ALBUM REVIEW: Stryper rise with Fallen

STRYPER are back with their 11th album 'Fallen' and sounding heavier than ever. Lyrically they have always relied strongly on their Christian beliefs and this album is no different.

Does it divide opinion? Yes, but here's the thing. All songs are stories, whether based on fact, history or the writers' own imagination. You don't have to believe to enjoy and if you've heard the new WASP album then you will know of the powerful religious imagery throughout. Good enough for Blackie? Then 'Fallen' at least deserves a listen. You won't regret it!

So.......

The Gospel according to Stryper: Chapter 11...

11:1 Yahweh.

'Yahweh' has a choral opening before blasting an all out power metal assault on the ears. Three minutes into the song the tempo increases again, Fox and Sweet exchange lead breaks before slowing down with a Sabbathesque riff. Soaring vocals with Sweet hitting the high notes seemingly without much effort and huge harmonies complete the song. Named after the ancient God of Israel and Judah and depicting the crucifixion of Christ this is an epic start to the album.

11:2 Fallen.

With a heavy riff and Sweet in top screaming form 'Fallen' backs up the opener brilliantly. Great guitar work and vocals are the mainstay of this tune. It's got a bit of a nasty edge to it as it's about Lucifer being expelled from Heaven before becoming that nice chap Satan.

11:3 Pride.

'Pride' is a down tuned monster of a song and possibly the best on the album. Sweet has a gutteral sound in the chorus which adds great effect to it. Another song about Christianity but a total headbanger with more excellent guitar work.

11:4 Big Screen Lies

'Big Screen Lies' is a pretty vehement attack on the film industry and their depiction of, yes, you guessed it, Christians in movies. Another catchy riff runs through this with some almost tribal drumming in places. There is definitely a lot more aggression on this album both lyrically and musically. Another top tune.

11:5 Heaven.

'Heaven' chugs along with a slow backbeat and matching heavy riff with a more traditional Stryper sound thrown in for good measure.

11:6 Love You Like I Do

Opening with a more uptempo riff 'Love you Like I Do" is a pure rocker with great harmonies and chorus. This song would've had serious rotation back in the days when MTV played music. Catchy as all hell. Yet another strong tune. (with a strange ending!)

11:7 All Over Again.

Next up Stryper out Bon Jovi Bon Jovi with a ballad that just stays on the good side of not being nauseating. Superb harmonies and plenty of 'ooh's' in the chorus are followed by a clean solo that makes this song a potential radio hit.

11:8 After Forever.

A Black Sabbath cover is next up. Yep, Black Sabbath! Taken from the 1971 album Master of Reality this was Geezer Butlers "Christian" song and its a very good updated version with a 'faith' melting (sic) solo.

11:9 'Till I Get What I Need

This is a fast tempo number and seemingly a personal statement on Sweet's life. Great guitar work again with a great solo. Nice bit of shredding from Fox.

11:10 Let There be Light.

Possibly soon to be known as the Creationists anthem 'Let There be Light' is ripped, in part, straight out of Genesis. More fast, powerful riffs elevate this song to one of the highlights on the album.

11:11 The Calling.

'The Calling' carries on in the same vein. More powerful riffs and top notch vocals with another catchy chorus. Yet more shredding in the solo should see this song being firmly inserted into the live show. Plenty of squeals too to keep the air guitarists happy!

11:12 King of Kings.

'King of Kings' bookends the album nicely touching on the same subject matter as 'Yahweh'

And they kept the best to last as this is a monster of power riffs and harmony vocals with Sweet giving it loads and ending with a high pitched scream.

Theological Analysis: Overall this is an excellent album musically and any true metalhead should be giving it a listen.

Lyrically? That's down to individual taste and viewpoint but certainly shouldn't put anyone off giving it a go. It was, supposedly,  the Greatest Story Ever Told after all.

　REVIEW BY ANDY GILLEN

ALBUM REVIEW: Catching the 80s Vibe with Sweet & Lynch

'ONLY to Rise' is the new album from Stryper vocalist Michael Sweet and former Dokken/Lynch Mob guitarist George Lynch. Featuring the powerhouse rhythm section of James Lomenzo (Megadeth) and Brian Tichy (Whitesnake) this album promised much and delivered on that promise.

All under the rather predictable moniker of Sweet & Lynch.

In a press release Sweet declared that this album would feature flavours of Journey, Bad Company, Dokken, Stryper and Van Halen and all are clearly evident (they even throw in a bit of Iron Maiden)

Starting with a mid tempo rocker, "The Wish", followed quickly by the bluesy "Dying Rose" the above statement is already justified and continues throughout the album.

Tracks such as "Time will Tell" and album closer "Only to Rise" have that 80’s style influence whilst tracks "Rescue Me" and "Strength in Numbers" have that bluesy vibe to them.

There are a number of stand out songs on this album but I think "Me, Without you" and "September" will prove universally to be the favourites.

The former is a powerful ballad with soulful vocals from Sweet with a well written and perfectly fitting solo from Lynch. This song could well go on to be their classic song and I can see it being extended live to give it anthemic status.

The latter song, 'September', starts with an Iron Maiden riff reminiscent of Wasted Years before changing direction and becoming an emotional tribute to the events of 9/11.

Having said that I think my favourite track, at time of writing , is the other power ballad "Love Stays". A heavier than usual ballad where Sweets vocals drip with emotion and Lynch delivers one of my favourite solo’s on the album.

The band also get to flex their muscles on the out and out rocker "Recover" where Lynch lets rip on the solo.

Listening to the album you will find that the vocals and background vocals are of a very high quality and Lynch’s guitar work is excellent again. But I think the best aspect of the album is the Loremzo/Tichy combination. They are superb throughout and really give the album its drive and groove.

As a footnote "Only to Rise" is the first album featured on the "NI Rocks recommends" feature for NI Rock Radio in 2015 so we both can’t be wrong, right??

This album gets a solid 8.5/10 rating from me and should be in most rockers’ collection.

Review by Andy Gillen