Calling all soldiers under command! The best Christian metal band ever is back with their eighth studio album, “No More Hell To Pay,” and it’s full of brand new topnotch tunes. Of course, I’m speaking of the one and only, Stryper. Yes, the band that made it cool to say “To Hell With the Devil” is back and with a vengeance.
The new record is their heaviest effort yet and has a darker feel thanks to the minor keys of most of the songs. Unlike most 80’s metal bands, Stryper has maintained their original lineup with lead vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet taking on production duties as well this time around. The album kicks off strong with heavy hitters “Revelation” and the title track, but things really take off with “Saved By Love” which opens with a shrill scream by Sweet and the pounding drums of his brother Michael and the solid bass lines of Timothy Gaines before a full on guitar showdown between Sweet and Oz Fox. The astounding guitar work continues on “Legacy” and the anthemic “Marching Into Battle.” You won’t find any gooey pop ala “Honestly” on this album but you will find some fantastic riffs and great hooks in “Te Amo” and “Water Into Wine.” A surprise inclusion and a not to miss track is their rocking cover of the old gospel classic made famous by the Doobie Brothers, “ Jesus Is Just Alright.”
“No More Hell To Pay” is simply a juggernaut of an album. Stryper has never sounded better and Sweet and Fox are unbelievable as always, perfectly sliding in blistering solos without taking anything away from the structure of the songs. Regardless of your own spiritual beliefs, give this record a listen and enjoy a little heaven right here on earth. Ahh, full metal bliss attained.
