Stryper - Against the Law

In God We Trust! And that they did! Stryper was - without a doubt - the most influential Christian metal outfit to ever break out into the realms of commercial success. While there have been heaps of Jesus Preaching metallic outfits, probably outweighing their satan worshipping counterparts in sheer number, Stryper managed to gain media attention not for their playing or even their custom of handing out Bibles during concerts, but they were known simply for their image. When anyone mentions the name "Stryper" the first thing to pop in mind is their yellow and black outfits, striped like a bumblebee. It was their banner of individualism but also left them open for attacks by the very groups they were supporting. No, it wasn't the Legions of Satan that ripped them apart in the media, but the backing of the churches, Catholic, Baptist, every denomination was out to prove that listening to metal put you in league with the Devil, especially unholy music that defaced the music of God. Well that's wonderful, but it didn't seem to bother our striped heroes, who kept putting out album after album despite the band being under fire almost constantly, and found success under the light of the Lord, with two gold albums and one platinum. "Against the Law" was their attempt at changing their image a little without sacrificing the sound, perhaps to be themselves for once. The critics didn't like it but it had to be the switch from the yellow and black to the universal metal-maniacs-in-leather-look the guys were sporting.

Why? Because the music was good.

Whether you have liked Stryper's previous stuff or not is irrelevant, this is a little bit different, but retaining that sound that WAS Stryper, which means lots of repetitive choruses and some really catchy guitar riffs that gel together to create a heavenly combo with the lyrics praising the Lord allowed to hammer right into the skull. Those that loved it were absolutely fanatical, those that didn't armed themselves with Slayer discs and pretty much ignored them. All two people left in the world that have not been exposed to Stryper, the one element that will make or break "Against the Law" for them is the pipes of Robert Sweet, for he has a unique voice like many of the glam frontmen from that area, with his closest match being the singer for Firehouse. Throat gurgling screams and cooing ballads are the main staples of their musical make up, but for an added bonus, legendary vocalman Jeff Scott Soto was brought in to thicken up the background vocals, and does he ever make a difference. Yep I did say glam earlier, for "Against.." it was a heavier mixture of Firehouse and White Lion, the loose party feel of David Lee Roth (with or without Van Halen) and a touch of the more melodic, like a dash of Dokken for good measure. Oz Fox was well known for having a great guitar sound, the typical axeslinging solo-ist, with some nice blistering chops up his sleeves. Robert Sweet and Tim Gaines make up the more than capable rhythm section.

1. Against the Law - The album's opener doubles as the title track. A false start, a bit of background chatter, then a fat slithering guitar rhythm emerges and everything reacts smoothly after the initial takeoff. It picks up a little into full rockin' mode, making it a fluffy little glam tune with more in common with Ratt than the typical Stryper. A nice way to kick off the album.
2. Two Time Woman - YEAH! Its cool hearing the boys do some good old heavy handed glam influenced stuff that doesn't center around Christian themes. Its the typical cheatin' woman tune (what would God think about that??) but the humongous chorus just screams 1980s!! "TTW" is served up with sailing guitar, down to earth ripping vocals, and those huge gang vocals that pounded this one across every metal heart in North America and probably in the Land of the Rising Sun too. This one gets the pulse pumping with its assault of metallic addiction.
3. Rock the People - A step down from the enthralling "Two Time Woman", but the nitty gritty darker guitar swing that crawls all over this slinky thumping piece makes it more than worthwhile. More gripping choruses, and tons more spicy guitar get it rocking on as it tells the tale of the musician who was born to bring his music to the world, and the realization of the dream.
4. Two Bodies (One Mind One Soul) - A very nice uptempo tune, with a chorus that soars and guitar that twines around itself in labyrinthe solos, twisting and turning in every direction, giving the song the little extra umph to stick in the head. Not fantastic, but solid enough for repeated listens.
5. Not That Kind of Guy - This one pulls a bit of a David Lee Roth feel out of the air, maybe from Roth's Steve Vai era, its got the loose drumwork and vocals that are characteristic of DLR's music. The biggest difference between the two is not the musical structure, but the lyrics, while Roth would have been singing to get every chick in the world in his bed, this one actually wards a girl off with the loud and proud announcement of "Call my Mama and she'll tell you I just ain't that type of man!" Sure its cheese, and its the weakest track on the album, but early 80s Van Halen lovers will enjoy it except for that painful scream at the end.
6. Shining Star - Typical, just typical. The opening is just brimmed with cheddar and some of the guitar just doesnt appeal to my ears. The lyrics are way too simplistic and poorly written for any interest to be drummed up for the rather boring keyboard horn sample filled mess found here. Sadly they released this one as a single. They should have stuck with their own material or cut the album back down to a ten track disc. Bad choice guys, no wonder the media scoffed at them.
7. Ordinary Man - If Oz Fox's guitar work wasn't so dang good, this one would also be a throwaway, but he saves it with his searing chops, well that along with some extremely likeable (and listenable) drum embellishments thrown in by Sweet. Kind of average overall.
8. Lady - Oh did I ever used to love this song! It seems a little on the repetitive side now, but the sentiment is still there and the swaying, lighter lit chorus. Definitely a sing-a-long ballad if I'ver heard one, its difficult NOT to launch into full song with this one playing. Almost worth the price of admission alone, but that could just be nostalgia talking.
9. Caught in the Middle - This is the most typical vintage Stryper flavored song on "ATL", this one could stand on "To Hell With the Devil" with ease and never look back. Of note is the colorful chorus where Jeff Scott Soto can be heard clearly in full glory. Its nice to hear that they used his golden pipes to their best advantage, and the subtle shade he adds is the key to unlocking the outstanding qualities of the song. Some growling rough riffs from Fox spice up the full throttle assault..
10. All For One - Yes! Galloping thunder drums, tough as chains electric, anthem-like chorus and contrasting ominious acoustic guitar just the way I like it. "United we will never fall! If its all for one its one for all!" Another hook filled song, but sadly Soto's vocals are more blended into the backing vocal track, but the more generic 'metal army' sound gives the song its proper flavor admittedly. More twisting and highly enjoyable guitar flourishes from Fox and a stellar performance for Sweet, who commands the lead spot with all the pomp and conviction a singer for this type of tune, should have.
11. Rock the Hell Out of You - SCREAM!!! That's literally how the song starts out, admist a backdrop of chaotic controlled skin pounding. This puts the band in full preaching mode, just the way the fans like it. Just check out these lyrics for more than enough proof: "With armies from heaven, we have fought with the rage."