STRYPER - review added 24th July 2009
Album Review: Murder By Pride (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and bees, wasps and other black and yellow things
Stryper, if you don't know, are just about the biggest Christian rock band in the Western hemisphere. There are other more famous acts who base their work on Christianity, but these guys have been at the forefront of God-rock since their inception in 1983. They had a break from 1992 to 2003, but it remains Stryper who always get name-dropped in Christian rock conversation.
I've seen older videos of theirs on YouTube and, to be honest, they frightened the life out of me. Throwing bibles into the crowd when you're opening for Anthrax is never going to be a good idea! The performances often seemed way too cheesy too - trying to emulate bands like Motley Crue whilst appearing clean-cut and wholesome is as impossible as Mr Maurits Cornelis Escher's staircases.
Some of their earlier music was okay. 'Free' wasn't at all bad, but I have recollections of tracks that scared me to my very core. The image hasn't helped matters either. The yellow and black thing has been overplayed through the years and at times they became a pastiche of themselves.
However, after their 11 year hiatus they came back with a well received album, Reborn, then a release of previously unreleased material, The Roxx Regime Demos, and now this, Murder By Pride. Unlike the recent Lou Gramm release, you wouldn't know this was God-rock unless someone told you. The song titles, the lyrics, even the sound... everything is music you can take any way you like. If you want a solid heavy album with a few ballads thrown in this fits the bill perfectly. If you want to revel in the glory of your Lord in the company of some pounding tunes, it works for that too.
The line-up, as it has been since the reunion, is Michael Sweet (vocals), Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar, background vocals) and Tracy Ferrie (bass). According to the source of all knowledge, Wikipedia, Kenny Aranoff provided the drums for the recording. I haven't seen this written anywhere else so can't confirm it.
Opening track 'Eclipse For The Son' is the closest any song gets to a religious title. It's a surprisingly punk-laced track with break neck rhythms and rustic mono-chord guitars. If anyone asked me who played this song I wouldn't have guessed Stryper in a million years. It's got bundles of character but lacks that last ounce of catchiness. '4 Leaf Clover' is a melodic track with a heavy underbelly. The chorus is unusual and really rather good.
'Peace Of Mind' is a cover of the Boston track. Michael Sweet sings for Boston nowadays (when he isn't doing Stryper stuff) and does a bloody good job - as he does throughout the album. He rarely gets the credit he deserves for the quality of his voice. The one and only Tom Scholz guests on the track too... which is probably why it sounds so faithful to the original.
The beautiful 'Alive' is a well written ballad tinged with sadness that'll bring a tear to the eye of the hardest soul. Lighters and tissues are compulsory. The title track is a pumping effort. It isn't going to win any awards for song of the year, although the chorus and soloing are worthy of note.
'I Believe' is a slow tempo track that sounds like it should be overtly religious but isn't. It's a chilled song with lovely harmonies and more fine soloing. Its a definite contender for best song on the album. 'Run In You' is a country-ish song with a mellow verse and upbeat chorus. You could imagine it getting serious airplay on mainstream radio stations, although of course it won't because this is Stryper. Hmmm...
'Everything' is another great track with a Boston-esque feel. It's a mid-paced effort with hints of uplifting dance and a really sweet sound. 'My Love (I'll Always Show)' sounds like it should be a slushy ballad, but it's actually the heaviest entry on the album. The chorus is cheesy as, er, hell but you can't help but like it. 'My Love My Life My Flame' sounds like it should be a slushy ballad... and is. It's a thought provoking way to close the album and, although it's a tad overly sentimental to the uninitiated, there's a good reason behind that.
The more you listen to this album the more you wonder why so many people won't buy it. Yes, it's Stryper and, yes, they are a Christian rock band... but get over it! This is a great album that's as overtly religious as a painting of a cloud. There is nothing to be afraid of, apart from some slightly iffy production in places.
You don't have to wear yellow and black, you don't have to follow the spirit in the sky, you only have to love good music. I came to this album expecting to hate it and give it a right rollicking. I leave with my tail between my legs and my ears as happy as an octopus with 4 pairs of roller skates.
Check out... this album... go on, be brave :)
Track List:
01. Eclipse For The Son
02. 4 Leaf Clover
03. Peace Of Mind
04. Alive
05. The Plan
06. Murder By Pride
07. Mercy Over Blame
08. I Believe
09. Run In You
10. Love Is Why
11. Everything
12. My Love (I'll Always Show)
13. My Love My Life My Flame
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Stryper , MySpace
