Album Review: STRYPER Even The Devil Believes (9/4)

 

Released by Frontiers Music srl on September 4th, 2020

Quick Background

Stryper is a southern California multi-platinum crossover Christian metal band. In 1983, they released their debut album The Yellow and Black Attack. In the mid-1980s, Stryper enjoyed their most successful period beginning with the release of To Hell with the Devil. Since returning from a 12-year hiatus in 2003, Stryper has managed to frequently release new music, including Fallen in 2015 which was a good album and God Damn Evil in 2018. The group's lineup consists of original members Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), and Oz Fox (guitar), plus the addition of seasoned bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse). Stryper is recognized as the first openly Christian heavy metal band to gain recognition in the mainstream music world. But that's mainly due to the lyrics, if you would't know English, you can't really tell.

Even The Devil Believes

Stryper returns with their 13th studio album, Even the Devil Believes. the 11-track project is filled with the band’s signature riffs, catchy melodies and positive themes. Michael Sweet, who has served as the band’s primary songwriter since its inception in 1983 also produced the new album. It's only 47 min and easy to digest with short songs and relatively simple structures. Musically, Even The Devil Believes reminds me a lot of late 90's and early 2000's Yngwie Malmsteen with Mark Boals on vocals, but of course with less virtuosity and more focus on the vocals. Stryper's music is very melodic hard rock almost glam metal at times and it's loaded with high pitched vocals. The unpretentious but very effective guitarwork is one of the highlights. There are several cool heavy riffs in this album, right from the start, the opening riff of opener "Blood From Above" or in the single "Do Unto Others". Both being very good songs with heaviness, speed, great guitar work and high energy. There's no lack of very tasty guitar solos. The drums are locked well with the bass, and there are enough drum fills all over the album that keep things interesting.

From the title to the song flow, "For God & Rock 'n' Roll" has to be an homage to Kiss. But also some chugging guitar riffs here and in "Divider" actually made me think of Primal Fear. Meaning, Stryper can be borderline power metal at times and those for me are their best moments. Now I must say I was very skeptical when I saw the single song title "Make Love Great Again", but after a couple of listens, it's actually a cool hard rock song.

The production is OK, very clear and modern. I do love the guitar tone. It's very crunchy and dirty, with a low tone, it sounds really cool. But unfortunately apart from some exceptions the bass is mostly behind in the mix. Moreover,  there were several lost opportunities to have a cool bass line, for example in the title track and "For God & Rock 'n' Roll". Listen to FireHouse the debut album and you will see the difference. Hopefully, Perry will be better utilized in the next album. 

The Picky Guy

This is an easy one to be picky, of course that the lyrics are cheesy and weird at times. For the most part it didn't bother me much, but "This I Pray" (which sounds like Gotthard) and "Middle Finger Messiah" and some other moments are difficult to swallow. The other classic problem with hard rock albums is the mandatory and often boring ballads. 

Wrap Up Opinion 

Even The Devil Believes first half  is very strong, with a good sequence of five hard rock hits. But the second half is a hit-and-miss due to the ballads (e.g. "This I Pray") and AOR influenced mellower tracks (e.g."Invitation Only" or "How To Fly"). Of course if Hard Rock and Glam Metal related music is not your thing, Stryper will likely not work for you either, but for those who are into those genres and don't mind the cheesy lyrics, put on your bee costume and Even The Devil Believes can be a lot of fun. 

SCORE: 79/100
Genre: Hard Rock

Released by Frontiers Music srl on September 4th, 2020

Rating System*
99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

* slightly adapted on May 24th, 2020 due to statistical review
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