I’ve been a STRYPER fan for years. I’ve reviewed multiple albums and live shows since 2013. Moreso, before I was doing this, seeing them in concert in 1988 and again in 2009 made for two of my greatest live memories. Translation: I love this band!
STRYPER’s latest album When We Were Kings, is one of the ballsiest they’ve done. The riffs are killer, and Michael Sweet is singing his ass off! Unfortunately, I couldn’t write a review of the last record because I was recovering from a stroke.
At the time, I was a wreck, — I felt useless and a burden to everyone. But a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. I read over my many interviews with Michael that were on the now-defunct Amps & Green Screens. And if you don’t know this, a conversation with him is perhaps the best medicine!
Ok, enough about me. When We Were Kings is undoubtedly one of their best works. Don’t believe me? Go listen to the title track and “Unforgivable.” I think you’ll reval with a quickness, hey?
“Love Symphony” is one of my two favorites on a winner record from a band that makes it look easy, let’s face it. The guitars rip like the guys are chopping down a tree, and the chorus hits hard. Plus, that solo!
“Trinity” is heavy as you-know-what and is sure to have heads a-banging should STRYPER choose to play it live. And “Grateful” is 100% my favorite from this album, easily securing a place as a high mark in the band’s entire discography. The song is just fantastic!
The album-closing “Imperfect World” shows a band at the peak of its powers without letting up off the pedal. At the end of the day, this is an excellent record from STRYPER, and I can only hope for 27 more. Well done, fellas!
STANDOUT TRACKS: ALL OF THEM
– THE MAESTRO
STRYPER is:
- Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar
- Robert Sweet – Drums & Percussion
- Oz Fox – Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitar
- Perry Richardson – Vocals/Bass
Paul McNamara – Organ, Keys, Moog
Additional Background Vocals: Charles Foley & Keith Pittman
Produced by: Michael Sweet
Studio: Spirithouse Recording Studio
Recorded by: Danny Bernini
Additional engineering and editing: Kenny Lewis / Mixed Emotions Music
Mixed by: Danny Bernini
Mastered by: Alex Saltz
All songs written by: Michael Sweet
