Thank you Pete! Finally, well deserved credit to one of the hardest working bands ever! They had a perfect run with their 5 latest albums! A band that keeps getting better!
Thanks for reviewing Pete. Looking forward to you and Rich ranking the albums! I have been a lifelong Stryper fan and I will say these things: 1) This album might be the most consistently strong, consistently heavy record they've ever recorded. Other albums have a barnburner track like Middle Finger Messiah or The Reign ... but in this one the heaviness is sprinkled everywhere. 2) Michael shrieks his brains out on this one. Hasn't done it like this since Yellow and Black and Soldiers. 3) Please check out Stryper live if you get a chance. One of the loudest bands I have ever seen, and I've seen them 4 times. The guitars are cranked, the vocal harmonies are cranked, and you know Robert is pounding the drums! 4) Met Oz backstage back in the day and to this day he is probably the coolest musician I have ever met. I am so glad he seems to be doing better following the brain tumor scare.
Stryper's evolution has always fascinated me. Starting out as a glam/heavy metal band in the 80's and when they came back in the 2010's, their stuff started incorporating more power metal elements. It puts into perspective how excellent of musicians they always were, and I always hated how people would write them off simply because of the Christian lyrics.
I have but I never liked Michael's voice and still don't to this day. And while the music has gotten heavier, I don't think there is much out of the ordinary in it. It's not remarquable.
I agree. Those last 5 albums have them drawing away from the "Hair Style" metal and playing some great heavy music. The Fallen album is probably the heaviest work they ever did. I love the distortion on that album.
Great album, highly recommend it. First three songs are absolute bangers, and it really doesn't let up. Love the guitar team of Michael Sweet and Oz Fox, I've been a fan since 1984... and Michael's voice is still incredible.
in My review i did I also mention that, Stryper actually listened to Fans when they said they want Heavier Rocking Songs that alot of other Bands are NOT delivering
i agree.. ( No More Hell to Pay + Fallen + God Damn Evil + Even the Devil Believes + The Final Battle ) all amazing. Frontiers.... set the band on fire, Fallen 2015 , Masterpiece
Thank you, Pete for your great review!! I appreciate it !! All the damn time. I bought the new , Stryper vinyl record and CD. Love it !! Stryper rocks !! 🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁 Life is better with music.
I love Stryper my 2nd favorite band of all time (Dream Theater is #1). This album is fantastic and have been on an amazing run going back to No More Hell To Pay. To be at this point in their career and still releasing awesome albums is a tribute to them. Anyone who dismisses this band because of their lyrics is missing out!
Bought this album purely on the strength of Pete's review and not disappointed. An absolutely stonkingly good album, power, precision, great playing and first rate tunes. It has so much juice it would play itself in a power cut. Recommended!
Many great ones..the golden period for me was 88 to 93 with classic bands like Sacred Warrior, Believer, Vengeance, Deliverance, Seventh Angel, Tourniquet, The Crucified and some others...Some 'newer' ones are Rob Rock, Theocracy, Harmony, etc.... Though I've always liked Stryper since 85 I preferred the heavier bands...but will definitely be seeing Stryper in March here in Australia as they are great live and always heavier than on record.
Bought this on your recommendation Pete - not heard any Stryper before despite my tastes rooted in the 80’s. This record is brilliant and I can heartily recommend. Vocals and guitar work outstanding and really strong set of songs on here. Will be exploring their catalogue further…
Just listened to “The Final Battle” again a couple of times after listening to their new one “When We Were Kings”. I have to say TFB is really one of their best, probably their 3rd best album after GDE & Fallen. Their now last 6 albums, are all superb! Allan
These guys have been having quite a comeback the last handful of years. I really liked the Sunbomb album that Michael Sweet did with Tracii Guns. Thanks, Pete!
Thank you Pete for the review of this amazing new album. Stryper is one of my favorite metal bands of all time, I think Michael Sweet has a wonderful voice that still holds up very well, I love the early stuff very much, all 5 classic albums back in the day are killer albums, To Hell With The Devil is one my favorite albums ever and the latter stuff is great too, it is heavier and darker with amazing guitar riffs and solos. Can't wait to see the ranking of the albums, it's gonna be awesome !!
Amazing album. These guys continue to improve. Best wine unitl last. I believe Michael Sweet had a detached retina. In order to aid healing his eye was injected with oil which means you can't really see, hence the eye patch. Reach out to Michael, he often does interviews.
At time he had to wear an eye patch because of eye issues and surgery. Thank you so much for reviewing this album. Love it alot. Just the fact that Michael Sweet has been dealing with eye problems and Ox Fox is dealing with a brain tumor and they could still make a great record is amazing. People should listen to it.
Sounds too much like Dio. When I listen to Stryper, I want to hear Stryper. On a positive note, Michael and Oz's playing/soloing has never been better.
The song "See No Evil Hear No Evil" gets its title because at the moment Michael can't see out of one eye and Oz can't hear out of one ear. Pretty clever.
Pete's review for this album inspired me to give it a listen on TH-cam and I am really impressed with what I heard. I shall be buying a copy on CD pronto.
Absolutely love all of the latter albums you mentioned. Heavier great guitars still great harmonies and vocals on all of them. I feel the”darker tone” as you ref to is most of these latter songs are geared to are mostly about the end times and the book of Revelations. All are so good
When I was a christian I used to listen to a lot of "christian" music and of course stryper was one of those bands, they are great and some songs are not accesible because they have a sound that matches the lyrical content, so... it's not a band that can get fans easily. I think the change from being over the top christian songs to a metal band formed by christians, it's a good move! music is music and that's it. I remember listening to the album "reborn" and it's heavy but a bit weird, I got rid of that cd... xD for whatever reason.. The last few albums are another stryper, a better band in many ways. They deserve more fans and more attention because their music is really really good! and for those who are aaggghh it's a christian metal.. come on... stop it.
I totally hear you Pete on Michael Sweet’s voice. That’s one of the reasons I much rather listen to these last five albums than the 80s material. I do have the re-recorded album, Second Coming, and I enjoy that quite a bit too because Michael’s voice is a little deeper.
The problem I have with these new Stryper albums is that the singles are always the fastest songs. While the 95% of the albums are very mid-paced, bluesy hard rock type riffing. Transgressor rules.
STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet will undergo emergency surgery on his right eye for a detached retina. A retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing peripheral vision loss. Without immediate treatment, a retinal detachment can lead to total vision loss, according to Healthline.
saw Stryper at Night of Joy back in the 80's , I guess the lyrics were fine for me since that was what I was looking for, but at the same time I liked SAINT which was more of end of the worldlike lyrics, so they were not sweet. Either way I am glad older bands in both mainstream and Christian like Stryper and Saint new albums out in 2022, The new Uriah Heep single is awesome.
Great review even though you called it The Final Command at the end of the vudeo. lol Hard to not think of Soldiers Under Comnand when thinking of great Stryper. ( their best 80's album imo)
Stryper is the American version of Queen. "No more He'll to pay" is the best dual guitar record I've ever heard in my life. "Soldiers under Command" is a masterpiece. The "Fallen" record is brilliant. Their cover album, "The Covering" is note for note perfection, compared to the original. It's simple why many reject this band. The gospel of the grace of God, a free gift, by faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Most people don't know Nicko Mcbrain, Blackie Lawless, Tommy Aldridge, the Late Ken Hensley, Michael Schenker, five members of the original Kansas lineup, Alice Cooper ect. Just to name a few. Are all believers
Ever since Murder by Pride, Stryper have been on fire. Killer release after killer release. No more hell to pay is the one I revisit the most I think, and now they're working on a new one, they seriously aged gracefully.
They found their identity.Metal deals in good vs evil .That can be a spiritual battle as well.They play the good guys in that battle.Thank you for reviewing it. Michael Sweet had eye surgery.
He had a detatched retina. So, he had to have surgery. That's why he wears the eye patch. I only have one Stryper cd. I believe it's called Fallen. I got it because they cover After Forever by Black Sabbath. I also have the Sunbomb cd that Michael did with Tracii Guns. That sounds like a cross between vintage Black Sabbath and '70s Judas Priest. I tried to inquire about the album title on in a Frontiers Facebook group, but they deleted my comment. I also have one of the Sweet/Lynch cds. BTW, sorry about the loss of your dog. Big lover of dogs. So, that news upset me
I believe the eye patch situation is due to Michael Sweet having a surgery for a detached retina. He has had to have two surgeries now because the retina detached again after the first surgery. Bigger process this second but with lots of prayer Michael seems to be doing fine so far. As far as this album is concerned (as well as the last several), the band is most certainly on a roll. I believed them to be some of the early beginnings of Power Metal... technical, precision, harmonies, etc... Most people get hung on their belief in God (which is something I will stand for as well), but if you look at their music from the musical aspect, they without a doubt one of the bands leading the charge in making metal a prominent genre in music today.
"By His Stripes, We are Healed" (Isaiah 53:5) .., there are some lot of Christian Metal bands that i've heard and appreciated over the passing years with STRYPER remaining numero ono for their sustainability and excellence (i'm a huge fan of all their efforts from 1985 to 1988) and a selected few song choices from everything they had offered from 1990 to 2020 (this new album re-kindles my interest in the outfit) the entire album carries a special quality with tracks such as; "Transgressor", "Heart & Soul" and "Rise to the Call" ..
A pleasant surprise. These guys have been turning out some excellent music these last few years. Same here, thier early stuff had some big moments, but was too spotty for me, so i just took my faves and made a disc. The nw era however, Michaels voice is much better, and the albums are constantly good stuff.
Though I've like Stryper since 85 Im always frustrated they don't stay heavy and often faster on their albums... Rob Rock is preferable as his solo albums are heavier and faster( a new solo cd is coming this year).. and his work with Impelliterri too... Theocracy is to me the premier christian metal band in the last decade or so..
Yes, Michael Sweet is wearing the eyepatch because of retinal tears in his right eye. Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised if the title of their latest album is prescient. Both Michael Sweet and Oz Fox have health issues.
Why don't you review Kerry Livgren's work; solo, AD, and Proto-Kaw? They are Christian lyrically, but the music is as good as Kansas, since he wrote most of it.
I had a girlfriend in high school who loved Stryper. I never had a problem with the lyrics and I always thought they were talented. Back then they did tend to be very syrupy which definitely was an issue. And I thought that was the main issue, but I have checked out a song or two from most of their recent works, including this one, and there is just something about Michael's voice that I can't get past. I've tried. I respect their longevity and what they've accomplished but that voice just doesn't agree with my ear.
Pretty sure the eye patch is because he had surgery due to a detached retina. He says he even wears sunglasses more for protection than style these days.
Is Michael Sweet returning to sing for Boston? Is that why Stryper is disbanding? And why did Michael do that video where he's bald and said he has never worn a wig in his life a few years ago? What was the point of that?
The last 5 albums from Stryper are my favourites, which shows them drawing away from the "Hair Style" metal and playing some great heavy music. The Fallen album is probably the heaviest work they ever did. I love the distortion on that album.
Have to listen to it again. Didn't do anything for me. I loved GDE and even the devil believes is great. And yes MS did have surgery on his eye. You see it on thr iconic album As well
It's a sad day when everyone is making excuses about the lyrics but satanic lyrics from likes of slayer no one bats an eye. People's priorities are backwards no wonder the world is the way it is.
Because 1) clearly the satanic messages are a joke, or 2) they are a metaphor for real life societal issues. And lastly, they don't tell you to turn to Satan or you will suffer for all eternity in heaven.
So let see if I have this right. You didn't buy the latest Ozzy album but you picked up the new Stryper album. Sorry, that really, really confuses me. Oh well....¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don't know how I feel about this album I like stryper I think Michael has a fantastic voice but for me every song from the last 3 albums sounds the same. You could replace any of these songs with another from other album and I wouldn't notice ( I think I'm a little tired of the guitar tone that they use and I think a lot of their song souless like they just make song for the sake of making new songs) 6.7/10
Thank you Pete! Finally, well deserved credit to one of the hardest working bands ever! They had a perfect run with their 5 latest albums! A band that keeps getting better!
Thanks for reviewing Pete. Looking forward to you and Rich ranking the albums! I have been a lifelong Stryper fan and I will say these things:
1) This album might be the most consistently strong, consistently heavy record they've ever recorded. Other albums have a barnburner track like Middle Finger Messiah or The Reign ... but in this one the heaviness is sprinkled everywhere.
2) Michael shrieks his brains out on this one. Hasn't done it like this since Yellow and Black and Soldiers.
3) Please check out Stryper live if you get a chance. One of the loudest bands I have ever seen, and I've seen them 4 times. The guitars are cranked, the vocal harmonies are cranked, and you know Robert is pounding the drums!
4) Met Oz backstage back in the day and to this day he is probably the coolest musician I have ever met. I am so glad he seems to be doing better following the brain tumor scare.
The last several albums have really been killer. Michael Sweet has not lost a thing
Stryper's evolution has always fascinated me. Starting out as a glam/heavy metal band in the 80's and when they came back in the 2010's, their stuff started incorporating more power metal elements. It puts into perspective how excellent of musicians they always were, and I always hated how people would write them off simply because of the Christian lyrics.
I really wish more people would give the last 5 Stryper albums a chance. All of them are excellent.
I Agree
Absolutely. It’s the best part of their catalog IMO.
I have but I never liked Michael's voice and still don't to this day. And while the music has gotten heavier, I don't think there is much out of the ordinary in it. It's not remarquable.
@@kutnersuicide I agree, never got the appeal of this band.
I agree. Those last 5 albums have them drawing away from the "Hair Style" metal and playing some great heavy music. The Fallen album is probably the heaviest work they ever did. I love the distortion on that album.
Great album, highly recommend it. First three songs are absolute bangers, and it really doesn't let up. Love the guitar team of Michael Sweet and Oz Fox, I've been a fan since 1984... and Michael's voice is still incredible.
in My review i did I also mention that, Stryper actually listened to Fans when they said they want Heavier Rocking Songs that alot of other Bands are NOT delivering
i agree.. ( No More Hell to Pay + Fallen + God Damn Evil + Even the Devil Believes + The Final Battle ) all amazing. Frontiers.... set the band on fire, Fallen 2015 , Masterpiece
Thank you, Pete for your great review!! I appreciate it !!
All the damn time.
I bought the new , Stryper vinyl record and CD. Love it !!
Stryper rocks !!
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
Life is better with music.
I love Stryper my 2nd favorite band of all time (Dream Theater is #1). This album is fantastic and have been on an amazing run going back to No More Hell To Pay. To be at this point in their career and still releasing awesome albums is a tribute to them. Anyone who dismisses this band because of their lyrics is missing out!
You are a man after my own heart. My top 2 bands as well!
God bless you fellow rocker! Check out Dean odles biblical flat earth presentation! Jesus saves sinners!
Bought this album purely on the strength of Pete's review and not disappointed. An absolutely stonkingly good album, power, precision, great playing and first rate tunes. It has so much juice it would play itself in a power cut. Recommended!
M. Sweet is a great singer and musician, his later work outside Stryper is also outstanding, cheers!
Cool shirt and great review!! I got into Stryper 2 years ago and their albums in the last decade are awesome!!
there is a boatload of great Christian metal/hard rock bands to be heard
Many great ones..the golden period for me was 88 to 93 with classic bands like Sacred Warrior, Believer, Vengeance, Deliverance, Seventh Angel, Tourniquet, The Crucified and some others...Some 'newer' ones are Rob Rock, Theocracy, Harmony, etc.... Though I've always liked Stryper since 85 I preferred the heavier bands...but will definitely be seeing Stryper in March here in Australia as they are great live and always heavier than on record.
Great to see you review a Stryper album! Can't wait for the album ranking
Bought this on your recommendation Pete - not heard any Stryper before despite my tastes rooted in the 80’s. This record is brilliant and I can heartily recommend. Vocals and guitar work outstanding and really strong set of songs on here. Will be exploring their catalogue further…
That’s cool
Really like the last Stryper period, very good vocals and riffs.
Just listened to “The Final Battle” again a couple of times after listening to their new one “When We Were Kings”. I have to say TFB is really one of their best, probably their 3rd best album after GDE & Fallen. Their now last 6 albums, are all superb! Allan
These guys have been having quite a comeback the last handful of years. I really liked the Sunbomb album that Michael Sweet did with Tracii Guns. Thanks, Pete!
Looking forward to our studio album ranking soon. Like Winger, Warrant, Europe still making great new music
Thank you Pete for the review of this amazing new album. Stryper is one of my favorite metal bands of all time, I think Michael Sweet has a wonderful voice that still holds up very well, I love the early stuff very much, all 5 classic albums back in the day are killer albums, To Hell With The Devil is one my favorite albums ever and the latter stuff is great too, it is heavier and darker with amazing guitar riffs and solos. Can't wait to see the ranking of the albums, it's gonna be awesome !!
Amazing album. These guys continue to improve. Best wine unitl last. I believe Michael Sweet had a detached retina. In order to aid healing his eye was injected with oil which means you can't really see, hence the eye patch. Reach out to Michael, he often does interviews.
That would be cool.
Love Stryper. Great band!!
At time he had to wear an eye patch because of eye issues and surgery. Thank you so much for reviewing this album. Love it alot. Just the fact that Michael Sweet has been dealing with eye problems and Ox Fox is dealing with a brain tumor and they could still make a great record is amazing. People should listen to it.
Sounds too much like Dio. When I listen to Stryper, I want to hear Stryper. On a positive note, Michael and Oz's playing/soloing has never been better.
The song "See No Evil Hear No Evil" gets its title because at the moment Michael can't see out of one eye and Oz can't hear out of one ear. Pretty clever.
Pete's review for this album inspired me to give it a listen on TH-cam and I am really impressed with what I heard. I shall be buying a copy on CD pronto.
Great album and feel the same about the latter period of Stryper
Yea I've heard alot of people talking about how good this Stryper album is. So will check in to it,
Love the last five albums! I enjoy the earlier catalog as well but the modern Stryper is heavier and more aggressive! Great stuff!
Absolutely love all of the latter albums you mentioned. Heavier great guitars still great harmonies and vocals on all of them. I feel the”darker tone” as you ref to is most of these latter songs are geared to are mostly about the end times and the book of Revelations. All are so good
Nice review. Thx PETE 👍💯
Excellent review of a great album
Cool, thanks Pete!
When I was a christian I used to listen to a lot of "christian" music and of course stryper was one of those bands, they are great and some songs are not accesible because they have a sound that matches the lyrical content, so... it's not a band that can get fans easily. I think the change from being over the top christian songs to a metal band formed by christians, it's a good move! music is music and that's it.
I remember listening to the album "reborn" and it's heavy but a bit weird, I got rid of that cd... xD for whatever reason.. The last few albums are another stryper, a better band in many ways.
They deserve more fans and more attention because their music is really really good! and for those who are aaggghh it's a christian metal.. come on... stop it.
Great review. This guy is a true Stryper fan. ❤❤❤
Thanks for reviewing this record. I like New Stryper as well.
Look forward to the ranking.. Thanks Pete
Awesome band 👍 Michael and oz fox are excellent and Robert on the drums
I totally hear you Pete on Michael Sweet’s voice. That’s one of the reasons I much rather listen to these last five albums than the 80s material. I do have the re-recorded album, Second Coming, and I enjoy that quite a bit too because Michael’s voice is a little deeper.
Are you gonna review the new Skid Row album? The new singer is great
I gave it a listen..didn't do much for me.
though yes, he is indeed a good singer for sure!
The problem I have with these new Stryper albums is that the singles are always the fastest songs. While the 95% of the albums are very mid-paced, bluesy hard rock type riffing. Transgressor rules.
Stryper I remember that band was good music To Hell With The Devil
I Heard them in the 80`s
STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet will undergo emergency surgery on his right eye for a detached retina.
A retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing peripheral vision loss. Without immediate treatment, a retinal detachment can lead to total vision loss, according to Healthline.
God bless you fellow rocker! Michael has had some health problems since he took the clot shot the last few years! Jesus saves sinners
I love that you reviewed this. One of those bands that seems to get heavier with age.
Great band always.
saw Stryper at Night of Joy back in the 80's , I guess the lyrics were fine for me since that was what I was looking for, but at the same time I liked SAINT which was more of end of the worldlike lyrics, so they were not sweet. Either way I am glad older bands in both mainstream and Christian like Stryper and Saint new albums out in 2022, The new Uriah Heep single is awesome.
Great review even though you called it The Final Command at the end of the vudeo. lol
Hard to not think of Soldiers Under Comnand when thinking of great Stryper. ( their best 80's album imo)
Stryper is the American version of Queen. "No more He'll to pay" is the best dual guitar record I've ever heard in my life. "Soldiers under Command" is a masterpiece. The "Fallen" record is brilliant. Their cover album, "The Covering" is note for note perfection, compared to the original. It's simple why many reject this band. The gospel of the grace of God, a free gift, by faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Most people don't know Nicko Mcbrain, Blackie Lawless, Tommy Aldridge, the Late Ken Hensley, Michael Schenker, five members of the original Kansas lineup, Alice Cooper ect. Just to name a few. Are all believers
Ever since Murder by Pride, Stryper have been on fire. Killer release after killer release. No more hell to pay is the one I revisit the most I think, and now they're working on a new one, they seriously aged gracefully.
michael sweet had some eye problems and had surgery for that needed to wear a eye patch so it can get fully better
Stryker have generally been good to great
Final Battle is Stryper's best since Fallen. The style is till classic Stryper just with fewer ballads and better lyrics!
They found their identity.Metal deals in good vs evil .That can be a spiritual battle as well.They play the good guys in that battle.Thank you for reviewing it. Michael Sweet had eye surgery.
The way this album kicks off. It’s almost like their Painkiller moment.
He had a detatched retina. So, he had to have surgery. That's why he wears the eye patch. I only have one Stryper cd. I believe it's called Fallen. I got it because they cover After Forever by Black Sabbath. I also have the Sunbomb cd that Michael did with Tracii Guns. That sounds like a cross between vintage Black Sabbath and '70s Judas Priest. I tried to inquire about the album title on in a Frontiers Facebook group, but they deleted my comment. I also have one of the Sweet/Lynch cds. BTW, sorry about the loss of your dog. Big lover of dogs. So, that news upset me
Really good heavy album. 4/5
The Final Battle is in reference to the Battle Of Armageddon.
I believe the eye patch situation is due to Michael Sweet having a surgery for a detached retina. He has had to have two surgeries now because the retina detached again after the first surgery. Bigger process this second but with lots of prayer Michael seems to be doing fine so far. As far as this album is concerned (as well as the last several), the band is most certainly on a roll. I believed them to be some of the early beginnings of Power Metal... technical, precision, harmonies, etc... Most people get hung on their belief in God (which is something I will stand for as well), but if you look at their music from the musical aspect, they without a doubt one of the bands leading the charge in making metal a prominent genre in music today.
The last 5 albums are killer!
If pete can handle the Christian sings. I give it a try
"By His Stripes, We are Healed" (Isaiah 53:5)
.., there are some lot of Christian Metal bands that i've heard and appreciated over the passing years with STRYPER remaining numero ono for their sustainability and excellence (i'm a huge fan of all their efforts from 1985 to 1988) and a selected few song choices from everything they had offered from 1990 to 2020 (this new album re-kindles my interest in the outfit) the entire album carries a special quality with tracks such as; "Transgressor", "Heart & Soul" and "Rise to the Call" ..
Oz Fox had a brain tumor removed as well
A pleasant surprise. These guys have been turning out some excellent music these last few years. Same here, thier early stuff had some big moments, but was too spotty for me, so i just took my faves and made a disc. The nw era however, Michaels voice is much better, and the albums are constantly good stuff.
Trust me check it out a great great perfect album
New Walter Trout album called ride out now in 2022. Would like to hear your review on Walters new album Pete.
Kerry Livgren has a relatively new album out - Q.A.R., if you truly don't mind Christian lyrics.
Killer album! 10/10.
Good album😄👍
Just got through listening to it again! It Rocks!🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛👍🤜🤛👊🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
They have never done anything for me but once again I will give this one another try...
What's your rating?
7:38 "The Final Command"😅
Though I've like Stryper since 85 Im always frustrated they don't stay heavy and often faster on their albums... Rob Rock is preferable as his solo albums are heavier and faster( a new solo cd is coming this year).. and his work with Impelliterri too... Theocracy is to me the premier christian metal band in the last decade or so..
That's because their singing about the last days
I really like the early Stryper ballads, but always enjoy the heavier stuff more. Can't stand the sappy pop sing-a-long stuff from earlier albums.
I believe Michael Sweet had eye surgery and had to wear the eye patch
Solid album, I found it better than 'Even The Devil Believes' but better than the previous 3 albums to that? No. I gave this album a 7.5/10.
Yes he has an eye issue
Cool
Here wears it for fun, like all pirates doooo
come on man!!!
Hi Pete, The title of the album, the final battle has to do with Armageddon and Jesus’s 2nd coming and defeating the devil. 👍
Yes, Michael Sweet is wearing the eyepatch because of retinal tears in his right eye.
Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised if the title of their latest album is prescient. Both Michael Sweet and Oz Fox have health issues.
Why don't you review Kerry Livgren's work; solo, AD, and Proto-Kaw? They are Christian lyrically, but the music is as good as Kansas, since he wrote most of it.
I had a girlfriend in high school who loved Stryper. I never had a problem with the lyrics and I always thought they were talented. Back then they did tend to be very syrupy which definitely was an issue. And I thought that was the main issue, but I have checked out a song or two from most of their recent works, including this one, and there is just something about Michael's voice that I can't get past. I've tried. I respect their longevity and what they've accomplished but that voice just doesn't agree with my ear.
I think he sounds a little like Dennis Deyoung 🤔
@@kennethjames8314 Never thought about it, but you'e right. And, shockingly, DeYoung has the deeper voice.
Pretty sure the eye patch is because he had surgery due to a detached retina. He says he even wears sunglasses more for protection than style these days.
Is Michael Sweet returning to sing for Boston? Is that why Stryper is disbanding? And why did Michael do that video where he's bald and said he has never worn a wig in his life a few years ago? What was the point of that?
The last 5 albums from Stryper are my favourites, which shows them drawing away from the "Hair Style" metal and playing some great heavy music. The Fallen album is probably the heaviest work they ever did. I love the distortion on that album.
Have to listen to it again. Didn't do anything for me. I loved GDE and even the devil believes is great. And yes MS did have surgery on his eye. You see it on thr iconic album As well
Face melting riffage 👍
It's a sad day when everyone is making excuses about the lyrics but satanic lyrics from likes of slayer no one bats an eye. People's priorities are backwards no wonder the world is the way it is.
People don’t want to come to the Light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19.
I never had a problem with their lyrics
Because 1) clearly the satanic messages are a joke, or 2) they are a metaphor for real life societal issues. And lastly, they don't tell you to turn to Satan or you will suffer for all eternity in heaven.
So let see if I have this right. You didn't buy the latest Ozzy album but you picked up the new Stryper album. Sorry, that really, really confuses me. Oh well....¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don't know how I feel about this album
I like stryper I think Michael has a fantastic voice but for me every song from the last 3 albums sounds the same.
You could replace any of these songs with another from other album and I wouldn't notice ( I think I'm a little tired of the guitar tone that they use and I think a lot of their song souless like they just make song for the sake of making new songs)
6.7/10
Yes Michael had eye surgery
I have tried to get into these guys many times just don't do it for me.
Sorry.
He had eye surgery!
My review throw album in 🗑️. Buy a Slayer cd
Slayer hasn’t released a great album since 1990.
Stryper of the past 13 years have put a lot of the great 80s bands to shame including Slayer.