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Stryper – Even The Devil Believes

Label: Frontiers
Format: Download
Released: 2020
Reviewed By: Rich Catino
Rating: 8/10


Unless you have been living under a musical listening rock (hopefully not), Stryper have been releasing new music over the last ten plus years. “No More Hell to Pay” (2013), “Fallen” (2015), and 2018’s “God Damn Evil” are as good, maybe even more consistent, than classic albums “Soldiers Under Command” and “To Hell With The Devil”. Original members, brothers Michael and Robert Sweet, guitarist Oz Fox, are joined by Perry Richardson (ex Firehouse) on bass for his first recording with the band.

 

‘Blood From Above’ opens the heavy metal heavens with a classic Stryper punch, heavy riffs, pounding drums, twin guitars, screaming vocals, and big harmonies in the chorus. A little effects on the guitars during the slower ‘Make Love Great Again’ bring emphasis to its title. ‘Let Him In’ a good up beat tempo, simple and to the point, with a more modern hard rock bridge before the hook where Richardson blends right in with the vocal harmonies. Oh, and yes, Michael still has the pipes, listen to that scream at the end. Recorded during the pandemic, ‘Do Unto Others’ a mirror to those who claim to be “Christians” but not behaving like one during these difficult times. Great lead work during this one too. Title track riffs and romp has an old school 80s Stryper feel. ‘How To Fly’ is a bit of a bland plodder but Robert picks things up on a tougher vocal on ‘Divider’, love the solo section change. ‘This I Pray’ an acoustic singer/songwriter version of the classic children’s bedtime prayer, nicely done. Bright twin leads open ‘Invitation Only’, complimenting keyboards it could have fit on the album “In God We Trust”. ‘Middle Finger Messiah’ ends the album with some attitude. Stryper never left the game, get with it!!! Even the devil believes. Once again, another Stryper album to make my year end best albums list.

 
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