Frontiers Music s.r.l.

Release: 21 October 2022

Genre: Heavy Metal

Line Up:

Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums & Percussion
Oz Fox – Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Perry Richardson – Bass, Vocals

Tracklist:

Transgressor
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
Same Old Story
Heart & Soul
Near
Out, Up & In
Rise To The Call
The Way, The Truth, The Life
No Rest For Wicked
Till Death Do Us Part
Ashes To Ashes

Here it is, 2022, and not only is Stryper still putting out new music, but they’re still crushing it. If you would’ve told me in the ’80s that this band known more for treacly ballads and melodic songs about the Lord would’ve been still around in the next century and still proselytizing to the masses while at the same time making music heavier than they did back in the day, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. Of course, even back in the day, I was still very much a fan of the music they were making from their original EP The Yellow and Black Attack to what most thought would be their last album Against the Law. Yet here we are, 9 albums deep into their reformation, and 9 albums that, frankly, rival anything from their classic period.

Their latest album, The Final Battle, for me, takes everything they’ve done past and present, and may have created their strongest album yet. There were plenty of obstacles in their way recording this one with the pandemic, Oz Fox battling brain tumors, and Michael Sweet battling a detached retina, so perhaps all these issues culminated in reinvigorating the band to make them hungry and passionate again. The Final Battle has a focus and passion that I feel was missing from the last couple of albums, despite them being fantastic listens. I also feel like there is an almost musical return to their roots, tapping into a darker, classic metal sound, and perhaps even hinting at the Against the Law style musically in places. Tracks like “No Rest For Wicked,” “Rise To the Call,” and “Transgressions” contain massive riffs, deep grooves, and power.

I hope the title, The Final Battle, isn’t an indication that Stryper is winding down, however, if this is how they intend to wrap things up, this is the way to do it. This is a powerhouse album, easily one of the best in their career, and may, after some more spins, be the best. It’s that good. They’ve been a much-maligned band throughout their career, but it’s never been justified. Stryper is immensely talented and has written some amazing songs over their long career.

Written by: Chris Martin

Ratings: 9/10

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Stryper – The Final Battle Review

I also feel like there is an almost musical return to their roots, tapping into a darker, classic metal sound, and perhaps even hinting at the Against the Law style musically...