Straight out of Orange County, Stryper were one of the first glam metal Christian bands to gain mainstream success. Brothers Michael and Robert Sweet along with Oz Fox and Tim Gaines bonded through their mutual belief in God and their love for metal music, swimming against the tide the band combined the two to create this revolutionary sound. Inspired by bands like Van Halen, Stryper wanted to create music with a difference and openly reflect their view of the world and their own beliefs. Stepping into a brave new world, Stryper signed to Enigma Records in 1983 and released their first EP ‘The Yellow and Black Attack’ the following year. Taking the colour scheme from the EP’s title, the band employed it within their logo in stripe formation which then fed into their outrageously flamboyant stage costumes. Supporting bands such as Bon Jovi and Ratt exposed them to a whole new audience, a great precursor to the journey Stryper were yet to embark on. In 1985 they released their debut full length album ‘Soldiers under Command’ which reached number 32 in the Billboard Chart and certified gold. But it was the release of their second album ‘To Hell with the Devil’ which gave them unprecedented success as the album went platinum after three months of in the Billboard charts. Still using the familiar yellow and black stripe pattern on their outfits and instruments, Stryper raise the bar on their live performances. Shrouded in flashing strobes and heavy laden with intoxicating riffs, the quartet give 110% as they play songs like ‘Calling On You’, ‘The Rock That Makes Me Roll’, ‘Reach Out’ and of course their biggest hits ‘To Hell With The Devil’ and ‘Soldiers Under Command’ which has the crowd up on their feet, waving their arms in the air. Effortlessly playing in front of thousands of adoring fans who sing along word for word to every song, Michael’s incredible vocals shine through ‘Honestly’ as he passionately sings accompanied only by a piano, allowing you to take in the lyrics and be swept away by the overwhelming emotions laid bare. Stryper sure don’t do things by half- entertaining, full of catchy tracks that make you want to dance your socks off to and exceptionally tight musicians, what more could you want?
Gregory Uhlmann
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