Frontiers Records [Release date 16.10.15]
Few bands can have been subject to such misconceptions as Stryper. The overt way they wore their Christian faith on their distinctive yellow and black sleeves divided opinion when they emerged in the eighties and, worse still, their breakthrough American hits were sickly ballads.
Not being a man of faith myself, I barely gave them a second thought yet when they headlined the Frontiers Rock Festival last year friends begged me to give them a chance and it is fair to say I was blown away by the power of their performance.
With singer Michael Sweet having already collaborated with George Lynch on one of the albums of the year, I therefore approached this album, their first of new material since 2013’s ‘No More Hell To Pay’ with some interest.
While they have toned down their image they are still unapologetic about their faith as evidenced by six and a half minute opener ‘Yahweh’ which begins with some choral chanting. Both that and the second song ‘Fallen’ have loads of shredding guitar solos from Michael and co-guitarist Oz Fox. ‘Pride’ may surprise people with some riffery worthy of Metallica or Megadeth and remarkably there is even a faithful cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘After Forever’.
However the big choruses of ‘Big Screen Lies’ and ‘Heaven’ will appeal to more traditional Stryper fans as will ‘Love You Like I Do’ where the wall of harmony vocals makes the chorus even bigger.
Throughout the vocals of Sweet are crystal clear yet soaringly powerful and though ballads are in short supply ‘All Over Again’ is a perfect showcase for them. ‘Till I Get What I Need’ is another highlight with searing solos over a powerful riff and ‘Let There Be Light’ again sees them swapping solos.
‘The Calling’, whose opening verse reminds me of Sammy Hagar’s ‘Only One Way To Rock’ is another with a massive hook-laden chorus.
I would thoroughly recommend this album including to some of the people who may previously have given the yellow and black attack the widest berth. ****
Review by Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 17 November 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 19 November 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 25 November 2024
KING KRAKEN Chainsaw Saviour (indie)
BEBORN BETON American Girls (Dependent Records)
SMASH INTO PIECES Maze Of Feels (indie)
WELSH WOLF When You Cry (indie)
DREAMING OF CITRA Bitter (indie)
OFF LIGHTS Love You Sober (indie)
THUNDERMOTHER Dead Or Alive (AFM Records)
SKAM Selfish Friend (indie)
SORRY X Bring Me To Life (SBG Records)
Featured Albums w/c 25 November 2024
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)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
