Stryper – God Damn Evil
Review by Adam McCann
Frontiers Records – 2018 – Heavy Metal/Christian Metal
In 2013 Stryper signed a deal with Frontiers Records, signalling a turning point with the band releasing some of their best work of their career and strong albums such as ‘No More Hell to Pay’ and ‘Fallen’ re-energised the band’ sound. However, following tensions within the band, Stryper went on hiatus in 2016 which saw the departure of long-serving bassist Tim Gaines who was ultimately replaced by FireHouse bassist Perry Richardson with the band returning with their latest album ‘God Damn Evil’.
As an album ‘God Damn Evil’ is the perfect successor to both ‘No More Hell To Pay’ and ‘Fallen’. The album shows Stryper at their best, vocalist Michael Sweet sounds as good now as he has ever done, managing to weave messages of how to be better person in amongst some decent heavy metal riffs with that excellent melodic hard rock touch which Sweet and co. deliver so well. Songs such as the almost Judas Priest-esque chorus of ‘Take It To The Cross’, ‘Sorry’ with its beautiful chorus, dripping with hooks and melody and the almost AC/DC riff to the title track all make ‘God Damn Evil’ exceptionally enjoyable.
There will always be those which will mock Stryper for their Christian leanings, particularly in the heavy metal world. However, scratch below the surface and what can be found is an excellent band that have once more released another great album. ‘God Damn Evil’ is enjoyable and a pleasure to listen to with decent heavy metal being decent heavy metal regardless of the lyrical content.
Rating : 87/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
