Sweet,
sweet Michael and Robert Sweet are the brothers,
who together with Oz Fox are the founders, core
and spine of the legendary Christian hard rock
band Stryper. Earlier this year they released
'Second Coming' and with that disc I became very
satisfied and impressed by the vitality of the
'old' hair rockers.
Btw: Do
you wonder what Stryper stand for? Answer:
"Salvation Through Redemption, Yielding Peace,
Encouragement and Righteousness"...
I haven't heard anything new from the yellow and
black attack since the 80's and GOSH! This is a
comeback with 50 minutes of pure energy and full
force. There is disturbing part for an atheist
with the too explicit Christian messages in some
of the tracks, but apart from that it's a very
enjoyable album. 'No More Hell to Pay' is far
heavier than I expected. All band members have
passed the 50 mark and not a wrinkle or a grey
hair is to be found on their heads. Amazingly how
some guys walks through life without age wrinkles.
Anyhow, the awesome vocals from Michael Sweet (and
he still hits the highest notes) with his high and
clear voice is overwhelming, and there isn't a
'backtothe80's' sound on 'No More Hell to Pay', no
no.. we are served a very modern melodic metal
with a bold approach and Stryper has created a
quite life-affirming and very potent album.
I raise my fist and declares this album to their
best album ever. I have a couple of songs, which
are special and got stuck in my head. 'The One' is
an adorable ballad with absolutely stunning vocals
from Michael. The up-tempo metal tracks' Saved
By Love' and 'Legacy' are two
songs, which I have in my party track folder now.
Really some kick-ass songs! I almost forgot the
intro track 'Revelation'. Very melodic with
extraordinary performed guitar solos. The two
closing tracks are maybe the best ones. Very
positive feelings throughout this album. The only
negative on this piece of art is the so-so cover
of the song 'Jesus Is Just Alright'. I can live
without that one.
I wasn't prepared for the strong track-list from
this in my mind ex. hard rock band. I really hope
that this is a new beginning because this band is
very much alive and kicks hard!!
Stryper carries the original 1983 line-up on this
album, with Michael on guitar, vocals, Robert on
drums, Oz Fox on guitar, and Tim Gaines on bass.
A very recommended buy!
