I just realised that my band suggestions have unwittingly followed an alphabetical order. How uncanny is that? Seeing as this is my closing post in this one-year celebration, I ask of you that you indulge me in breaking this neat order, writing a slightly longer post and injecting some chaos in the proceedings.
And chaos was what Stryper brought to both the Metal and the Christian community when they formed in the early eighties.
For starters, they didn't look quite right: having embraced the Glam Metal look of heavy makeup and impossibly big hair, coupled with a decisively conspicuous striped yellow and black attire, people couldn't stop wondering if indeed they were for real.
Then there was the fact that they favoured playing and mingling with mainstream bands rather than staying within the confines of Christian labels, festivals and venues. And to add insult to injury, they made a point of preaching from the stage and throwing Stryper-branded Bibles to the audience.
Despite this, and much to the confusion of everyone on both camps, Stryper seemed to thrive. Their edgy brand of melodic metal that featured bold Christian lyrics seemed to garner appreciation from the growing number of fans that eventually pushed their 80's albums to reach Gold and even Platinum state. At one time one of their songs was the most requested videoclip on MTV, beating bands like Motley Crue and Bon Jovi.
So, what contributed to this acceptance when on all counts they just seemed odd? It is my opinion that people, detractors included, ended up respecting the honesty and (some would say innocence) with which these four musicians approached both their music and their mission. The fact of the matter is Stryper really knew how to write a great song, how to arrange an produce it, and how to put a different and refreshing message to it. They knew how to be rock stars and yet remain approachable and accountable.
In the eighties they released increasingly melodic and well produced releases, the greatest seller having been 1987's seminal To Hell With The Devil. But in 1990 they brought yet again chaos to their turf, by releasing a much groovier sounding record with distinctly toned down lyrics entitled Against The Law. Some argue that this is still their best release to date, but most people equated this artistic license to betrayal and guitarist Oz Fox, drummer Robert Sweet and bassist Tim Gains ended up splitting a couple of years after the band's singer and main songwriter Michael Sweet left.
After a long hiatus and when people had just about given up on a reunion, a few one off concerts got the band in touch with each other and their audience and led to the release of a couple of pretty good comeback records entitled Reborn and Murder By Pride (in 2005 an 2009, respectively).
This year, and yet again courting with danger, the band released The Covering, an album of cover songs of mainstream bands that influenced them, from Black Sabbath to Iron Maiden, from Led Zeppelin to Judas Priest. I have heard a few music connoisseurs consider this to be the best rock covers album they have ever heard, an opinion I certainly share (read my full review in this blog by clicking this link).
The future does look bright for the yellow and black boys from Orange county!
I close this celebratory week with a great, heavy song from the band. Thanks for tuning in and here's to one more great year @ Darklands blog!
Stryper - Soldiers Under Command (1985)
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