2008 was a great year for music. A number of popular 80′s metal bands released new records. New music from Dokken and Whitesnake and White Lion and King’s X and Def Leppard! I wrote about these albums in a blog post you can find here. Could life get any better?
It sure can! 2009 and 2010 have seen some incredible releases from veteran rockers from the 80′s as well.
Europe’s Last Look At Eden was released in 2009 and instantly became one of my favorite albums of the year. The music is hard and driving and these guys bring the melody!
The new Scorpions album, Sting In The Tail, is the band’s farewell record. What a way to retire! Apart from the 3 ballads, this album rocks from start to finish. Definitely a must buy for any hard rock fan!
I’ve always been a big fan of Winger. Their blend of hard rock and sugary pop metal is just something I love to listen to. In Karma, Winger pulls out all the stops and gives us fan some terrific songs.
I can’t say that I was a fan of Krokus back in the 80′s, but their new album, Hoodoo, is a great slab of rock. Definitely leans towards the AC/DC sound, but fun to listen to none-the-less.
Sonic Boom made it in my top 5 albums of 2009 for a good reason! It is so much fun to listen to! Kiss brings the funk and the hard rock in a big way with this album. I totally believe Gene Simmons when he sings “Yes I know, nobody’s perfect, but baby I come awfully close”.
Treat is new band to me, although they’ve been around since the early 80′s. I downloaded a “best of” disc and was instantly hooked. Now the rockers bring us Coup De Grace and it is an instant hard rock classic.
Of all the 80′s metal bands, I’d have to say that Ratt was one of my favorite. I had their posters in my room as a teen and was constantly listening to Out Of The Cellar or Invasion Of Your Privacy. I was quite excited to hear they were releasing new material in the form of Infestation. I have to admit, I didn’t like the new album so much, but with multiple listens, it has grown on me.
Woohoo! Stryper’s release, Murder By Pride, was my favorite album of 2009. I’m glad to say that it was the music that put it in that position, and not just because Stryper is one of my all time favorite bands. Everything about this record is awesome, from the beefy bass lines to Michael Sweet’s soaring vocals to Oz Fox’s amazing guitar licks.
Ok, Slash isn’t exactly an “80′s band” but he was a founding member of Guns ‘n Roses, and he is covering one of their best songs from Appetite for Destruction. I still have mixed feelings about the entire album. Most of it is good, but some it is pretty mellow. I will say, that if Fergie got herself a metal band, I’d buy that record!
Never heard of Crazy Lixx? That’s because these guys were probably still in diapers in the 80′s. I added them because they play hair metal so well! If Poison and Def Leppard had a child together, they would have named him Crazy Lixx!
Reckless Love is another “new” band that plays 80′s glam metal perfectly. Listen to the above song and tell me that would not have been a #1 hit in 1984! The entire album is great and I highly recommend it.
In 2006, Oz Fox of Stryper fame joined Bloodgood and there was talk of a new Bloodgood album. In 2009 Oz joined Stryper on an international tour to support Stryper’s 25th Anniversary (of which I had the honor of attending) and that was the last I heard of him with Bloodgood.
Fast forward to yesterday, when a music blog I read posted a blog about Liberty ‘n Justice, a compilation band with a new album that features a wide variety of musicians. On this record is a song entitled “Treading On Serpents”. It features non other than Les Carlsen, Bloodgood’s lead vocalist, and Oz Fox, guitar player for Stryper and Bloodgood.
I am fulfilled. I have seen Stryper in concert and they surpassed all my expectations!
I’ve been an enormous Stryper fan since 1988. They played a crucial part in my coming to know Jesus Christ in a very real way. I’ve memorized every note and lyric of every song of every album they have released. I just had never seen a live show.
Until this past Saturday, November 14th that is. And man, what a freakin’ eh awesome show it was.
Stryper at the soundcheck:
I had the privilege of getting a “meet ‘n greet” pass that enabled me an early entry into the concert, a chance to hear the sound check, and a chance to meet the band.
This didn’t go as well as I’d hope. We were supposed to get in at 5pm but weren’t given entry until 6. The band was on stage and as I walked into the club, it was like I was in a dream! There was Michael Sweet, the Stryper frontman! Right there, 5 feet away from me! Tim Gaines, one of the best bass players in music, right there! Mr Oz Fox, guitar player extraordinaire, right there!!! Robert Sweet was behind his drum kit, so I didn’t get to see him so well. I was a little overwhelmed!
The band ripped through 2 songs and it was magical! The club stagehand was being a little pushy as they were an hour behind and sat the band down at a table and put everyone in a single file line to get an autograph. At this I was more than a little bummed.
I don’t care about autographs. I just wanted to tell these guys “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart. They helped me get through those tough teen-age years with my sanity and faith intact. We were rushed through the line and I did get to shake hands with all the guys except Michael. I got to say thanks, but it wasn’t what I had hoped for.
All that activity took us to about 6:45pm. I went straight to the front of the room where and got my place almost dead center. There was just one problem: the concert didn’t start until 8:30pm. Oh well….I just got my legs locked and waited almost 2 hours in one spot.
Finally the lights went down and on came 3 young guys from Canada (eh!) that made up the band Manic Drive. I wasn’t expecting much, so I was taken aback as they came out and rocked the house! They had a lot of energy and looked like they just loved to entertain. I liked ‘em so much I bought both of their CDs at the merch table.
Manic Drive:
The next band to hit the stage was called Flight Patterns, featuring Michael Sweet Jr on guitar. I had never heard their music, but was hoping to like ‘em.
That was just too much to hope for. Flight Patterns just plain sucked. They were off key and off pitch, and they sounded like a very bad wanna-be Relient K cover band. The bass player was super annoying and played an open E string for every song.
Flight Patterns:
Eventually Flight Patterns got off the stage and it took about 45 minutes for the roadies to set up Stryper’s equipment. My back was aching and my feet hurt for standing up for so long, but the moment of truth was near!!!
The lights went out…..long silence…….and then DUN DUN DUN DEDUN! Stryper came on stage ripping through Soldier’s Under Command!! Yellow and black leather (not spandex!), long hair, ah, everything I dreamed of!
It is all kind of a blur, but I remember they played through most of To Hell With The Devil and The Yellow and Black Attack. They played probably 3 or 4 new songs from Murder By Pride and even covered Judas Priest’s Breaking The Law. I will say this…every song they played they played with an intense fervor and energy. Say what you want to about the yellow and black and the big hair and all that, but Stryper are some absolutely awesome musicians.
They played their encore to To Hell With The Devil. It was one of the most bestest moments of my life (aside from my wedding and kids and such).
Now I can check off a life long goal to see and meet Stryper. Thank you Jesus!
If I see You standing, one hundred stars away
It feels as though You’re touching me
If I am landing, with a stormy night delay
It’s You I want, it’s You I need
When I’m lost I close my eyes
And suddenly I’m home
(Chorus)
I just wanna run in You
I just wanna hide in You
I just wanna come to You
And not thirst anymore
I just wanna walk with You
I just wanna ride with You
I just wanna talk to You
And not thirst anymore
(Verse 2)
I feel demanding, I know I’m selfish too
I often live in my own world
I’ve been commanding, it’s my way or we’re through
If I am sand, you are the pearl
When I’m found I open my eyes
And it’s You I see
(Chorus)
The lyrics aren’t very deep or earth shattering, but they convey a longing to know Jesus better. I think the music makes you feel that joy and expectancy too.
Michael Sweet’s vocals are amazing and they convey a wide range of emotion. I hope they play this song live when I go see them in concert!! Only 3 months, 21 days and 20 hours to go!
Happy Anniversary Stryper! 25 years ago today, they released their EP entitled The Yellow and Black Attack. What an appropriate day to release their brand new album, Murder By Pride.
And what an album! Murder By Pride is probably the bands best album to date. In this post, we’ll take a listen to the title track of the record.
As with all of the other songs we’ve covered, I love everything about this song. The music is heavy and melodic and the band is just in top form. I love how the bass is prominent and drives the beat.
The only critique I’d have are the lyrics. I don’t expect anything deep or life changing, but the first verse is just kind of, I don’t know, hokey?
After 25 years of living life, with all the ups and downs it brings us, I’d hope for something a little deeper.
Lyrics to Murder By Pride
(Verse 1)
Saturday night’s a lie, I follow every cue
Sunday is sanctified, I smile and take the pew
Monday it’s back to school – Am I learning, not at all
Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday I just crawl
(Chorus)
Gotta fight, gotta stop living a lie
Gotta fall, gotta lay down and die
Gotta stand and run to the other side
Gotta live or it’s Murder By Pride
(Verse 2)
Seeds that were growing have been dried up by my flesh
I walk the walk and talk the talk but where’s the rest
I could have everything even what’s behind the stars
But I built my prison without windows, without bars
(Chorus)
Gotta fight, gotta stop living a lie
Gotta fall, gotta lay down and die
Gotta stand and run to the other side
Gotta live or it’s Murder By Pride
(Chorus)
Christianity is a tough thing to live out in the real world. There is absolutely no doubt about that. These guys and their music helped me become a Christ Follower over 20 years ago (read about it here), so I know that of which I speak. What I’ve learned in 20 years of walking with Jesus is that it isn’t only Sunday that is sanctified, but everyday….everything, the totality of my entire existence in this world is His to make wonderful. I know, I know, I’m reading way too much into a dumb song, but hey! it’s my blog and I can write whatever I feel! There are other songs that do describe a deepening walk with Jesus, so for that I’m grateful.
I want to say again how much I love this album and can’t wait to see Stryper in concert!! Only 3 months and 23 days!
Stryper started a new trend with a song on their 2005 Reborn album. It was entitled IGWT and was a cover of their original song, In God We Trust (off the album of the same name). It was refreshing to hear them update the song in a new way.
To keep the tradition alive, Stryper goes back to their first EP, The Yellow and Black Attack to remake a song entitled My Love (I’ll Always Show). To be honest, I really never cared for the original version. The vocals are a little twangy and well, I just don’t like it all that much.
Listen for yourself below:
For Murder By Pride, Stryper turns the amp up to 11 and makes this song a totally heavy metal affair! I love the new version so much! The guitars are heavy and the vocals are tight. Michael Sweet and Oz Fox can harmonize like nobody’s business! As with every other song on this album, it is completely awesome!
Don’t believe me? Put your ears close to the speakers and listen below:
You know I really love You
Your love is beautiful, it’s lasting and true
You’re always on my mind and I want You to be
My love and Savior, the only one I need
I’ve searched for true love for a long, long time
Now my search has ended, just ’cause You are mine
(Chorus)
I’ll always love You and I’ll always tell You so
As long as I’m with You, My Love I’ll Always Show Woa-ooh yeah
(Verse 2)
Whenever I’m sad and feeling I’m through
I begin to feel happy as I sit and think of You
I think of Your face and Your personality
You are so beautiful, You’re everything to me
I’ve searched for true love for a long, long time
Now my search has ended, just ’cause You are mine
Stryper’s new album, Murder By Pride, has hit the torrent websites for download. I’ve been buying a new song from the album every week, so I don’t feel guilty for downloading the four songs I haven’t heard. I will be purchasing them the minute they are available.
This album is phenomenal. Even is you are not a Stryper fan but love hard rock in the vein of Boston and Journey, you will love this album. I thought it might be fun to break the album down a song or two at a time and share my thoughts about them.
The first song up is entitled Mercy Over Blame. Click the play button below to listen.
Love saves the soul
Hate kills the heart
Fear robs the goal
Hope gives a start
Forgiveness is a gift
Bitterness a chain
The ugliness we sift
His beauty still remains
When we all reach Heaven
There will be no shame
‘Cause when we stand before Him
It’s Mercy Over Blame
Faith heals the scars
That pride has brought upon
Grace will be ours
When all we have is gone
When we all reach Heaven
There will be no shame
‘Cause when we stand before Him
He will know each name
He will know each name
Some of us believe Him
?
When we all reach Heaven
It’s Mercy Over Blame
When we all reach Heaven
There will be no shame
‘Cause when we stand before Him
He will know each name
When we all reach Heaven
There will be no shame
‘Cause when we stand before Him
He will know each name
He will know each name
Mercy Over Blame
I’m glad to see Stryper getting back to their roots, both musically and lyrically.
Musically, this song takes me back to the days of To Hell With The Devil and In God We Trust. The moment they harmonize on the chorus, singing “mercy over blame” is just awesome!! The bass is aggressive and very well mixed into the song. Michael Sweet hits his famous high notes and Oz Fox shreds on the guitar. Classic Stryper! Everything about this song is beautiful!
Stryper was the first Christian metal band to make it big. They have always been up front about their faith in their lyrics. This song, Mercy Over Blame, is no different. They sing of God’s grace and that He can wipe away all of our shame. We’ll stand before Him and He’ll know our name. It was easy to grasp lyrics like this that helped me to become a Christ Follower at the tender age of 16.
I have done something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 16 years old…..I bought a ticket to go see Stryper in concert! Yeah, yeah I know – insert bumble bee stupid jokes here. You can read my story about how I became a Stryper fan here.
Stryper will be supporting their new album, entitled Murder By Pride, which will be released July 21st, 2009. The six songs I’ve heard so far are top quality and are a great addition to the Stryper legacy.
The concert will be on November 14th, 2009 in Los Angeles. So I have to wait a little over 5 months until I can drive 4 hours to see the concert of a lifetime! 5 looooong months of waiting……….my anticipation made me remember a story in the Calvin & Hobbes comic strip where Calvin sends off for a beanie and he dies a thousand deaths waiting for it. Because I love Stryper and because I love Calvin & Hobbes and because this is my blog, I’m gonna share that comic strip in the coming days. (check out this website where a fan lovingly scanned in the entire Calvin & Hobbes library)
The newest Styper single, Eclipse of the Son, is now available to purchase on iTunes! Follow this link:
Even though I’m biased, I have to say that this is a great hard rock song. The melodies and song style took me right back to the In God We Trust album , mixed a little with Against the Law and Reborn .
Stryper plans to release one new song per week. Here is what is posted on their website:
My wife just sent me this piece of flair on Facebook and I thought it ws beyond awesome! Thanks Babe! And just for grins and giggles, here’s a Stryper video!
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The Scorpion's Sting In The Tail
Krokus' Rock N' Roll Handshake
Kiss' Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)
Slash's cover of Paradise City
Crazy Lixx's My Medicine (R.O.C.K)
Reckless Love's Back To Paradise
My wife just sent me this piece of flair on Facebook and I thought it ws beyond awesome! Thanks Babe! And just for grins and giggles, here’s a Stryper video!
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