Legendary, long-running heavy metallers Stryper are releasing a new studio album this week called “The Final Battle.” Their sound is a bit heavier than the Hair Metal 80s days, but it definitely continues the Path of their last several albums.
The songs are still melodic and the guitar playing is still virtuosic. As an old friend of mine used to say, “This is the sort of thing you’ll like, if you like this sort of thing.”
The band say that “The Final Battle” was put together during the most challenging time of their career. In addition to the pandemic problems that the whole world faced, the guys were also dealing with Oz Fox’s ongoing battle with brain tumors, and Michael Sweet, had a detached retina which required multiple medical procedures, the use of an eye patch and limited mobility for stretches of time. And yet, the band carried on and laid down what they think is a strong set of tracks.
I personally am happy that Metal, as I knew it, has never disappeared. And even though I never owned any of Stryper’s albums back in the day, I can definitely attest to the new stuff sounding like the days when it was still okay for heavy music to have melody, vocal harmonies and a steady rhythm that didn’t sound like a jackhammer on triple speed.
Stryper is renowned for their distinctive brand of “heavenly metal,” rising to fame in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly,” and “Always There for You” selling more than 10 million albums worldwide, including 1986’s multi-platinum release “To Hell with the Devil.” The band also made history when it notched two songs simultaneously in MTV’s Top 10 with videos “Free” and “Honestly.”
Today, some 37+ years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for loyal fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers I can definitely attest to the new stuff sounding like the days when it was still okay for heavy music to have melody, vocal harmonies and a steady rhythm that didn’t sound like a jackhammer on triple speed. (lead vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and newest band mate, seasoned bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse), the group finds itself creating their finest, most powerful music yet.
“The Final Battle” drops October 21st and will be available on the following formats:
FORMAT:
– CD (Jewel Case)
CATALOG #: FR CD 1263
BARCODE: 8024391126325
BOX LOT: 25x
2LP (180g Gatefold)
CATALOG #: FR LP 1263
BARCODE: 8024391126356
BOX LOT: 20x
LIMITED EDITION COLORED 2LP (Yellow Black Marble):
2LP (180g Gatefold, color Yellow Black Marble)
CATALOG #: FR LP 1263YM
BARCODE: 8024391126332
BOX LOT: 20x
LIMITED EDITION COLORED 2LP (RED) EXCLUSIVE FOR FRONTIERS SHOPS:
2LP (180g Gatefold, color Red)
CATALOG #: FR LP 1263R
BARCODE: 8024391126318
BOX LOT: 20x
