Stryper is a Heavy Metal band from Orange County, California that formed back in 1982 by brothers - Michael & Robert Sweet. The group was originally known as 'Roxx Regime' but soon changed their name to Stryper in order to reflect their beliefs. The band takes the idea for their moniker from the bible passage found in Isaiah 53:5 "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
Some of Stryper's accolades over the years include their 1985 'Soldiers Under Command' which went Gold. Their 1986 'To Hell With The Devil' album achieved multiplatimum status selling over two million albums. In 1987 Stryper's songs "Calling on You", "Free" and "Honestly" garnered the band a huge following on MTV with their videos displaying the band in yellow and black striped outfits. "Honestly" is Stryper's highest-charting song, peaking at No. 23 on the Top 40 charts. Stryper's 1988 'In God We Trust' release also went Gold and garnered the band two GMA Dove Awards for "Hard Music Album" and "Hard Music Song" for the title track.. The band's 2013 'No More Hell To Pay' debuted at #6 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums Chart and #2 on the Christian Albums Chart. Stryper’s total career album sales have exceeded more than 10 million worldwide.
Some of Stryper's accolades over the years include their 1985 'Soldiers Under Command' which went Gold. Their 1986 'To Hell With The Devil' album achieved multiplatimum status selling over two million albums. In 1987 Stryper's songs "Calling on You", "Free" and "Honestly" garnered the band a huge following on MTV with their videos displaying the band in yellow and black striped outfits. "Honestly" is Stryper's highest-charting song, peaking at No. 23 on the Top 40 charts. Stryper's 1988 'In God We Trust' release also went Gold and garnered the band two GMA Dove Awards for "Hard Music Album" and "Hard Music Song" for the title track.. The band's 2013 'No More Hell To Pay' debuted at #6 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums Chart and #2 on the Christian Albums Chart. Stryper’s total career album sales have exceeded more than 10 million worldwide.
Vocalist Michael Sweet states: "In the past 30 years, we've evolved into what we are now.
This is what we always really wanted to be. I love the progression. The story
of Stryper is that of an underdog. We go against the grain with everything we do."
This is what we always really wanted to be. I love the progression. The story
of Stryper is that of an underdog. We go against the grain with everything we do."
In 2020 Stryper released their 13th full-length studio album titled 'Even The Devil Believes' on Frontiers Music SRL. With their latest release, Stryper has once again captured their signature sound which the band is famous for. Their 2o2o recording finds the band delivering hook-laden melodic Metal accompanied by soaring vocals, memorial duo guitar play, heavy bass action, and pounding drum lines. 'Even The Devil Believes' is another strong release for the band drawing comparison to one of Stryper's strongest offerings - their 2015 'Fallen' release.
Over the years Stryper has been known for their striking album covers that make a huge statement and their latest release is no exception to the rule. Here we see the devil bowing before the one and only God of the universe-Jesus Christ. Personally, I'm not a big fan of making images or carvings of God because we do not know what he looks like. Also, the scriptures clearly state that we should not make images of the Lord as clearly seen in the following verses: Deut. 4:15-16 “Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire... 16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female..."
Exo 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above..."
There are many other ways to make a strong statement with your album covers without putting images of God on it. Hopefully, on future releases, we will see the band make some needed changes to this area of their ministry.
Exo 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above..."
There are many other ways to make a strong statement with your album covers without putting images of God on it. Hopefully, on future releases, we will see the band make some needed changes to this area of their ministry.
The guitar section is comprised of guitarists - Michael Sweet & Oz Fox who both go in and out of lead & rhythm guitar work. If the listener is familiar with previous Stryper albums then they will quickly see that the guitar play doesn't stray much from what we have already seen. This is a good thing because if something is not broke then there's no reason to try and fix it right?
“This album was recorded during the pandemic, and I believe the message pertains to the times we are living in so perfectly. It’s a recording of hope and inspiration and a light in the darkest of times. The music and lyrics are rock-solid, God really blessed this one and hopefully it will bless everyone who hears it as well.”- Michael Sweet
"Blood From Above"
A star to shine, a true life divine
Born to die for me and for you
Prophesied, with no love denied
It’s Redemption and power so true
He’s a holy human sacrifice
Nailed upon a cross
A righteous murder scene of love
Flowing down grace
In The Blood From Above
"Let Him In"
God so loved the world
He gave His only Son
And whosoever believes in Him
Becomes a chosen one
He came that we may live
And live abundantly
For all of us have many sins
And fall short of His glory
"For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll"
Stand up and shout out
There’s one way and it’s all about
The Rock, The Roll
Never let the devil claim your soul
Make it loud, take it slow
Raise your hands
For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll
“Middle Finger Messiah”
He’s our salvation
He’s our life line
He’s is the one worthy king
He’s more than a man
More than than just words
He is the door and the key
The rock and the sand
One of The Third
A star to shine, a true life divine
Born to die for me and for you
Prophesied, with no love denied
It’s Redemption and power so true
He’s a holy human sacrifice
Nailed upon a cross
A righteous murder scene of love
Flowing down grace
In The Blood From Above
"Let Him In"
God so loved the world
He gave His only Son
And whosoever believes in Him
Becomes a chosen one
He came that we may live
And live abundantly
For all of us have many sins
And fall short of His glory
"For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll"
Stand up and shout out
There’s one way and it’s all about
The Rock, The Roll
Never let the devil claim your soul
Make it loud, take it slow
Raise your hands
For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll
“Middle Finger Messiah”
He’s our salvation
He’s our life line
He’s is the one worthy king
He’s more than a man
More than than just words
He is the door and the key
The rock and the sand
One of The Third
With their 13th release Stryper has once again delivered the Metal goods and proven to the world they are here to stay! 'Even The Devil Believes' is a solid offering that will make a great addition to any Metal collection. Pick up your copy today and help support the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Michael Sweet - Vocals / Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Oz Fox - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Perry Richardson(FireHouse) - Bass
Robert Sweet - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Paul McNamara - Organ, Keys, Moog
Keith Pittman - Additional Background Vocals
Michael Sweet - Vocals / Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Oz Fox - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Perry Richardson(FireHouse) - Bass
Robert Sweet - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Paul McNamara - Organ, Keys, Moog
Keith Pittman - Additional Background Vocals