I was first introduced to Stryper by the late, great Rob Campo of the New York (and later, L.A.) metal scene back in 1987. I know nothing of Christian metal. In fact, I know almost nothing about Christianity, but when I first discovered the Soldiers Under Command record, I really didn't care about about any particular religious message or not. I had listened to plenty of records that had "satanic" messages and I was rather unfazed by them.
And while the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) tried to scare my Mom into thinking that I was going to start worshipping Satan because I listened to Ozzy, a funny thing happened, after repeated experiences with bands like Slayer, Mercyful Fate and even Mayhem, and that is, for some reason, I never became a follower of the dark lord.
It's been a similar experience with my love of Stryper and other Christian metal bands. I've always been a seeker of solid music. To me, I don't concern myself about the lyrics that much as long as the music composition resonates with what I've come to enjoy. With that, I've never really stopped engaging with Stryper's music, either recorded or live. Stryper is a premier metal band, and if you think they aren't, simply because they're evangelical Christians, then you're wrong, to be frank.
Don't get me wrong, Stryper is all about their message, no doubt. And, I may have caught a bible to two at a Stryper concert recently, but that's not going to sway me in terms of what I think of the new record, When We Were Kings. Whether you're into Stryper for their Christian content or not, that record is fantastic either way.
Michael Sweet, lead vocalist and guitarist, shares with us the concept for some of the songs on the newest record, their 12th studio LP, "We're always trying to merge the past with the present. Trying to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for." After a number of spins, I can safely say that the final product is exactly as Sweet describes and this blending of the 80's sound with that of the 20's is aptly apparent in "Love's Symphony."
"Grateful" is another great song that's a bit of a throwback as well. I'd say it's one of the more radio friendly tracks and approachable for the more casual fan of heavy music.
“ 'Grateful' is an answer to all the fans that have been wanting to hear a throwback to songs like 'Calling on You'. It’s a different side of the band musically with a straight ahead, pop/rock melody and groove. It’s also a message of gratitude and being grateful for what you have, no matter who you are," says Sweet.
"Betrayed by Love" is really catchy ballad with lovely layered vocals. Similarly, "Rhyme of Time," slows things down a bit but still shines bright. "Raptured" brings a bit more groove to the record and also has a chorus you can't help but sing along to. The record's opener, "End of Days" is a straight-ahead rager that'll grab you from the first few bars.
Overall, I would say that I like When We Were Kings a great deal. The record has a lot of heft and some wonderful riffs that feature that classic Stryper guitar tone. This is significantly heavier than 2020's Even the Devil Believes, but not quite as fast as 2018's God Damn Evil, which I consider their most aggressive record to date.
Indeed, I'd love for the band to come out with another raging burner like "Take it to the Cross," because the band seems to shine with lots of velocity in the composition; and while there's some speed on the newest record, I'm still wanting more. That being said, cuts like "Dividend by Design," and "Trinity" are undoubtedly heavy, underscored by Perry Richardson's more than adept bass.
Speaking of the classic guitar tone, the record's closer, "Imperfect World," most definitely takes me back. Overall, the nostalgia here is apparent and deliberate, but with a new spin on the sound at the same time. There's nothing at all dated about the sonics or the song structures. Perhaps, most impressive is that Michael Sweet's voice just simply doesn't age at all.
With many of Stryper's 80's peers barely keeping the spirit alive with half-hearted tours featuring less than half of the original members, the Sweet brothers, Oz Fox and Perry Richardson keep on writing stellar new music and pushing themselves creatively. This newest LP is an obvious must own.
