The most successful Christian metal band of the 80's are back with an enjoyable set of classic rock and metal covers. Stryper prove that they are no Van Halen, not even Van Hagar, in their pitiful version of 'On Fire'. You are not a party band, reverends! No matter how candy assed they ever got, they were at their best when they stuck close to their Accept/Judas Priest/Styx inspired sound. The same is true here. 'Heaven and Hell', 'The Trooper', 'Set Me Free', and 'Over The Mountain' crackle with apocalypse and crusader heroism. Their party side is better expressed in The Scorpions' 'Blackout'. Still, this is not a band inspire by hedonism. But throughout, Micheal Sweet's soaring metal tenor carries the album, and the sound is more throughly metal than they have been since 'To Hell With The Devil'. Hopefully, their next album will be as full of fire and brimstone.
Rating: 8 out of 10
No comments:
Post a Comment