886. Stryper / Fallen. 2015. 3.5/5

The resurgence of Stryper over the past decade has been nothing if not remarkable. Not only have they stuck true to their Christian values, they have continued to emphasise this through their songs and lyrics. And yet, through the release of their live album 7 Weeks: Live in America 2003, and the release of their covers album The Covering where they channelled the bands that helped create their style, the band has redefined their music, combining the catchiness of their popular 1980's sound with a revitalised heavy sound that has brought them into the new century with a purpose.

While the entire album mightn't be out-and-out heavy metal, you can't help but be impressed with the direction that Stryper has continued on with Fallen. As with their previous release No More Hell to Pay, the metal has been injected into the songs. "Yahweh" starts off in a flurry of drums, guitar and that ridiculous Michael Sweet high note. Both "Fallen" and "Pride" follow in this same class. The heavy edge in the music is noticeably infused, both through the hard hitting drumming of Robert Sweet on each track, emphasising as it does the back beat and tempo in tandem with the excellent riff work from both Michael Sweet and Oz Fox. Their harmony guitars still sound as sweet as ever (no pun intended) while their solo spots continue to be a highlight of every song. "Big Screen Lies" can be added to this, while "Heaven" drops back a peg without losing any of the wonderful musicianship of the earlier tracks.
"Love You Like I Do" is perhaps the best example of how Stryper has evolved on the album. A song that for all intents and purposes I shouldn't like, I can't help but enjoy. Listen to Michael's lyrics dominate, soaring into the clouds in harmony and encouraging you to sing along. Robert's drumming is so simple, but the hard hitting beat is perfect for the song, while the guitar break between Oz and Michael is worth the wait. This is a terrific moment. Funnily enough, it is followed by perhaps the most despondent for me, as "All Over Again" is the perfect replication of the hair metal ballad, with slow pace, acoustic guitar, and back up mood harmony vocals. Stereotypical much? Wow. Here's a song for the skip button. Just to complete the irony, this is then followed by the band's cover version of Black Sabbath's awesome "After Forever", a song that Stryper has done a magnificent job on. This Stryperised version is just brilliant, and Michael lets his voice cry to the heavens as he progresses through it. Awesome.
"Till I Get What I Need" then busts out of the speakers at a rollicking speed, with Michael's vocals and Oz's guitar again dominating, reinvigorating the tempo of the album and is supported by "Let There Be Light". What has come before is perhaps let down a little by the final couple of tracks, which don't match most of the rest of the album for the modern excellence that has been achieved. Yeah, they are just a little annoying in structure.

This is another excellent release from a band that has made a resurgence in recent times, through staying true to their beliefs, but also by staying true to the music they love, and improving it to encompass the modern heavy metal sound. While not all of their material will always appeal to all of the fans, there is again plenty here to make even the casual fan prick their ears up in appreciation of their work.

Rating:  I want to show you the world I see.  3.5/5