Album review: STRYPER – Live At The Whisky

Frontiers Records [Release date 22.09.14]

First we had a cover’s album, then re-recordings of old numbers and then finally a decent new album and now Stryper’s comeback continues with the obligatory live album (with me being cynical, this is a nice and easy option for the record label and band….)

Generally me and live albums don’t get on too well but with “Live at the Whisky” Stryper at least sound as though they were enjoying themselves which is a plus point all on its own and the tracks are raw enough so that they actually sound live…

However, sound quality is not good, especially the drums, and audience interaction is poor as at times there sounds like there is only about twenty people in attendance.

So to the songs which are, as expected, the big older numbers plus a selection from the recent “No More Hell To Pay” release. Legacy is a poor choice for opener and they would have been much better selecting second track Marching Into Battle with its call to arms. The extremely catchy Jesus Is Just Alright also gets a run out….

“To Hell With The Devil” is the source of the most tracks with Calling On You, More Than A Man, Free, The Way and of course the title track being aired. The band even pulls out a surprise by performing All For One off the underrated “Against The Law” album.

The show does drag as the quality of the earlier songs is not always that good. This and the muddy sound quality means that this is unlikely to hit the deck again anytime soon.

Also a note for Frontiers…as this is a live album please don’t fade out Michael Sweet’s closing comments half way through…

Unfortunately one for die hard Stryper fans and those that attended the concert only…

**½

Review by Phil Berisford

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)