Artist : Stryper
Album : Fallen
Genre : Rock/Heavy Rock
Release Date : 16 October 2015
LINKS:
Track List:
01. Yahweh
02. Fallen
03. Pride
04. Big Screen Lies
05. Heaven
06. Love You Like I Do
07. All Over Again
08. After Forever (BLACK SABBATH cover)
09. Till I Get What I Need
10. Let There Be Light
11. The Calling
12. King Of Kings
Members:
Michael Sweet – vocals, guitars
Robert Sweet – drums
Tim Gaines – bass guitar
Oz Fox – guitar
Over 30 years ”Stryper” has become metal stalwarts, leaving their trademark stamp on the genre with every release since their début album “The Yellow and Black Attack”was unleashed back in 1983. With hits in their arsenal such as “Calling On You”, “Free”, “I Believe In You” and “Always There For You”, album sales well over 10 million worldwide with their discography including one of the most successful Christian rock albums ever, 1986’s multi-platinum, Grammy Award-nominated “To Hell With The Devil”.
In keeping with 2013’s album “Second Coming”, Stryper have indeed been ‘reborn’ and are currently riding high on a second career. Whether they ever manage to reach the heady heights of their career in the 1980s remains to be seen but on the strength of recent releases, the quality of their output cannot be brought into question.
So what of their latest offering, ”Fallen” to be released 16th Oct? Will it be “The Rock That Makes Me Roll” or will it be heading straight to the “Abyss”?
The opener ”YahWeh”(which was co written by ‘SEVENDUST’ guitarist Clint Lowery) begins with sounds of a church prayer which soon explodes into a six and a half minute full blown epic assault of the ears and senses. Heavy power chords and almost operatic vocals from Michael Sweet (Who also produces the album) prove that he’s as powerful a front man as he was when the band started. The title track ”Fallen”continues in the same vein with searing vocals and deep dark power chords. ”Pride” roars, screeches and truly does fill you with the aforementioned pride. ”Heaven” delivers rhythmic guitars and a catchy chorus with such a joyous solo added to the mix that the end result is indeed almost heavenly.
As the album continues, ”Love You Like I Do” has one of the best sing-along vibes about it. Catchy and rhythmic, it has the feel of ”Calling On You” which will keep many fans happy that are looking for the classic sound of old. Listen especially to the great solo mid way through!
”All Over Again” is the ballad of the album. A very touching track, its got an 80’s power ballad feel to it with great guitar work. ”After Forever” (perhaps the surprise of the album) is none other than a Black Sabbath cover and a real gem too. A surprise it may be but I really think they nail it perfectly and then some (pardon the pun!). ”Let There Be Light” is a flat out rocker with an almost anthemic feel to it. Finally, closer ”King Of Kings” again continues in the same vein as the previous tracks with great harmonies, riffs and a super solo that will have you reaching for your favourite air guitar the second you hear it.
”Fallen” on the whole plays out almost like an anthemic churchyard rock opera with some excellent riffs and solos backed up by Sweet’s vocals. ‘Fallen” is not only Stryper’s heaviest album to date it’s also probably their best, a slice of rock and roll metal heaven so much so even God himself will be rockin’ from his holy throne.
Written by Shane Bradley
Rating 9/10
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