Poised to embark on their 40th Anniversary Tour, legendary Christian metal band Stryper is about to release their 12th studio album When We Were Kings.  I’m pleased to report it’s the band’s best work in many years.  As a fan since “Soldiers Under Command” first rang through my young ears back in 1984, I’m very proud to see the band continue to actively produce quality albums and successfully tour.  The current band lineup includes three original members: Michael Sweet on lead vocals and guitar, brother Robert Sweet on drums, and Oz Fox on vocals and guitar.  Perry Richardson has provided bass and backing vocal duties since 2017. 

The sonic production on When We Were Kings effectively highlights the classic Stryper sound fans expect- Michael Sweet’s soaring passionate vocals, booming backing harmonies, pounding drums and shredding guitars.  This album has something for everybody, it will excite fans preferring the harder metal side of Stryper, but several tracks will please those preferring the gentler more pop rock offerings.  It’s probably no coincidence that the first two singles represent the band’s different musical gears; "Love’s Symphony" is a classic meets modern rock track while "Grateful" is a melodic pop rock track with Stryper’s iconic inspiring and positive lyrical messages:

I'm so Grateful, I built on solid ground
For every high & every low, And for the lost and found
Though the stormy skies, Will bring the pouring rain
I'll always see the victory, And my heart will remain
Grateful

Lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter Michael Sweet says this about “Loves Symphony”:

"We’re always trying to merge the past with the present. Trying to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for. “Love's Symphony' is a great combination of both. It not only represents who we were but also who we are. We really are excited about this one and we hope you all are too."

Because I prefer the harder rocking side of Stryper, my favorite song is “End of Days”, a face-paced metal shredder that kicks off the album.  I’m going to bet this rocking track will be the live show opener on their upcoming tour - it would be perfect!  Another strong tune is “Unforgiveable”, a crunchy metal groove (that conjures up the spirit of Motley Crüe’s “Shout at the Devil”) coupled with another great melodic chorus.  “Betrayed By Love” is a solid power ballad that showcases Michael Sweet’s powerful rock voice and the band’s patented booming backing vocal harmonies.  The album’s solid track list continues with the kick-ass “Trinity”, another intense up-tempo hard rocker, passionate chorus and even a tasty sprinkle of a Rush style Moog synthesizer adding some musical texture.  The title track is another memorable tune - a great classic metal riff and, surprise...a great melodic uplifting chorus!

The new album When We Were Kings, to be released September 13th, is locked and loaded to please both longtime Stryper fans and fans of hard rock metal in general.  The quality and depth of the new songs will energize and boost the band’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Tour which kicks of September 11th in Tennessee.  40 years after the band’s triumphant debut, it’s simply amazing that the band is still going strong.  Be sure to check out the new album and catch them on tour this Fall!

Be well and keep rockin!

Greg Vitalich