by Matman
Math doesn't make sense!!!! It is so hard to imagine that Stryper released their debut EP (now considered an album), THE YELLOW AND BLACK ATTACK back in 1984 and here we are... 36 years later, with their new release, EVEN THE DEVIL BELIEVES. Their latest album, their 13th studio album will be released September 4th... a mere week and a day away!!!! Excited? You should be!!!!! When I first heard Stryper back sometime in 1985, I was instantly hooked by their sound, the production, the harmonic guitars, the heavy drums, soaring vocals and quality of the songs. What I noticed is that nothing has changed that much since their early days. Stryper, like Black Sabbath developed their sound and identity on their debuts and with each release has built on those foundations. Every song on EVEN THE DEVIL BELIEVES to me sounds like it came from a certain era or time in the bands history without sounding like a band holding on to their glory days! Michael Sweet (vocals/guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) and the 'new guy', Perry Richardson (bass) have created 11 new songs that flow together perfectly and have that unmistakable sound that we expect from Stryper. By now most of the fans have heard Blood From Above and Make Love Great Again and gotten excited, but these two (as far as I'm concerned) are not even close to the best tracks on the album. The harmonies (voice and guitars) are back in full force here and some real cool influences like KISS (Even The Devil Believes), The Beatles (How To Fly) and Scorpions (Blood From Above) really create an incredible listening experience. If I had to pick my favorites on the album they are the songs that really capture the spirit and vibe of what Stryper is to me, Do Unto Others, the title track, This I Pray and Invitation Only. There are no fillers or slouches on this disc, every song is what we as Stryper fans want and expect! Foot stompers like For God & Rock 'N' Roll and Divider (featuring an awesome gang vocal) and Middle Finger Messiah (no, no one is flipping Jesus off) really fit in perfectly with the rest of the music. Stryper have never sounded, played or got along better... and it shows in the music they just made. With just one listen to EVEN THE DEVIL BELIEVES, I am still amazed (but shouldn't be) at the quality and care Stryper put into their music. Every song means something, no note is wasted and the band have once again made an album that appeals to my 17 year old brain trapped in a 52 year old body. Thank you for always believing and never giving up... or in Matman Rating - 9 out of 10 and a solid candidate for mine and Brian's Album Of The Year! www.stryper.com https://www.amazon.com/Even-Devil-Believes-Stryper/dp/B088GNKFCX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stryper&qid=1598562652&sr=8-1
2 Comments
8/27/2020 05:29:39 pm
A Fantastic review! I can not wait to hear the rest of the album. And hopefully see them live again!
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David Turner
8/28/2020 08:07:40 pm
as true as hard rock gets ....and God' gets the glory!!
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Let's Rock!The Power Chords Podcast is a twice-monthly podcast celebrating rock and metal music of the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond. The show is co-hosted by Matt Herring and Brian LeTendre. Archives
June 2020
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