Satan's Luau

First off, Stryper was a metal band ... by golly, they looked metal with those tough-looking vinyl and leather gear in their trademark yellow and black

The Bible verse of reference (if you will take out your King James Version with me) is Isaiah 53:5:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed

It seems like our friend Satan's bands like to make their names have acronymic meanings, you know like Knights In Satan's Service and After Christ Devil Comes (ed. note: the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for these sinners??? for shame) ... and as a curious note, yes STRYPER is an acronym ... do you know what it means... well, let me tell you then:

Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace Encouragement Righteousness.

Stryper would be signed on to Enigma Records, a very influential underground metal label, and were ironic labelmates with that Satan possessed band Slayer

They would rise to a very high level of mainstream popularity, thanks to the Lord, and arguably are the most successful Christian rock band -- thanks to Him that makes all things possible.

Their sounds was an 80s metal/hard rock sound, guitar-driven, with magnificent harmonies, and with Michael Sweet's vocal range on display.

Let us give Him praise, and give all you believers some reviews:

Yellow and Black Attack EP (1984): B+

From the opening rocker Loud 'N' Clear, it was clear that this band had a wonderful Christian evangelistic message but also a credible hard rock sound that could stand up to any of those other heathen hair-metallers. Outstanding rockers on this EP: From Wrong to Right; C'Mon Rock; and Loving You ... All songs featured the trademark Stryper vocal harmonies and very catchy driving hard rock. This EP showed a rawer, hungry Stryper that is worth many a listen

Soldiers Under Command (1985): A

The first full-length release by the Y&B Attack. The opener, Soldiers Under Command, is true power metal cruncher that rivals any other power metal song of that year. The band showed a versality in this release: the use of vocal harmonies is a real highlight of this album and first examples of compelling Stryper power ballads: First Love and Together as One. Not to be missed are anthemic rocker Reach Out and the straight out hard rocker The Rock That Makes Me Roll. Probably the most listenable Stryper album.

To Hell With The Devil (1986): A-

Ahhhh, controversy, the original cover (image above) of this album is a rarity and after its initial run was pulled because of the image ... of the Devil being cast down ... what's wrong with that ?!?!?!?! Its the truth.

This album put the band directly in the mainstream of American popular music. The music got airplay and MTV's attention (in fact, if my memory serves me, HONESTLY was the MOST REQUESTED VIDEO). The HITS kept coming and coming: Calling On You, Free, Honestly, and All of Me ... all received airplay on MTV, and showed off the catchy power rock and power ballads of the band. This album also has crunchers: The Way, Rockin the World, and More Than a Man (another power metal riff crazy classic that matches up well with mainstream metal at the time) ... Little known fact is that Tim Gaines (bassist) leaves the band during the recording of this album

In God We Trust (1988): B

This album is really mixed. There is a pre-dominant pop-rock feel to the album.
Two big mainstream hits: Always There for You and I Believe in You are standouts on this mishmash record. The underrated songs on this album are: In God We Trust, Lonely, and The Reign. The Reign deserves particular note as a really blistering rock song with Michael's vocals showing rock bark plus cool banshee-like wailing

This collection of work by STRYPER rivals the production of any mainstream hair metal band of the same era. The band would record another album in 1990 but many of our brothers and sisters were confused by the band's apparent change of look, much like when those heathens in Metallica cut their hair--- this would lead many to question the sincerity of Stryper's faith in our Lord

Well, it seems that now the boys want to sell America three versions of its Greatest Hits albums ... and that's fine ... more listeners for this great band, and hopefully more converts to our Lord and Savior JC

WWJD? Probably pop in a Stryper CD

(Images (c) 2003 Stryper)