocalyptic lyrics, soaring vocals, and crazy guitar solos fill the song, but the highlight here lies in the chorus with its half-time feel and catchy melodies.
Unforgivable follows with more high gain riffage and a tight rhythmic section, leading once again to another memorable chorus and a dual guitar solo battle between Sweet and Fox.
The title track and latest single released at the time of writing this review, When We Were Kings, seems to be a sort of autobiography from the band’s own perspective. The lyrics, talking about paving the way, yet changing through the years; could be linked to the band’s story through the highs and lows of their different eras within the music industry. In case these assumptions are accurate, this would be a nice parallel to coincide with the band’s 40 year trajectory.
Betrayed by Love is the first slower piece of the album. While distorted guitars are still very prominent throughout, there’s a pleasant touch of acoustic guitars in the background that, while not at the forefront, are audible enough to color the whole piece. Small details like these tell of great production and sound decisions by Sweet and co.
Another single release, Loves Symphony, brings the energy back up and finds the listener quickly immersed and engaged with the chorus’ lyrics and melodies. A very nice dual guitar lead interlude with a double tempo feel takes you to the second verse and then to another big chorus. The band never loses the focus on melody and beautiful harmonies through each song.
At the very center of the tracklist, Trinity is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the whole album. Powerful riffs, great lyrics talking about the triune God and a very staccato chorus vocal line create a very effective combination. Though Michael Sweet had to face vocal cord issues and subsequent throat surgeries, this track shows he’s still got a wonderful voice in immaculate condition with nothing to envy from his younger self. It’s truly amazing.
Rhyme of Time becomes the second power ballad of the album and it’s another breather moment, bridging all the heaviness from the songs before and the ones that are about to come.
Raptured starts with another drum intro and a simple, yet effective and sticky guitar riff for the verses. This one is another high energy song with a very good guitar solo.
Grateful, another single release, follows, expressing the band’s attitude towards God and life, despite being no strangers to personal pain, hardship and illness. Keeping gratitude amidst all of this is no small feat.
Divided by Design is another mid tempo, high energy rocker that combines all the band’s signature elements.
Finally, Imperfect World closes things spectacularly by raising the energy level with a triplet feel. Same as mentioned before with Trinity, this one stands out in a very good way, showcasing a different side of the band’s writing.
This is a very strong collection of songs that feature the unmistakable Stryper sound the fans know and love. Is this an experimental or groundbreaking record? Not really, as it fits in right away with all the modern Stryper albums of the past decade. Should this concern you? Definitely not! The band has found their sound and identity and are happy to be doing what they do best after 40 years together, though a little more experimentation or shake up in their sound wouldn’t hurt anybody.
Overall, this is a very solid record and a huge sign of the effort and work ethic of a band that has stayed together for this long, not only making awesome music but also keeping their beliefs and unity against all kinds of opposition, negativity, hard times and turmoil. Here’s to the next 40 years!
Pre-Order HERE
‘When We Were Kings’ Track List:
1. End Of Days
2. Unforgivable
3. When We Were Kings
4. Betrayed By Love
5. Loves Symphony
6. Trinity
7. Rhyme Of Time
8. Raptured
9. Grateful
10. Divided By Design
11. Imperfect World
Total Time: 0.45.48
STRYPER will be embarking on its 40th Anniversary Tour this fall.
The show will be a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production. In most cities, this will be a 2-set “evening with” style show.
STRYPER Live 2024
7/18 – Mineral City, OH @ Alive Music Festival
40th Anniversary Tour:
9/11 – Greeneville, TN @ Niswonger PAC
9/13 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino
9/14 – Shippensburg, PA @ Uprise Festival
9/15 – Akron, OH @ The Goodyear Theater
9/17 – Columbus, OH @ TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum
9/19 – Anderson, IN @ Paramount Theatre
9/20 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
9/21 – Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate PAC
9/23 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
9/24 – Cedar Park, TX @ The Haute Spot
9/25 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre
9/26 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC
9/28 – Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
9/29 – Fort Smith, AR @ TempleLive
10/19 – Wichita, KS @ TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center
10/21 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
10/25 – Stateline, NV @ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe @ South Shore
10/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
10/30 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
10/31 – El Paso, TX @ The Plaza Theatre
11/3 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/7 – Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
11/8 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/9 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theater
11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!
11/13 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
11/14 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre
11/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
11/16 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
STRYPER are:
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums & Percussion
Oz Fox – Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Perry Richardson – Vocals/Bass
Paul McNamara – Organ, Keys, Moog
Additional Background Vocals: Charles Foley & Keith Pittman
Produced by: Michael Sweet
Studio: Spirithouse Recording Studio
Recorded by: Danny Bernini
Additional engineering and editing: Kenny Lewis / Mixed Emotions Music
Mixed by: Danny Bernini
Mastered by: Alex Saltz
All songs written by: Michael Sweet
